What is the 3 second rule for puppies?

The 3-Second Rule is a part of our cultural norms. I encourage people to practice the 3-Second Rule when they meet a new dog. Engage for no more than 3 seconds, then withdraw your attention. By doing this, you are asking the dog if he is comfortable. If he wants more, he’ll stay. If he’s not comfortable, he’ll move away. We should practice this with our own dogs, too. When two dogs meet for the first time, it’s best to interrupt the info-gathering session at 3 seconds. You can let them go back to get more info but sniffing and circling and other greeting-related rituals can go sour if allowed to go on too long.

The Three-Second Rule: -Three seconds is the maximum amount of time an initial greeting should last. Three seconds is ‘one elephant, two elephants, three’ then space apart or walk away. If either of the dogs is showing signs that they are not comfortable during the three seconds, turn and walk away earlier. Do not force them to stay in that situation for the full three seconds. When walking away on the third second, allow your dog to process the short interaction that has just happened. Wait until both dogs have ‘forgotten’ about each other and can be distracted, then bring them back together. After several little meets using the three-second rule, both owners are better equipped with the information whether or not each other’s dogs are suitable to have a play with each other or not. In an ideal world, all greetings should take place like this, not just first time greets with new dogs. So remember you have three seconds. Use those three seconds to watch what your dog is trying to tell you.

The 3-second rule for dogs is an initial introduction where they meet without the experience becoming an unpleasant venture. This is when the 3-second rule will allow you to decide if this is another canine that both you and your dog are comfortable with. Many dog trainers recommend the 3-second rule that allows for a more controlled meeting experience, allowing an initial interaction time of only 3 seconds or perhaps even less if negative body language is displayed. At the first meeting, allow an initial 3-second period for exploring and sniffing. You will know if your dog is chilled with the situation – wagging tails and feeling relaxed. Once past the 3-second point, or perhaps even earlier, begin to distract your dog and move away using a loose leash lead. Following the 3-second rule will also make your dog understand that you, his owner, have the situation well managed.