Adjustment Periods: The 3/3/3 Rule and Understanding Puppy Behavior

source: Facebook post from Rolling River Rescue 

The first 3 days home are a big adjustment

The First 3 DAYS 

 It will take your new puppy 3 days to decompress. During the first 3 days in his new home, he may be:

• feeling overwhelmed

• scared/unsure of what's going on

• not comfortable enough to be himself yet

• be shy about eating/drinking.

• hiding under furniture

• testing boundaries

The first 3 weeks the puppy starts to get comfortable

The First 3 WEEKS

 It will take your new puppy 3 weeks to learn your routine. During the first 3 weeks he may be:

• starting to settle in and feel more comfortable

• starting to realize this could be his forever home

• figuring out his environment

• getting into a routine

• letting his guard down and show his true personality.

In the first 3 months your puppy finally begins to feel at home

The First 3 MONTHS

  It can take your new puppy 3 months to feel at home. During the later months, he will start to

• finally feel completely comfortable in his own home

• Build trust and develop a true bond

• Have a complete sense of security with his new family

• Settle into a routine

So, give your puppy some time and understand that there may be setbacks, but with patience, you will be rewarded with a wonderful life-long pet!