The 333 Rule of Adoption
It’s a myth that all dogs that end up for adoption with rescues are damaged and have issues. Nothing could be less true actually. Rescues are filled with loveable, cuddly, healthy, active adoptable dogs just waiting for find their forever home. However, before adopting a rescue dog, it is a very good idea to learn the 333 rule. The 333 rule is a general guideline that helps new owners understand what their new rescue dog is emotionally going through.
First 3 Days
During the first 3 days, your rescue dog might feel extremely overwhelmed. You are new. Your house is new. Everything smells different. It is totally normal for them to ask scared, have an upset stomach, not want to eat or drink, have accidents or not want to potty at all, hide in a crate or under furniture and test your boundaries with odd behavior. To make this easier for everyone you can make sure your home is ready for a puppy, no matter how old the dog is. Put up things you do not want chewed or peed on, use a leash when you take them outside, utilize baby gates and crates. It’s also worth noting that any dogs you already own might regress or act odd the first few days your new rescue dog is in your home.
During the first 3 days it is important to:
Give your new dog space
Don’t force interactions
Set clear boundaries
Stay patient and calm
Start a routine and stick to it
Continue to offer food and water
First 3 Weeks
After your rescue dog has been in your home for three weeks, they most likely recognize that your home is their home. Your personal dogs will also realize their new buddy is there to stay and not just visiting. They should understand when and where they are to go potty. They might start to play more and now is the perfect time to start training. Your rescue dog is learning when dinner is, what time you get home and their true personality is shining through. Remember though, as a dog gets comfortable, they will start to test the boundaries you’ve established. You have to be consistent when it comes to feedback when they misbehave and of course offer praise when something right is done. If you have found any behavior problems, this is the time to consider training classes or seek help from a professional dog trainer.
During the first 3 weeks it is important to:
Praise every success
Work on basic dog commands (sit, stay, down)
Have your rescue dog seen by a vet for a wellness exam
First 3 Months
Congratulations!! By three months, most rescue dogs know they are “home.” They have learned to trust you, understand your routine and have fallen in love and built a bond with you and your family members as well. Be sure not to ease off on training during this time. You can now teach your rescue dog more elaborate tricks at this time and work on behaving on a leash in public.
During the first 3 weeks it is important to:
Stay consistent
Love your new best friend
The 3-3-3 rule is only a general guideline that represents the typical phase a rescue dog might go through. Your dog could skip all this entirely or take longer.