When welcoming a rescue dog into your home, remember these essential tips, which is widely known as the 3-3-3 Rule:
1. Decompression Period: Your new companion needs approximately three days to decompress and start adjusting to their new environment. This is a critical time for them to settle and feel safe.
2. Routine Familiarization: It takes about three weeks for your rescue dog to learn and adapt to your daily routine. Consistency during this period is key to helping them understand their new life.
3. Comfort and Trust: Building a sense of comfort and trust with your rescue dog generally takes about three months. This is when they truly start feeling at home and show their full personality.
Please exercise patience throughout these stages. Many rescue dogs have endured difficult pasts, including neglect or abuse. For instance, dogs with splayed feet often indicate a distressing history — they might have been confined in cramped spaces like chicken crates for extended periods, only being removed for breeding purposes. These conditions can lead to long-term physical and psychological effects.
Additionally, it’s vital to consider the origins of any pet you’re looking to bring into your home. Purchasing from pet stores often means supporting cruel breeding facilities where animals are treated as mere commodities.
By choosing to adopt, you’re not just providing a loving home to a deserving animal but also taking a stand against inhumane industry practices. Your decision to adopt can make a world of difference in the life of a rescue dog.
Research your breed: we advise no backyard breeders.
Remember, every dog is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Stay flexible and attentive to your new pet’s needs, and you’ll be well on your way to a rewarding companionship.