Every dog and every dog owner will be different, but there is a pattern we expect to see with a newly adopted dog. We call it The Three Stages.
First 3 Days: Decompression
Your dog is overwhelmed, scared, and confused by the new environment, sights, and sounds. They might hide, not eat, or seem withdrawn, but this is normal. They are just trying to figure things out.
First 3 Weeks: Settling In
They start to understand the routine, feel more comfortable, and begin to let their guard down, revealing their true personality and potentially testing boundaries.
First 3 Months: Feeling at Home
At this stage, your dog should feel secure, bonded with the family, and fully integrated into the household routine, though continued training and socialization are important.
This video shows how a rescue dog adjusts over time:
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