Quick Answer: Keep the first day calm — no large groups of visitors, no overwhelming attention. Give the dog access to one area initially rather than the whole home. Let them explore at their own pace. Provide a frozen lick mat and set up a calming bed in a quiet corner before they arrive. The 3-3-3 rule: 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to learn the routine, 3 months to feel fully at home.
The 3-3-3 Rule
- First 3 days — decompression. The dog may seem shut down, not eating well, or overwhelmed. Normal. Keep it calm and quiet.
- First 3 weeks — learning routine. Starting to understand the schedule, where things are, what the rules are.
- First 3 months — true personality emerges. This is when you see who your dog really is.
Practical Setup
- Set up their space before they arrive — bed, water bowl, lick mat in the freezer
- Limit initial home access — a gate in one or two rooms lets them decompress without being overwhelmed
- Low activity — no parties, no introductions to strangers on day one
- If other pets: separate initially and introduce slowly over days
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