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Dogs & Puppies
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Cats & Kittens
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Shelters & Rescues
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Guides & Resources
If you have recently adopted a dog, that's a great start! It's an exciting time for you and your new furry companion as you embark on a new chapter of your lives together. However, it can also be a stressful time as both of you adjust to your new routine and build a bond.
Luckily, regardless of your dog's age or history, there are some key things you can do to ease the transition. These guidelines can be adjusted to suit your dog's individual situation. For example, a young pup may require different treatment than an older dog, or a shy and scared dog may need more patience and understanding than a super-friendly one.
Once these general guidelines are established, you can tailor your behavior and actions to fit your rescue dog's unique needs and personality.
People who regularly adopt dogs are likely to inform you about the 3/3/3 rule, which is a helpful guideline for what to anticipate from your new pet and how to act during the initial 3 days, 3 weeks, and 3 months. In essence, this rule can aid in creating a strong bond between you and your furry friend.
In the first three days following adoption, you're still getting to know your new furry companion. It's crucial to keep in mind that you can't expect your dog to become your best friend immediately.
During this period, your dog may feel bewildered and uncertain, which may result in antisocial behavior or even missed meals. Additionally, there are some dogs that react differently and may act out in search of limits.
To help ease your dog's adjustment, it's recommended to avoid taking them on new adventures, such as going out to eat, visiting a friend's house, or exposing them to unfamiliar environments that may cause anxiety. Instead, it's best to give them some space and time to adapt to their new situation and establish their new routine.
After the initial few days, the following three weeks compose the time in which your new dog begins to settle into their new home. During this phase, your furry companion will gradually become more relaxed and may even start to showcase their unique personality.
It's typical for your dog's confidence to increase as they grow more accustomed to their surroundings. However, it's important to be vigilant about potential behavioral issues during this stage. As your dog gets more comfortable, they may test your authority to see what behavior is acceptable and what is not.
After three months, your newly adopted dog should be feeling right at home in your living space and around you. By now, you both have probably established a strong bond and developed a routine that feels natural to both of you. At this stage, you may not be able to envision life without one another, having grown so accustomed to each other's company.
Although the 3/3/3 rule is widespread in dog adoption guidelines, it is not always a definitive set of "do's and don'ts" and can vary widely.
To simplify things further, there is a complementary approach called The 3 C's Approach. This approach assigns a specific "C" to each stage of your dog's adoption journey - comfort, care, and consistency - making it easier to recall what your new furry friend requires at each point in time.
The initial three days following the adoption of your new canine should be dedicated to creating a welcoming space for your furry friend and ensuring their comfort. These first few days are crucial for letting your dog know that they are a valued member of the family. During this period, your primary objective should be keeping your dog's happiness and comfort in mind and tailoring your actions accordingly.
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After your new dog becomes comfortable spending time with you, it's crucial to express your affection and let them know that you care. Keep in mind that during this phase, your dog is still adapting to their surroundings and exploring their new environment, so it's essential to establish a sense of care and create a consistent tone. Setting clear limits for your dog is particularly important at this early stage.
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Dogs need routine, so it's important to create and maintain a schedule that works for both you and your pup. Consistency is especially crucial during the first three months to establish a routine. After this period, it's still important to maintain consistency but not as crucial. If your routine is slightly off once or twice, it's okay, but try to keep it as consistent as possible. Focus on maximizing consistency during the first three months.
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Aside from implementing the 3 C's approach in adopting a dog, there are other tips to ensure a successful adoption and an enjoyable relationship with your new furry friend. These tips can complement the 3 C's and aid in establishing a lasting bond with your pup.
Begin with feeding your pup the same food they were consuming at the shelter. It is essential to inquire about this food from the staff before taking your dog home instead of changing their diet immediately. Avoid stressing their digestive system by slowly transitioning their diet over a few days.
Introduce them to your children before taking them home, if you have any. This should be a serene process where the dog is on a leash for safety and the children are seated to avoid intimidating the dog. Ultimately, this introduction will establish a sense of comfort and familiarity for the dog once they arrive at their new home.
Plan to schedule a visit with your vet once you adopt the dog. Although the rescue center should have ensured their good health, small health issues may have been overlooked. Additionally, you may need to administer any vaccines missed by the shelter or rescue center. Also, remember to address spaying or neutering to enhance their overall health.
By following these tips, you will be better equipped with knowledge to help make the transition easier for your newly adopted furry friend.
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