The 3-3-3 Rule of Adoption—What Is It?
- Feb 5
- 6 min read
Updated: Feb 9
The 3-3-3 rule of adoption isn’t a new term for us in the rescue world, but if it’s your first time adopting a pet, it’s something you should know about. The 3-3-3 rule of adoption not only tells you what to expect when bringing a rescue animal home, but also the timeline of forming that healthy connection. So, if the dog you just brought home yesterday isn’t adjusting as easily as you thought, don’t sweat. All good things take time, and we’ll break it down in this article.
WHAT IS THE 3-3-3 RULE OF ADOPTION?
The 3-3-3 rule of adoption refers to the first three days, the first three weeks, and the first three months after bringing a rescue animal home. Whether it’s a dog or a cat, the 3-3-3 rule applies to any pet that has come from a previous owner, home, or environment.
THE FIRST THREE DAYS
Not only are the first three days important for making your new dog feel safe and comfortable in your home, but all the preparations you do in advance are also important. Some things you can do before welcoming your dog into your home are:
Tidying your space: You want to make sure your new dog or puppy has room to move around and explore. Make sure anything and everything that they can get into (or chew) is tucked away in a spot they can’t access.
Private zone: Just like you have your own room, give your dog a space in your home that belongs to them. This is somewhere they can go to rest, or if they are feeling overwhelmed. Find a spot in your home that meets these needs and put a comfy dog bed, blankets, and some toys there.
Foods: It’s hard to know which type of food your dog will like the most. Be sure to have a few different kinds on hand to see what they will eat.
Toxic plants and foods: Familiarize yourself with plants and foods in your home that are toxic to dogs. Regift those plants to a friend, or put them up high where a dog can’t get at them. See the full list from Humane World for Animals.
House rules: Have your house rules in place for where your dog can and cannot go before they arrive. Training your dog starts right away, and it will confuse them if the rules are loose.
Dog-proof your home:
Secure trash cans: Are they movable to inside a cabinet or drawer? Is there a lock on them?
Hide electrical cords, wires, and more that they may bite into or play with.
Block off areas that may be unsafe for your dog. For example, if you are bringing home a 9-week-old puppy, block off the stairs with a baby gate or something they can’t climb over or under until they are ready to take them on.
A checklist of the essentials:
Harness and leash
Collar with ID tag
Clippers and shampoo
Waste bags
Disposable pee pads and pet-safe cleaner
Food and water bowls (ceramic or stainless steel are best)
Crate or kennel
Bed and blanket
Toys (chew, squeaky, puzzle, and tug)
Baby gates (if you plan to block off areas of your home)
Alright, you’ve done as much preparation as possible before your dog is welcomed to their new home! As we know, dogs are a big commitment, so don’t let all your preparations fall short when they come strutting through your front door. Here are the things to do when your dog finally comes home:
Avoid leaving them for long periods of time, if possible. This stops separation anxiety from forming and from them feeling lost in a strange, new place.
Keep an eye on them: The chances of a dog running away are significantly higher when they’ve first been adopted, known as the Runaway Syndrome. When your dog goes to the bathroom outside, accompany them. Or when the front door is opening and closing, have eyes on your dog at all times.
Routine: All pets thrive on routine! Be sure to keep a fairly consistent routine of feeding times, walks, potty breaks, playtime, and bedtime.
Treats: These aren’t just for bonding, but training, too! Be sure to discover your dog’s favourite kind and use positive reinforcement training techniques.
Exploring: Let them explore everything at their own pace. In the first three days, maybe don’t do a 7 km walk of the whole neighbourhood. Keep them in consistent spaces and let them explore where their noses go!
Slow introductions: If you have other household pets, be sure to do these introductions slowly and with care. This is a big change for your other household pets, too, so start with small intervals of time together versus all at once in the same shared space.
If you have any questions or concerns after bringing home your dog from New Hope Dog Rescue, visit our adoption FAQs for more information.
THE FIRST THREE WEEKS
OK, so you’ve made it past the first three days and now you’re into the next 3-3-3 stage, the first three weeks. Here are our pro tips for keeping your new dog at ease in this next phase:
Limit guests: Pause the house parties and big gatherings during this phase. Or maybe every single one of your nieces and nephews wants to come meet your new puppy. Be sure to limit the number of guests at a time in your home to keep noise down.
Reduce noise: Your dog is still getting used to the new faces, new food, new smells, and of course, new noises. While you may be used to the traffic, parcel deliveries, and sound of your doorbell, your dog is not. Make sure to keep noise in the house as minimal as you can since you have no control over the ones outside!
Vet check-up! Find a veterinarian and book an initial check-up. Discuss vaccinations, microchipping, flea/tick/heartworm prevention, and spaying/neutering if not already done. We would recommend doing this one in the first week.
Accompany them in the yard/bathroom breaks. I’m sure your new dog could figure out some spots in your yard that need some landscaping. So, stop hole-digging before it starts, and make sure your dog is using the bathroom in all the right places by accompanying them when they are in the yard. It only takes one little mistake, and then they smell their scent there moving forward.
Go on car rides! This way, every time your dog goes in the car, they don’t only associate it with going to the vet. Take them to a different park, visit a friend or family member, or make a stop at your local pet store.
Pet insurance: While this isn’t a requirement in Saskatchewan when adopting a dog, it’s sure helpful if the worst-case scenario happens. Another alternative to pet insurance could be saving for emergency vet funds on the side.
Start training early. Begin basic commands like “sit” or “wait”, consider enrolling in a positive reinforcement-based obedience class, and reward calm, confident behaviour with treats and praise.
THE FIRST THREE MONTHS
Your dog may look like he’s well-adjusted to your home, but the last phase of the 3-3-3 rule of adoption is equally as important as the other two. Now that you and your dog are the best of friends, here are the final things to keep in mind.
Vacations: It’s still the first three months. Avoid taking vacations and trips that require you to leave your dog behind. Your dog wants to be everywhere you are, and it’s crucial to continue their training during this time period.
Outdoor time: Your dog is most likely done exploring every nook and cranny of your home, so be sure to give them lots of outdoor time to engage their curiosity… and sniffing.
Neighbourhood familiarization: Start taking the long way home! Get them familiarized with the neighbourhood and how to get back home by exploring routes and building their confidence.
And there you have it, the 3-3-3 rule of adoption! While some are easy to nail down right away, others take time. Every dog is different and may have their own timeline that may not necessarily follow the 3-3-3 rule, so remember to have patience with your newly adopted dog. And if you’re reading this to prepare to adopt a dog, we can help you there, too! Browse our current rescues available for adoption in Saskatoon!
