You can expect that it will take your dog some time to get used to the new routines and adapt
to his new environment. The ‘Rule of Three’ means that you can gauge the time it might take
for your dog to fully acclimate to his home in threes: three days, three weeks, and three
months.
The first 3 days are the initial “detox period” as the dog transitions from the shelter to your
home. Your home is new and exciting, with more stimulating activity and space and freedom
than a shelter can ever provide. It can be overwhelming for many dogs, especially those who
have been in the shelter for weeks.
After 3 weeks, your dog is probably getting used to your comings and goings, learning the daily
routine, and starting to figure out when the next meal is coming. He’ll learn that you walk at the
same time every morning, and that he gets to go out for regular potty breaks. You’ll start to see
more of his true personality and less of his initial response – whether that was fear, excitement,
stress or a combination of all three. You will have narrowed down his behavior problems (if any)
to the ones that are likely to remain unless you attend training classes or get help from a dog
training professional. It won’t be completely smooth sailing, but the bumps in the road will be
less frequent and less stressful.
At 3 months, most dogs know they are “home.” It’s a process to get there, but with patience and
a sense of humor, the two of you can scale the mountain together and enjoy the journey toward
a great relationship.
So lots of patience is needed and I wish you and your pup good luck.