The "Rule of Three"
When Adopting a New Pet
What to expect in the first three days, three weeks, and three months of having a new pet.
​The "Rule of Three" is a general guideline of how long an adopted dog or cat may take to adjust to their new home. While every pet is different and has unique backgrounds, the way they adjust to a new space, a new family, and potentially new animals will also look different. Also, the "Rule of Three" differs for dogs and cats, since they have different personalities and behavioral patterns.
This guideline covers three crucial stages during your pet’s adjustment period, marking the first three days, the first three weeks, and the first three months. Understanding your pet’s behaviors and feelings during this time is important in helping you best decide how to train and acclimate them to their new home.
Three Days: Be Patient
The first 3 days are the initial “detox period” as the pet transitions from the shelter to your home. Your home is new and exciting, with more stimulating activity, space, and freedom than a shelter can ever provide. It can be overwhelming for many pets, especially those who have been in the shelter for weeks.
Cats: We recommend confining your cat to one room for the first few days to weeks, depending on how quickly your cat acclimates. Having only one room, such as a bathroom or bedroom, to get used to at first minimizes stress for your cat, and allows you to monitor how well he/she is eating, drinking, and using the litter box but does not limit your cuddle time. Small kittens may or may not need this confining space - your kitten will let you know if they are brave and bold or scared and shy.
Dogs: When interacting with your dog, be consistently positive and calm, and do not force interaction or play if the dog seems afraid. This can potentially heighten any stress that the dog may be feeling. A dog may sleep a lot in the first three days, or be easily aroused or excited by its new surroundings. You should immediately begin routines for eating times, outdoor times, and bathroom times, This is a good time to let your dog know good or bad behavior in your house. For example, no sleeping on the furniture, no gnawing on shoes like they are chew toys, no going potty in the house. Use clear directions to help begin setting expectations. Be patient with your dog in these opening days, and give them plenty of time and patience. It is important to remember that this period will not last forever, and that patience is key in making them feel safe, comfortable, and loved.
Three Weeks: Expanding Horizons
After 3 weeks, your pet is probably getting used to your comings and goings, learning the daily routine, and starting to figure out when the next meal is coming.
Cats: He/she may have acclimated enough to have full run of the house, or may just be starting to venture out of his/her room. Providing *scratching posts, *litter boxes, and blankets/beds in his/her own room at first allows you to then place these objects in other areas of the home, giving him/her familiar scents and sights to help get used to a new place.
Dogs: You will see more of the dog’s personality begin to develop, and they should be less fearful than those opening days when they first arrived at your home. It is important to note that some dogs might still be nervous and exhibit signs of anxiety, especially if they have a history of trauma. It is important to continue practicing patience and showing your dog that you can be trusted as their forever companion. As your new dog becomes more acclimated to their home, you should continue to be consistent in *training them, working on basic commands like “sit” or “stay,” and continuing to set expectations of behavior and activity. You should also keep praising and rewarding the positive behaviors that you want to reinforce in your dog with treats, head scratches, and words of affirmation.
Three Months: Likely Settled In
After three months, your pet should ideally be comfortable in their new home, bonded to you, and have a built level of trust with you and any others in the home. Enjoy more cuddles and play times. They know they are finally home.
Cats: He/she should be well integrated to your home, albeit with lots of energy if a kitten. Keep up with the stimulation with toys as they will last for a very long time.
Dogs: Around this period, most dogs are now able to anticipate their routine, including mealtime and playtime, and will likely have set behaviors, habits, and personality traits. It is important to still work on consistent positive-reinforcement training. They make a wonderful best friend.