Millions of dogs are in shelters nationwide waiting for their forever homes, so deciding to adopt one is very noble and gives a dog a second chance at life. However, the sad reality is that anywhere from 7% to 20% of adopted dogs are returned to shelters within the first 6 months.
Most of these returns are either because the owner wasn't prepared to handle the dog, or they felt like the dog wasn't adjusting well to their new home. But giving your new dog plenty of time and space is one of the tips that veterinarians share for adopting a new pet.
Dogs need time to adjust to new situations, just like people do. That's why new pet owners should always follow the 3-3-3 rule when bringing home an adopted dog.
What is the 3-3-3 rule?
The 3-3-3 rule is a guideline suggesting that dogs need 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to settle in and learn a routine, and 3 months to truly form a bond with their new owners.
Shelter dogs come from a variety of different backgrounds, including some that came from bad situations. Giving a dog plenty of time to settle in and bond with you can help them feel comfortable in their new home, which can prevent them from being returned to the shelter.
Here's how to implement the 3-3-3 rule if you're bringing home an adopted dog.
First 3 days
During the first 3 days after bringing your dog home, it's important to give your new dog space. They need to be able to explore their new environment at their own pace, with minimal interference from you. It's a great time for you to sit back and observe their behavior so that you can learn more about the dog and figure out what their needs might be.
Let your dog decompress from the stress of moving from the shelter to a new place and allow them to feel comfortable in their surroundings. Set up a comfortable place for them, like a crate, that is somewhere calm and that they can retreat to until they feel comfortable coming out and interacting with you.
Don't overwhelm them or push your dog to do things before they are ready. Try to leave them alone until your dog is ready to approach you. Instead, spend time observing their behavior and personality.
Note that it may take a bit longer than 3 days for some dogs, depending on their background and personality. Some dogs are just naturally more shy than others. If your new dog doesn't seem to at least be eating or drinking, especially if it's been a couple of days, reach out to a veterinarian for advice.
First 3 weeks
Once your new dog becomes comfortable in their surroundings and settles in, they will start to develop a routine. It can take around 3 weeks for you and your dog to develop a routine.
During their first three weeks, you can begin teaching your dog basic training, such as potty training, and obedience. During this time, your dog will learn their name (if you changed it from what it was at the shelter) and what is expected of them. But you have to be consistent. Some dogs are returned to shelters due to them not being "trainable", when in reality the owner isn't consistent enough with their training or routine.
You should also focus on spending quality time with your dog during this time. Play with them, pet them, take them for walks, etc. Your dog will start to build trust with you, which is key for creating a strong bond.
Also note that every dog is different, and some dogs are more difficult to train or build trust with than others. It just depends on their breed, background, and personality. You can reach out to a professional trainer if you need help training your dog.
First 3 months
During the first 3 months, your dog will hopefully be settled into the house and routine, and you will have started to build a bond with them. They should start to be fully integrated into the household, and you're mostly just working on continuing to strengthen your bond.
After the first 3 months, your dog should be comfortable and familiar with everyone in your household as well.
Again, it may take some dogs much longer than 3 months to fully adjust. Dogs that come from backgrounds where they were abused or neglected may have a harder time forming bonds or trusting people, and it may take them longer than usual.
You can also reach out to a veterinarian or animal behaviorist for advice on how to make them more comfortable and how to bond with them if your dog still seems to be struggling after 3 months.
Before you adopt a dog, it helps to make sure you learn as much as you can about the dog before you bring them home from the shelter. That way, you aren't left with any surprises. Bring the whole family to meet the dog, and make sure you understand if the dog gets along well with other pets and any behavioral or health conditions they may have.
Once you do bring them home, following the 3-3-3 rule is crucial for making sure your dog adjusts well to their new home. Knowing as much as you can about them and giving them time to adjust can help prevent them from being returned to the shelter. Many dogs will fit in just fine if they're given time and space to settle in followed by consistent routines, training, and attention.