new pup time! give your

ADOPTION IS BY FAR THE BEST WAY to bring a dog into your family. Shelters are overcrowded, and the euthanasia rate is disturbing—to say the least! However, often when bringing your new fur-baby home, there are challenges for both human and canine. The dog may have been through some trauma or at least some challenges along the way. Remember to be patient … the 3/3/3 rule is a general guideline for the amount of time it takes for your adopted pup to adjust to his new surroundings. Every dog is unique and will adjust differently but the following information is good to keep in mind:

3 DAYS to Decompress:

In the first three days, your new pup may …

• Feel overwhelmed

• Be scared and unsure of what’s going on

• Not be comfortable enough to be “himself”

• Not want to eat or drink

• Hide under furniture

• Test boundaries

3 WEEKS to Learn Your Routine:

In three weeks, they will …

• Start to settle in

• Feel more comfortable

• Realize this could be their forever home

• Figure out their environment

• Get into a healthy routine

• Let their guard down and begin to show their true

3 MONTHS to Start to Feel at Home:

After three months, your pup will …

• Finally feel completely comfortable in his new environment

• Begin to build trust and create a true bond

• Gain a complete sense of security with his new

• Settle into a routine