3 and 3 and 3

Three what?

Three is the magic number when you are trying to add a rescued dog to your home environment. It's a good guideline to follow to ensure you are successful in adding the new baby to your family.

Unfortunately, one of the main reasons dogs are adopted and then returned is simple misunderstanding. People often think that this new baby will fit right in and be the happy, wonderful pet they have been looking for. And while that can happen, it most likely won't happen immediately like people think and hope for. That is why the Rule of 3-3-3 is recommended.

The first 3 refers to the first three days after you bring the dog home. This can be a stressful time for both you and doggo. The dog doesn't know you. They don't recognize the sounds and smells in your house. They might act fearful or withdrawn. They may refuse food. They might even have a bathroom accident in the house, because they are used to doing their business wherever they please.

During the first three days it is a good idea to limit your family's interaction with the new dog. Give the dog a separate space where they can decompress, like a spare bedroom or even a spot in the laundry room. Make a comfortable place with a blanket or bed, a water bowl, and a few toys. Use pee pads at first if the dog resists going outside or even leaving its safe space. This behavior can be corrected later. Let the dog venture out and explore their new home in their own time. Remaining calm and speaking softly when interacting with your new dog will definitely help the process. If the dog will go outside during this time, then include that in a simple routine with meal time and quiet time.

The second 3 refers to the next three weeks with your new baby. Once you've gotten past the first three days, your new friend should be more calm and more used to the smells and sounds in its new home. Maybe they are venturing out of their safe area and beginning to interact with the people in your home. Still emphasizing calmness, it is time to move into the next phase.

In this second phase you will begin to integrate doggo into your life. There are techniques you can use during this period:

Slowly begin to socialize your dog, starting with the other members of your house. You might have a few friends or family members come to visit, one or two at a time, to casually meet the new member of the family.

Routine is important. Eating, sleeping, playtime, and potty time should follow a regular schedule as closely as possible. Dogs are creatures of habit and routine is very important to them.

Praise well and try not to scold. They need to know your expectations, and a quiet correction is always better than yelling. Remember, they are learning their place in your family while you are learning how they will fit in, so it's an adjustment period for everyone.

Begin teaching basic commands or build on ones they already know. 'Sit' is always a good one, especially when a treat is offered for good performance.

Don't expect perfection at first! There will probably be bathroom accidents. The dog might retreat to their safe space when they feel stressed. They might test your boundaries. They key to winning this phase is loving firmness and lots of patience and understanding.

The final 3 is the final phase, the first three months with your new fur baby. By now doggo should feel relatively comfortable in their new home. Now you will work on deepening your bond with them, and firmly establishing their place in your home and family. As with the second phase, there are specific things you can do to further this bond:

Pay attention to their preferences. Know their favorite games, treats, toys, and where they prefer being scratched.

If you're having issues with basic training, consider taking a class with a dog trainer. A well-behaved dog is a great addition to any home.

Begin to take your new fur baby on short outings to different places and situations. Watch them closely, and be ready to intervene or even leave the area if your dog shows signs of stress. Everyone wants to pet the cute doggie at the park, but your baby might not be ready for all that attention from strangers.

The most important part of each phase is to pay attention to your dog and learn to read the cues he is giving you. Be prepared to respond to his needs. Younger dogs usually adapt more quickly than older dogs with a shorter adjustment period, but they may come with no training. An adult dog is often housebroken and may know basic commands. Let the dog show you what they know and then retrain as needed.

The 3-3-3 rule isn't set in stone, but it's a good guideline to follow. Think of it as a minimum requirement for expectations for each phase. A puppy might settle in more quickly, while an older dog, especially one that was abandoned, might take longer to feel safe enough to relax in your home.

With love, care, respect, and patience, bringing home your new fur baby can be everything you hoped it would be.

Until next time!