Quick Answer: Give your rescue dog time, quiet, and a consistent routine. The 3-3-3 rule sets expectations: 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to learn the household routine, 3 months to feel fully at home. Resist the urge to overwhelm them with visitors and activities — decompression is how trust is built.
The Decompression Setup
Before they arrive: set up a calming donut bed in a quiet corner, freeze a lick mat, have fresh water ready. On arrival: let them explore at their pace with no pressure.
First Week Habits
- Consistent meal times — predictability is calming
- Consistent walk times with the same route initially
- Snuffle mat meals for gentle confidence-building enrichment
- Minimal visitors — let the dog come to people, not the reverse
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Built with love, in memory of JJ. 🐾💛
