Background

The rule of three

The “Rule of Three” is a guideline used by animal rescuers and adopters to explain the adjustment period that many rescue dogs experience as they settle into a new home. It breaks down into three timeframes that help explain a dog’s behaviour as they become comfortable in their new environment:

  1. The First 3 Days: Feeling Overwhelmed
    In the first three days after arriving at a new home, the dog may feel disoriented, confused, or anxious. Everything is unfamiliar: the people, the smells, the routine, and the environment. During this period, the dog might:
    – Refuse to eat or drink much.
    – Hide, act shy, or appear aloof.
    – Display stress behaviours like excessive panting or pacing.
    – Have accidents or exhibit other unusual behaviours.

    This is a survival instinct, where the dog is unsure if the new environment is safe, so they are still on guard.

  2. The First 3 Weeks: Starting to Adjust
    After the first three weeks, the dog will typically start to relax as they begin to understand that the new environment is their home. Some behavioural changes that might be noticed during this phase include:
    – The dog begins to learn the house rules (where they can go, the household routine).
    – They may start to bond with their new family and show their true personality.
    – Any behavioural issues like anxiety or reactivity may start to manifest as the dog feels safer to express themselves.
    – The dog may start exploring more, show more curiosity, and eat and drink regularly.
  3. The First 3 Months: Feeling at Home
    By the end of the first three months, most dogs will feel fully comfortable in their new home. They have learned the routine, formed bonds with their new family, and developed a sense of security. Some things you may observe by this point:
    – The dog exhibits a greater level of trust and attachment.
    – They understand and follow basic commands and house rules.
    – Their behaviour stabilizes, showing their true temperament.
    – They feel fully settled and at ease, showing confidence and a routine behaviour pattern.

This “Rule of Three” helps adopters understand that it takes time, patience, and consistency for rescue dogs to adapt, and that behavioural issues or hesitations are often temporary as the dog transitions into their new life.