The 3-3-3 Rule: A Comprehensive Guide to Helping Your New Dog Settle In

Bringing a new dog into your home—whether a young puppy, adolescent, or mature rescue—is a major life transition. While it’s tempting to expect your new dog to settle in quickly, the reality is: they need time.

That’s where the 3-3-3 Rule comes in. This well-known guideline offers an easy way to understand the stages of adjustment most dogs go through after arriving in a new home. Whether you’re adopting from a rescue, taking in a foster, or bringing home a breeder-raised pup, this guide is designed to help set expectations and build a foundation for success.

What is the 3-3-3 Rule?

The 3-3-3 Rule outlines three common stages in a new dog’s adjustment period:

• 3 Days to decompress
• 3 Weeks to begin understanding the routine
• 3 Months to feel truly at home

It’s not a strict timeline—some dogs need more time, some adjust faster. But it’s a compassionate reminder that all dogs need support, structure, and empathy as they settle in.

Pre-Adoption Preparation Checklist

Preparing before your new dog arrives makes all the difference:

• A quiet space with a crate or bed
• Food, water, bowls, leash, collar/harness, ID tag
• Safe toys and chew items
• Vet contact details and appointment scheduled
• Shared household agreement on rules and routines

The First 3 Days: Decompression

Your dog may be confused, overwhelmed, and unsure of what’s happening. Their behaviour might not reflect their true personality.

What to expect:

• Hiding, freezing, or staying in one spot
• Excessive sleeping or pacing
• Not eating or drinking
• Whining, panting, or toilet accidents

Support strategies:

• Keep the home calm and low stimulus
• Let them observe and approach in their own time
• Maintain a gentle, predictable routine
• Avoid guests, grooming, or dog parks
• Sit nearby and speak in low, calm tones

Health note:

If your dog isn’t eating or drinking after 36 hours or shows signs of vomiting, diarrhoea, or lethargy, seek veterinary care immediately. Puppies especially are vulnerable to dehydration.

The First 3 Weeks: Learning the Routine

Now your dog may start testing boundaries and showing glimpses of their personality.

What to expect:

• Trying out new behaviours (chewing, jumping)
• Following daily rhythms (feeding, toilet breaks)
• Starting to bond with family members
• Increased alertness or reactivity

Support strategies:

• Stick to structure and clear, consistent routines
• Start simple training with positive reinforcement
• Introduce new people and environments slowly
• Use crate or mat training for predictability
• Keep sessions short, positive, and encouraging

The First 3 Months: Trust and Belonging

By now your dog is settling into your family, building trust, and showing more relaxed behaviour.

What to expect:

• Comfort with daily routines
• Stronger attachment to family
• Greater ease in social settings
• Improved training focus

Support strategies:

• Continue regular training and enrichment
• Build your bond through calm affection
• Allow downtime after new experiences
• Reinforce polite behaviours
• Respect individual temperament and boundaries

Normal vs. Concerning Behaviours

Normal Adjustment	Seek Help If…
Not eating for 24 hrs	Still not eating after 36+ hrs
Hiding briefly	Remains unresponsive or lethargic
Mild whining or pacing	Intense panic or destruction when alone
Occasional accidents	Repeated accidents despite consistent training
Growling when startled	Escalates to snapping or biting

Children and Dogs – Safe Bonds Start Early

Teach children to:

• Let the dog come to them
• Never hug or climb on the dog
• Use calm voices and gentle hands
• Avoid disturbing during rest or eating
• Never grab food or toys from the dog

Enrichment Ideas for the First 3 Months

• Snuffle mats or scent games
• Puzzle toys or food-dispensing balls
• Frozen stuffed Kongs
• Slow-feeder bowls
• Trick training (5-minute sessions)
• Short sniff walks
• Calm fetch or tug sessions

Crate Training = Safety and Structure

Crates provide a familiar, safe place for rest and routine. Introduce crates gradually with positive associations like meals and treats. Avoid using the crate for punishment. Keep crate sessions short and positive during adjustment.

Introducing a New Dog to a Resident Dog

• Begin with a neutral walk, side by side
• Avoid shared resources (toys, bowls)
• Supervise all interactions
• Allow one-on-one time with each dog
• Reward calm behaviour and space

Your Dog’s First ID Check

• Register microchip details with your name and number
• Add a secure collar and ID tag
• Ensure leash, collar, and harness fit correctly
• Check that fences and gates are escape-proof

When Things Don’t Go to Plan

Some dogs need longer to settle or may need support for behavioural issues such as:

• Separation distress or destruction
• Excessive barking or hypervigilance
• Avoidance of all interaction
• Fearful or aggressive responses

Early help from a qualified trainer or behaviourist is key. Don’t wait.

Note for Foster Carers

Foster carers play a vital role in setting dogs up for success. You can help by:

• Teaching daily routines, toilet training, and gentle exposure
• Introducing crate or mat training
• Writing notes for the adopter about behaviour, habits, or fears
• Sharing this guide with new families to set expectations

Routine Vet Care Reminder

Book a routine check-up within the first 1–2 weeks of adoption, even if your dog was recently vet-checked. Discuss:

1. Diet and weight
2. Worming, flea/tick protection
3. Vaccination history
4. Desexing (if not already done)
5. Dental and joint health

Quick Reference: The 3-3-3 Rule Summary

Stage	What’s Happening	What Your Dog Needs
3 Days	Decompression, confusion, observation	Quiet space, low stress, predictability
3 Weeks	Routine learning, boundary testing	Gentle structure, calm exposure, basic training
3 Months	Trust, bonding, increased confidence	Ongoing support, enrichment, training and affection

Final Thoughts

Adjustment takes time. Training and enrichment are important—but the real foundation is trust. When dogs are given space to feel safe, structure to feel secure, and love to feel valued, they thrive.

Let them decompress. Let them learn. Let them belong.

“Don’t judge a dog by the first three days. Watch how they grow in three weeks. Then see who they truly are after three months.”

— Jordan Dog Training

Jordan Dog Training is here to help.

From puppy school and obedience to behaviour consults, our team is dedicated to helping dogs thrive in their forever homes.

Visit: jordandogtraining.com.au

Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is intended as general guidance and is based on our experience as dog trainers and behaviourists. It is not veterinary advice and should not replace consultation with a qualified veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your dog’s health, wellbeing, or behaviour, we always recommend speaking with your vet.