🐶Thinking of Adopting a Shelter Dog? Remember the 3-3-3 Rule Before You Panic! 

If you’ve recently adopted a dog — or you’re thinking about helping out the overcrowded shelter by bringing a furry friend home — there’s something important you need to know: the 3-3-3 rule. 

This simple rule helps set realistic expectations for what your new dog is going through and how long it might take them to feel at home. Spoiler alert: dogs don’t settle in overnight. 

Let’s break it down in everyday terms. 

🐾 What Is the 3-3-3 Rule? 

It’s a general guideline that explains the three big adjustment stages most rescue dogs go through after adoption: 

⏳ 3 Days – Feeling Freaked Out 

Your dog is confused, overwhelmed, and doesn’t know where they are or who you are. 

• They may hide, pace, bark, or act shy. 

• Eating and sleeping may be irregular. 

• Accidents in the house? Totally normal. 

• They might test boundaries or be completely shut down. 

Think of it like being dropped into a new country where you don’t speak the language and don’t know anyone. You wouldn’t be yourself right away either. 

🐕 3 Weeks – Learning the Routine 

Now they’re starting to settle in. 

• Your dog begins to realize this might be home. 

• They learn when mealtimes happen and when the walks come. 

• You’ll see more of their personality peek out — both the sweet stuff and the “needs work” stuff. 

• They may start testing you a bit as they figure out the rules. 

This is when training, patience, and consistency matter most. 

🏡 3 Months – Feeling at Home 

Your dog now feels like part of the family. 

• Trust has developed. 

• They understand the house rules (mostly). 

• You’ve built a bond — the kind that leads to loyalty, cuddles, and a lifelong friendship. 

By this point, the “new dog chaos” has calmed, and your pup knows they’re safe, loved, and home for good. 

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❤️ Thinking of Rehoming? Wait Just a Little Longer 

Too often, people adopt a dog, hit the 3-day freakout phase, and think they’ve made a mistake.
Before you throw in the towel, ask yourself if you’ve truly given your new pet the time they need to adjust. 

Remember: 

• A dog that chews your shoes on Day 2 isn’t a bad dog — they’re a scared, confused dog. 

• That shy dog hiding in the corner could be your most loyal companion in a few weeks. 

• Patience now pays off in years of love later. 

🐾 Why This Matters Now 

Local shelters — including ours right here in Scioto County — are beyond full. They’re dealing with everything from stray dogs to hoarding cases. Adopting a dog doesn’t just change their life — it helps the whole community. 

But it’s also a commitment. If you’re going to do it, do it with open eyes and an open heart.