The 3 Days, 3 Weeks, 3 Months Rule of Adopting a Rescue Dog
In the first 3 days…
Your new dog will be overwhelmed with their new surroundings and not be comfortable enough to be themselves. Don’t be alarmed if they don’t want to eat for the first couple of days. Many dogs don’t eat when they are stressed. They may shut down and want to curl up in a crate or under the table. They may be scared and unsure of what is going on. Or they may be the opposite and test you to see what they can get away with, kind of like a teenager.
Common characteristics of the first few days:
- Feeling Overwhelmed
- May be scared and unsure of what is going on
- Not comfortable enough to be “himself”
- May not want to eat or drink
- Shut down and want to curl up in a crate or hide under a table
- Testing the boundaries
After 3 weeks…
Your new dog will start to settle in, feel more comfortable, and realize this really may be a forever home. They are figuring out the environment and getting into the routine you have set. They begin to let their guard down and start showing their real personality. Behavior issues may start showing. This is your time to be a strong pack leader and show them what is right and wrong.
Common characteristics after the first few weeks:
- Starting to settle in
- Feeling more comfortable
- Realizing this could possible be a forever home!
- Figuring out the environment
- Getting into a routine
- Lets his guard down and may start showing his true personality
- Behavior issues may start showing up
After 3 months…
Your dog is now comfortable in their new home! You have built trust and a true bond with your dog, which gives them a complete sense of security with you. They have a set routine they can count on and expect dinner at their usual time.
Common characteristics after the first few months:
- Finally, completely comfortable in their new home
- Building trust and a true bond
- Gained a complete sense of security with his new family
- Set in a routine
The 3-3-3 rule is a general guideline. Every dog is unique and will adjust differently. Give your new dog space and allow them to go at their own pace.
If you have questions about your new Brittany contact us! Combined, we have decades of experience with adopted Brittanys. We are here for you, no matter what.