Transition Schedule for Dogs into a new home

The Rule of 3-3-3

This article was written for MABTR foster parents when getting a new foster however it can also relate to new adotpers.

As many of you already know, fostering offers so much joy. It can also be filled with challenges and setbacks for both the humans and the dogs! Many of these dogs are coming into rescue from stressful situations and may have limited coping skills to deal with stress. 

As a foster I feel it's my job to offer my fosters a safe place, good food, healthcare, and a chance to become the most adoptable dog in rescue. Every dog is different and what works for one may not work the next time. I think our volunteer network is a great resource for support and creative ideas and I encourage every foster to reach out with questions or concerns: there's a ton of wisdom and heart in this group!

The Rule of 3-3-3: My friend and behavioral expert always says 3-3-3 when dealing with dogs who come into rescue. 3 days to “download” their stress enough to begin to let their guard down. During the first 3 days my job is just to provide predictable and calm energy. To keep my expectations predictable and easy. The dog’s job is to breathe, eat, drink and rest. If possible, I try to avoid very stressful situations for puppy mill dogs during this time: ie; vetting, nails, meeting new people, etc. If the dog is an owner surrender this rule isn’t as important.

*Note that a dog can go three days with zero food and water before we are concerned. As long as both are made available the dog will not allow themselves to starve.

*If the dog wants to hide in the crate that is fine. However on day four the crate door is closed when humans are home and allows the dog to explore the rest of the home.

On day 4-7 is when I start assessing their personality, their training, and their willingness to try new things. This is when I start leash walking, treat training, picking up, handling feet, trimming nails, cleaning ears, meeting new people, etc.

3 weeks: It takes them 3 weeks to really start to feel “safe” and start to show you who they truly are. This is when play with toys and strong interactions with us occur. This is also when dogs may display behavioral concerns: like territorial aggression, resource guarding, dislike/ distrust of new people etc. This makes sense because at this stage the stress chemicals affecting the brain have reduced and they are more likely to start to test boundaries.

3 months: it takes a dog 3 full months in a new environment to fully settle in. 

A few tricks and tips that help me:

ADAPTIL spray and or plug ins; this is a dog pheromone that helps dogs to feel secure and safe. Much like how baking chocolate chip cookies automatically makes my brain happy….this is a pheromone produced by a lactating mother dog while nursing and has a similar relaxing effect on the brain. I spray the kennel/bedding, collars with this before bringing in a new foster. I then use the plug in in a room they spend time in. 

Cheese in a can: That spray cheese product we used to eat as kids…it often works wonders to reward a nervous dog and can be used between kennel bars, along the side of the bath tub etc. 

When a dog is not eating yet; if it's in the first 2 days I don’t stress. I offer food: canned and dry as well as treats but I don't make a big deal about them eating or not. Most likely this is a stress response, and it should pass. If it's been 3 days, I’ll cook chicken or eggs and really try.

Good luck and thank you for all you do!