The 3-3-3 Rule is a helpful framework for understanding how dogs adjust during their transition. While every dog and situation is different, this guideline helps set realistic expectations.

Important context: Whether this dog came straight from a shelter (a place with constant barking, no guaranteed food, and no personal space) or from a foster, they may be defensive or overwhelmed. We often don’t know much about the dog’s history, so proceed with caution and patience.

In this Lesson

Your new dog may:

  • Be overwhelmed, shut down, or extra clingy

  • Sleep a lot or pace a lot

  • Have accidents in the house

  • Show limited appetite

  • Test boundaries

  • Be unsure about you, new sounds, or your routine

What to do:

  • Keep things calm and simple

  • Use a consistent schedule: morning breakfast, potty break, walk, rest, afternoon walk, dinner, potty break, rest

  • Avoid too much stimulation (visitors, dog parks, group outings)

  • Let them rest a lot—this is essential

  • Provide a safe, quiet space (a room with a baby gate works well)

  • Limit visitors and introductions to other pets

  • Supervise children’s interaction with your new dog