Pet Adjustment Periods: The 3 Days - 3 Weeks - 3 Months Guide
The 3 days - 3 weeks - 3 months guideline is important because it provides realistic expectations for both pets and owners, supporting a smooth transition into the household and fostering a successful, long-term relationship. It also emphasizes the need for patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. New routines, habits, and trust take time to develop which means animals need time to adjust to their new environments.
The 3-3-3 guideline for pet adoption is a phased adjustment period to help with the decompression and adjustment during a pet’s transition into a new home:
- First 3 Days: Pets may be stressed and overwhelmed, possibly showing anxiety or fear. The best ways to help them include:
- Get into a routine.
- Be patient and stay positive.
- Stay calm and give clear direction (including setting boundaries).
- Give them time to observe their new home and co-habitants, including giving them space and not forcing interactions.
- Next 3 Weeks: Pets start to settle in. Less stress will help us experience more of their personality (outside of their stress-related coping mechanisms) as they become more comfortable.
- Work on basic training (sit, come, wait, etc.).
- Positively reinforce every success.
- Give calm, clear directions and maintain set boundaries.
- Stay consistent if the pet starts to test boundaries.
- First 3 Months: Pets are further adjusted to new surroundings, people, and animals. They begin to trust, showing their true personalities and integrating into the household.
- Understand their routine and expectations.
- Bond develops.
- Keep up with training.
- Establishes habits.
For most pets, it takes on average 3 months to fully become comfortable and acclimated to their new home. However, some pets may need longer to adjust, and some may adapt more quickly. Knowing the 3-3-3 guideline helps us guide new adopters and fosters to manage potential issues effectively, balancing expectations with patience and understanding to ease the transition.
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