Step 9: The First 30 Days (Decompression + the 3–3–3 Rule)

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The first month is about decompression—helping your dog feel safe enough to settle, learn your routine, and slowly show you who they really are. Many dogs look different in a new home than they did in a shelter or foster setting. That’s normal.

What “decompression” means

Decompression is the transition period where stress hormones settle and your dog learns: “I’m safe here.” During this time, you may see:

• Shutdown: quiet, withdrawn, sleepy, low appetite
• Overstimulation: pacing, whining, barking, zoomies, mouthiness
• New behaviors: clinginess, guarding, accidents, fear of noises, pulling on leash

None of this automatically means “bad dog.” It usually means “new dog in a new world.”

The 3–3–3 rule (a helpful expectation reset)

You’ll often hear the “3–3–3 rule” for rescue/adoption adjustment:

Days 1–3: “Safety and calm” phase

Your goal: help your dog settle and learn the basics (where to potty, where to sleep, who is safe).

Do this

• Keep the environment quiet (few visitors, low noise, predictable routine).
• Give your dog a decompression zone (crate, pen, or gated room).
• Stick to short potty walks and low-pressure sniff time.
• Hand-feed some meals or do calm treat tosses to build trust.
• Let your dog approach you—avoid constant hugging, leaning, or face-to-face pressure.

Avoid this (for now)

• Dog parks, busy patios, crowded stores, or lots of new people.
• Long adventures “to tire them out.” Over-tired dogs get more chaotic.
• Forcing introductions to kids, dogs, or cats too fast.

Weeks 1–3: “Routine and learning” phase

Your goal: build predictable habits and teach calm skills that make life easier.

What to focus on

• Potty routine: consistent schedule + rewards for going outside.
• Sleep: most dogs need lots of rest; overtired dogs act “worse.”
• Alone-time practice: start small (seconds → minutes) with calm enrichment.
• Micro-training: 5 minutes/day: name response, touch, sit, leash manners basics.
• Settle practice: reward calm on a mat/bed; teach “place.”

Weeks 3–4: “Personality shows up” phase

Your goal: carefully expand your dog’s world while protecting confidence.

• Add new experiences slowly (one change at a time).
• Short, positive exposures beat long, stressful outings.
• Start building “real life skills”: leash walking near distractions, calm greetings, settle in new places.

What’s normal vs. when to get help

Often normal during adjustment

• Accidents (especially first 1–2 weeks)
• Clinginess or following you everywhere
• Low appetite for a few days (if otherwise acting okay)
• Mild barking at sounds or alerting
• Chewing/mouthing as they settle in

Get help early (don’t wait)

• Growling/snapping that escalates or happens unpredictably
• Resource guarding that is increasing (food, toys, spaces)
• Panic when left alone (howling, destruction, self-injury)
• Severe reactivity (lunging/barking that’s getting worse)
• Sudden behavior changes (could indicate pain/illness)

One-month “go slow” plan (simple)

• Week 1: decompress zone, short potty walks, calm routine, no big outings.
• Week 2: add short training + sniff games, practice alone time, keep visitors limited.
• Week 3: expand walks, introduce 1–2 new places quietly, continue settle training.
• Week 4: build consistency; identify what triggers stress and adjust your plan.

Next step

Step 10: Long-Term Success (habits, enrichment, health, community).

Go to Step 10 →

Last reviewed: January 2026