12/24/2025
🐾🌲 Getting a pup for XMAS? 🌲🐾 Please keep the 3-3-3 rule of dog decompression in mind. Dogs don’t adjust to a new home overnight—despite what many people expect. Learning a new environment, schedule, and routine takes time, patience, and consistency. Most dogs won’t show their true personalities right away. It can take several weeks, and sometimes a few months, for them to fully relax and feel at home. Don't let unrealistic expectations of your new pup to lead to the next shelter statistic.
The 3-3-3 Rule helps explain what most dogs experience as they decompress in a new home:
3 Days: Your dog may feel overwhelmed and unsure. They might be shy, nervous, sleep a lot, have accidents, or not show their true personality yet. This is normal—focus on routine, calm, and giving them space.
3 Weeks: Your dog starts to settle in. You’ll see their personality come out more, they’ll learn your routine, and trust begins to build. Training and structure start to make sense to them.
3 Months: Your dog feels at home. They’re more confident, bonded to you, and comfortable in their environment. This is when they truly understand they’re safe and part of the family.
Every dog is different, but patience, consistency, and kindness make all the difference. Time and patience will provide your family with a long lasting love story.
