BARC Blog

At BARC, the Anderson County Humane Society  (BARC), we know that adopting a new dog can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, we also know that it can be overwhelming and stressful for both the dog and the new owner. That's why we recommend following the 3-3-3 rule when bringing home a newly adopted dog. 

 The 3-3-3 rule is a general guideline for how a new dog may adjust to a new home, and it suggests that it takes a dog three days, three weeks, and three months to:

• Decompress In the first three days, a dog may be overwhelmed and nervous. They may not be comfortable enough to be themselves, and they may not want to eat or drink.
• Learn routine In the next three weeks, a dog may learn your routine and start to settle in.
• Bond In the first three months, a dog may build trust and bond with you. They may start to feel at home and realize this could be their forever home. 

However, the 3-3-3 rule is a guideline, and every dog and situation is unique. Some dogs may adapt more quickly, while others may need longer to feel comfortable. For example, some dogs may hit the "3-month" milestone in a few weeks, while others may take a year.