Three, Three, Three Method for Your New Pet

I am a strong advocate of adopting from a shelter, but I think anyone adopting a pet, whether it be rescue, shelter, or neighbor down the street needs to understand a new pet needs adjustment time.  Current advice encourages the 3-3-3 rule for acclimating new pets in the home. This stands for 3 days, 3 weeks, and 3 months. Each stage represents a milestone in your pet getting used to their new home. The caveat is this timeline is approximate. Plus, understand getting used to your home will always be an ongoing process. Understand whatever the age, your new pet needs time to adjust. Especially shelter or rescue pets, you do not always know their history and you both need time to adjust to each other. 

Here is a general timeline of the 3-3-3 process: 

3 days: this should be a quiet time for your pet. It is not the time to invite your family or neighbors over. Give them time to decompress. Prepare a safe place like a crate or a quiet room. They may appear scared or skittish. The pet may not eat. Imagine if you were taken to a place, you have never seen before, being called a name you are not familiar with, around people you are unsure you can trust. Now add to the mix: there could be other pets in the home you do not know. Are they going to hurt me? Also, not the time to introduce small children. It is a time for you and your pet to get used to each other. 

3 weeks: Your pet will start to let their guard down. They start to realize no one is taking them away and you (their pet parent) may be ok. Be consistent with praise and discipline. Security comes with knowing what to expect. They figure out they have a regular source of food (which reduces anxiety).  The pet is figuring out ‘the lay of the land’ especially if you have other pets. Packs have pecking orders, and they need to figure out where they fit in. Introductions should be slow. This may also be the time behavior issues show up. Have options for training available if you need them. There are dog behavior groups on FB, books on Amazon, and behavior trainers who can come to your home. 

Your pet should be taken to the vet for their first appointment. Even if you got them from a shelter or rescue that supplied all health documentation, you should establish a relationship with a vet with this pet. You do not want your cat or dog to meet the vet for the first time over an acute illness or emergency. There should be a record on file so your vet knows your pet’s history and can treat accordingly. 

3 months: By now your cat or dog should be comfortable, in a set routine. They should be well into the bonding process and may have even picked ‘their person.’ You should be teaching your pet basic commands. Dogs want to please you, and this is an excellent way. This can also be a safety issue. Your pet should respond to you in case of emergency, ex. an unleashed dog running toward you or to keep them from running into the street. An effective way to start teaching commands is inside in your pets familiar setting, then transfer to an outdoor setting. There are several good techniques such as reward based (treats), or use of a clicker.  

 I hope this advice was helpful and gives insight into the process. Remember all cats and dogs are special in their own way. Some take longer to adjust, some become trusting almost immediately. You are at the beginning of a wonderful journey with your new best friend.