The 3-3-3 Rule is a helpful way to understand what your new dog might be experiencing during their adjustment period. It outlines three key milestones—after 3 days, 3 weeks, and 3 months—to set 

realistic expectations and encourage patience as your dog settles in.

After 3 days, your dog is likely feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, and possibly shut down. This is the decompression stage. They may hide, refuse food, sleep a lot, or pace. They don’t yet understand that they’re home. During this time, your dog needs a calm environment, minimal pressure, and space to explore at their own pace.

After 3 weeks, your dog starts feeling more comfortable and begins to settle into the routine. They’ll likely test some boundaries as they learn your household rhythms—like feeding times, potty breaks, walks, and bedtime. Their personality will start to emerge, and this is a good time to begin gentle training and reinforce structure. Routine builds trust and confidence.

After 3 months, your dog generally feels safe, secure, and bonded with you. They understand your expectations and the structure of your home, and you’ll start to see their true personality in full. You may also notice some habits—both good and not-so-good—becoming more consistent. Keep reinforcing positive behaviors and celebrating progress.

Understanding this rule is important because far too many dogs are returned simply because people expect them to adjust instantly. Building trust takes time. With patience, consistency, and compassion, your new dog will become a beloved and secure member of your family.