Welcoming a new member of the family is an exciting time for everyone. Please remember though, that for the dogs, it can also be a scary and anxious time. They leave behind everything they’ve known so far to go to a new place with strange people, strange dogs, strange sights and smells. It may take them a little while to settle in.

While each dog is an individual, generally try to remember the ‘Rule of 3’ when welcoming a new dog into your home:

  • In the first 3 days your new dog may be feeling overwhelmed; may be scared and unsure of what’s going on; may not be comfortable enough to be ‘themselves’; may shut down and want to curl up in their crate or hide under a table; and may test some boundaries.
  • After 3 weeks your new dog should be starting to settle in; they are feeling more comfortable; they are realising this could possibly be their forever home; they have figured out their environment; they are getting into a routine; they let their guard down and may start showing their true personality; and any behaviour issues may start to emerge.
  • After 3 months your new dog should be completely comfortable in their new home; should be building trust and a new bond with their family; should have gained a complete sense of security with their new family; and should be set in a routine.

Source: Rescue Dogs 101

Give your new dog space and time to work at their own pace during this initial settling in period.

While each dog is an individual, generally try to remember the ‘Rule of 3’ when welcoming a new dog into your home:

  • In the first 3 days your new dog may be feeling overwhelmed; may be scared and unsure of what’s going on; may not be comfortable enough to be ‘themselves’; may shut down and want to curl up in their crate or hide under a table; and may test some boundaries.
  • After 3 weeks your new dog should be starting to settle in; they are feeling more comfortable; they are realising this could possibly be their forever home; they have figured out their environment; they are getting into a routine; they let their guard down and may start showing their true personality; and any behaviour issues may start to emerge.
  • After 3 months your new dog should be completely comfortable in their new home; should be building trust and a new bond with their family; should have gained a complete sense of security with their new family; and should be set in a routine.

Source: Rescue Dogs 101

Give your new dog space and time to work at their own pace during this initial settling in period.

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