The 3-3-3 rule represents the common milestones your new dog or puppy will go through 3 days, 3 weeks, and 3 months after being adopted. Your pup will have unfamiliar surroundings and will go through an adjustment period while settling into his new home.
They have just left their family and home. They haven’t had time to know if they can trust you or not. Sometimes they don’t pee, poop, or eat for three whole days out of fear. Then they might pee inside at first because they don’t understand the routine yet. Don’t get them in trouble for this. Expect it to take time for your new pup to learn your routines.
It’s normal for them to hide away first 3 days to 3 weeks. Some take longer to adapt. They won’t know where to go potty, what to chew on, where they are and aren’t allowed. You need to show them where to potty and give them plenty of opportunities at first. Show them their toys right away so they know what they are allowed to chew on. Give your new dog food and water away from other animals.
Give them time and space to explore on their own. It is normal for them to sleep a lot at first and not be their normal selves. Don’t take them to the dog park or over to meet your friends and their dogs right away. Keep them at home the first few weeks with only short walks or no walks if you have a fenced in backyard they can pee and poop in. It is easier for the pup to decompress if they can focus on getting to know you and your home before meeting everyone else.
After three weeks, your new pup will start to know what time their next potty break will be, when they can expect the next meal, and your boundaries. You will start to see their true personality and less of the initial fear and anxiety they felt. If you run into behavioral problems, getting a consultation with a licensed behaviorist is highly recommended as soon as possible after encountering the behavior. You can’t expect them to be perfect from the beginning but any issues will become less frequent and less stressful with the help of a professional.
After three months your new pup will start to feel as if he/she is finally home. You’ll notice the other animals in the home have likely accepted the newest member by this time too. It’s never easy at first but the more effort you put in to train and form a trusting relationship with your pup, the more it will pay off in the end for the both of you. I have found that the longer I have even the most unruly dogs, they eventually understand my routine and adapt to that. Most pups become totally nsync with their person after this three month point.
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