What is the 3-3-3 rule for dog anxiety?

The 3-3-3 rule is a general guideline that helps pet owners understand the phases a dog typically goes through after entering a new home. The rule highlights the importance of patience, routine, and empathy during a dog’s transition into a new life. Phase One: 3 Days to Decompress The first few days at home are a crucial decompression period. During these initial 72 hours, your dog may be: Overwhelmed by new surroundings and people Withdrawn, hiding, or testing boundaries Showing signs of fear or anxiety like panting, drooling, or pacing Having trouble eating or sleeping. Phase Two: 3 Weeks to Settle In After about three weeks, dogs typically start to feel a bit more comfortable. Phase Three: 3 Months to Feel at Home By the three-month mark, many dogs are well-integrated into the household.

The 3-3-3 guideline for pet adoption is a phased adjustment period to help with the decompression and adjustment during a pet’s transition into a new home. First 3 Days: Pets may be stressed and overwhelmed, possibly showing anxiety or fear. The best ways to help them include: Get into a routine. Be patient and stay positive. Stay calm and give clear direction (including setting boundaries). Give them time to observe their new home and co-habitants, including giving them space and not forcing interactions. Next 3 Weeks: Pets start to settle in. Less stress will help us experience more of their personality (outside of their stress-related coping mechanisms) as they become more comfortable. For most pets, it takes on average 3 months to fully become comfortable and acclimated to their new home. However, some pets may need longer to adjust, and some may adapt more quickly. Knowing the 3-3-3 guideline helps us guide new adopters and fosters to manage potential issues effectively, balancing expectations with patience and understanding to ease the transition.

The 3-3-3 decompression rule says your new dog will likely feel overwhelmed for the first three days, will settle in and feel more comfortable in your home by the end of three weeks, and after three months will be feeling secure in her new home. By this time, according to the adage, you and your dog will have developed a secure loving bond and trusting relationship. It says your new dog will likely feel overwhelmed for the first three days, will settle in and feel more comfortable in your home by the end of three weeks, and after three months will be feeling secure in her new home. Have you heard about the 3-3-3 decompression rule. We’ve seen memes about it everywhere on social media.

The 3-3-3 rule is a timeline that suggests 3 days to settle in, 3 weeks to learn their new routine, and 3 months to start to feel at home. The internet, and countless memes tell us it’s the perfect formula to bringing home a new dog, but it overlooks the nuanced behavioral dynamics of dogs. They require individualized attention and understanding during the adjustment process. I know this timeline is well intentioned, I mean no disrespect to the hardworking people in shelters and rescue who often use it as a framework to help set potential adopters up for success, as humans we run on schedules and dates. However the rule of threes sets unrealistic expectations which are then passed onto the dog who may fail a test they didn’t know they were taking. Unlike computers and iPhones, dogs don't follow formulas.

The 3-3-3 rule is a guideline for transitioning a rescue dog into their new home and helping them to settle in. It suggests that the first three days should be used for adjusting to their new surroundings, the next three weeks for training and bonding, and the first three months for continued socialization and training. The 3-3-3 rule provides a roadmap for the adoption process and helps ensure a smooth transition for both the dog and the owner. By following the 3-3-3 rule, owners can give their rescue dog the time and support they needs to adjust and become a well-behaved member of the household. The first three days should be used for adjusting to their new surroundings. The next three weeks for training and bonding. The first three months for continued socialization and training.