If you recently adopted a new dog or cat, you may be a little nervous about how they are going to settle into your home. It’s a big change for you both. Making adjustments takes time. You may or may not have heard about the 3-3-3 rule. It can be helpful for you when you bring your adopted rescue home.

The 3-3-3 rule helps you organize your thoughts and expectations for the first 3 days, first 3 weeks, and first 3 months after adopting a new pet. Understanding the changes that will occur in this time
frame can help you and your new pet with the transition.

The 3-3-3 Rule and Adopting a New Pet

The First 3 Days with New Rescues

As soon as you bring your new family member home, you will both have an adjustment period. There are some things you can do during the first 3 days to make things go smoothly while you get to know one another.

·         Create Comfortable Space. Your new pet may feel scared, overwhelmed, or unsure. Make them some space that is just for them. Give them a bed with a toy and blanket that they can use for snuggling. If you have children living in your home, talk to them about learning your new pet’s personality and giving them space to adjust to their new surroundings.

·         Meet and Greet. If you are bringing home a pet, and you already have pets in the home, they will need to meet each other. Dogs need to meet up outside, so they don’t start off trying to protect their territory. Cats tend to hide out and gradually get to know one another, just give them some space. If you are creating a blended family with cats and dogs, you’ll want to introduce dogs and cats slowly and strategically to ensure everyone’s safety.

·         Take Baby Steps. If you are bringing home a rescue dog, introduce them to the outside of your home before taking them inside. This lets them check out the new smells, gives them time to potty, and lets them know more about their new home.

·         Think Hide and Seek. Your new pet might not feel secure or comfortable at first. They may take some time to adjust and start coming out of their shell. Don’t be afraid if they refuse to eat or drink at first. Continue to speak gently to them using a calm voice. They will need some time to warm up to their new family. Pets might hide under furniture or in their crate. Continue to gently invite them out and maybe try to entice them with treats. Just don’t force them out of their secure spot until they are ready.

·         Boundary Testing. If you have human kids, you are probably already familiar with having boundaries tested, especially if you have toddlers or teenagers! Your new furry child will also need to figure out what is acceptable and what’s not in their new home. Remain patient with them as they learn the ropes.

The First 3 Weeks with Your New Rescue Pet

The first three weeks you have your rescue pet will give you both time to adjust to each other. Your pup or cat may have already gotten used to you and hopefully the first three days went smoothly. As you both settle into your new norms, here are some tips to help you navigate the first 3 weeks with your new pet.

·         Settling In. During the first three weeks, your rescue pet should start to settle in and feel at home.

·         Routines. Your pup or kit’s first three weeks is a great time to establish your daily routines for feeding, playing, walking, grooming, and downtime.

·         Familiarity. Your new pet will start to learn more about you and your environment. They will start to anticipate your movements and reactions more.

·         Quirks and Personality. As they become more comfortable and familiar with you and their new environment, you’ll see their personality start to shine through. You may also see some of their previously learned behaviors start to show. Just remember it is never too late to help them learn new ones! Give your pet some time to work out the kinks. It’s all still new to them. With a little effort and some time, some of their older behaviors should start to disappear.

The First 3 Months with an Adopted Rescue

You and your adopted rescue pet should be starting to settle in nicely. Over the first three months, you will begin to see things like:

·         Solid Routines. You and your pet should be settled into your routines now. They should anticipate your cues for walks, feeding, treats, baths, and grooming. Your pet should be comfortable with you petting them or using Pawer Dog Wipes or Pawer Cat Wipes to clean their fur or paws after outdoor time.

·         Security and Bonding. By now, the two of you have begun to build a bond. This will help your rescue pet feel more secure. They now know that they are home and you are family.

·         Comfortable and Relaxed. After the first 3 months, your adopted rescue should be totally relaxed and adjusted to their new home and family.

About the Author: Hazel

Hazel is the head engineer at Pawer Lab. He develops and tests the latest pup-focused inventions for Pawer Lab. He is passionate about enjoying the small things in life. The border collie’s hobbies include riding in the car, stalking the mailman, and fetching tennis balls.