Three-three-three

Adopting an adult dogs requires patience, and discernment to begin life together successfully. With many animals that are unclaimed strays, relinquished, or removed from unsafe or cruel environments, behavioral, physical or undisciplined traits are byproducts that may deter adopters. Fortunately, the San Diego Humane Society has incredible resources and personnel that help animals recover, learn appropriate behaviors, and stress-mitigating conditioning to prepare them for a better life with new people.

After four years, I welcome the available support, though I am not unfamiliar with adoption. After a lifetime with dogs and cats, I am still dog-person. (I hate the word, owner, as it connotes property, and not partnership with a dog.) Not having looked for a dog companion for almost ten years (Comet was adopted from a county-run shelter in 2016), I was unaware until visits last week to various shelters introduced a much different environment. Across the United States, the Humane Society has invested in resources to help their communities adopt hundreds of thousands of animals a year. These include support and training guidance, including videos, consultation, and private training. For everyone, however, there are best practices to help reduce anxiety of a new situation, and encourage man and animal together.

The rule of “threes”, is both common sense-based and proven. The SDHS has a flyer that is also online. I have encapsulated it here:

1. The First 3 Days – Decompression

During this period, your dog is likely overwhelmed, nervous, or unsure of their new surroundings. They may:

• Not want to eat or drink
• Hide in a crate or under furniture
• Test boundaries (like a teenager)
• Have potty accidents
• Show fear or confusion

What to do:

• Provide a quiet, safe space with bed, food, water, and toys
• Limit exposure to other pets, people, and loud environments
• Take short, gentle potty breaks on a leash
• Avoid overwhelming them with long walks or outings 

2. The First 3 Weeks – Learning the Routine

By now, your dog should start to settle in and feel a bit more comfortable. They may:

• Let their guard down and show their true personality
• Get into your daily routine
• Begin to trust you more
• Show early signs of behavior issues

What to do:

• Gradually introduce them to other family members and pets
• Keep routines consistent
• Use positive reinforcement (treats, praise, play) for good behavior
• Start short walks and gentle socialization 

3. The First 3 Months – Feeling at Home

At this stage, your dog should be comfortable, secure, and bonded to you. They may:

• Show relaxed body language
• Come to expect meals and routines
• Display affection and confidence
• Fully integrate into your family life

What to do:

• Continue training and socialization
• Slowly introduce them to new people and places
• Maintain a consistent, positive environment 

By the beginning of day Four, we have already seen Kane appear comfortable with his new home, comfortable being with me, walking appropriately on a leash, though he tests boundaries, including the living room couch. And last night, Kane thought our bed was another dog bed hopping up as I lay reading. However, I immediately redirected him to his dog cushion which I had brought into the bedroom for the night. And we had a quiet evening.