Become A Foster

What is decompression?

Decompression is a calming period that a dog needs when first arriving in your home. It is imperative the dog has this time to adjust to the new environment, people, and other animals. It is also imperative that the new dog and resident dog(s) have time to adjust to a new dog in the home. Many people do not realize that this takes time and cannot be rushed.

Many people do not realize how crucial decompression is. It will make or break how your dog is introduced into the new home. Please set your dog up for success.

We recommend following the 3-3-3 Rule when bringing home a newly adopted dog.

The goal of the 3-3-3 rule is to help the dog adjust to their new environment and build a strong foundation for a long and happy life with their new family.  

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Why is the 3-3-3 rule important?

The 3-3-3 rule is important because it emphasizes the need for patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement when bringing home, a newly adopted dog.  Dogs are creatures of habit and routine, and they need time to adjust to new environments and build trust with their new family. 

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The First 3 Days -DECOMPRESSION

Think of your new dog’s first 3 days as their time to decompress as they transition from a shelter or foster home into your home. This period can be overwhelming for many dogs, especially those that were not previously in a home environment.

During the first three days, it's important to give the dog plenty of space and time to acclimate to their new environment. They may exhibit behaviors such as fear, nervousness, or confusion as they adjust to new sights, smells, and sounds.

Some dogs may be hesitant to eat, drink, or play during this time. It's important to give them plenty of space and time to acclimate to their new environment.  Keep them in a quiet, comfortable room with their bed, food, water, and toys.

Limit their exposure to other pets, family members, and visitors so they don't get overwhelmed.

During this time, take your new dog outside for potty breaks on a leash.  Take a few calm walks, so your new dog can get familiar with their new environment, smells, sights, etc. Don't overwhelm them with trips to the park.  This is a time for them to explore and get comfortable in their new surroundings at home.

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Remember your new dog won’t know what you expect from them, where to go potty, or whether they’re allowed on the furniture.  They might not know that your shoe is not a chew toy, or that the kitchen trash is not where your dog is supposed to find their dinner.  Your dog will settle into your routine with time and patience.  The first 3 days are important to given them space to explore, rest and establish boundaries!  It is normal for your dog to sleep a lot in the first few days, not want to eat, and not crave interaction from their new family as they adjust.  Take comfort in knowing that it gets better as the weeks go on.

The First 3 Weeks

After the first three days, gradually introduce your new dog to other family members and start interacting more with other resident pets.  

Your new dog should start to exhibit more playful and curious behaviors as they become more comfortable in their new environment.

Keep their routines consistent and give them plenty of positive reinforcement for good behavior. Use treats, praise, and toys to reward them for following commands and exhibiting good behavior.

Start introducing them to new environments, such as longer walks in the neighborhood or trips to the park. But be mindful of their comfort level and always keep them on a leash.

The First 3 Months

By the end of the first three weeks, your new dog should be comfortable with their new home and family members. During the next three months, continue to reinforce positive behavior and gradually increase their exposure to new experiences.

Some dogs may develop new behaviors or habits during this time, such as barking, chewing, or digging.  It's important to address these behaviors early on and provide positive reinforcement for good behavior.

Consider enrolling them in obedience classes or training sessions to help them develop good habits and build confidence. This is also a good time to establish a routine for exercise, playtime, and training.

Keep in mind that you really can't expect your dog to be absolutely perfect right from the beginning, but any issues will become less frequent and less stressful with the help of a professional. 

Be patient with your new dog and continue to provide plenty of love and positive reinforcement.

By the end of the first three months, your new dog should be fully adjusted to their new home and routines.  They may exhibit more confident and affectionate behaviors as they bond with their new family.

It's important to remember that every dog is unique, and some may take longer to adjust than others.  

By following the 3-3-3 rule, you're setting your new dog up for success and laying the foundation for a long and happy life together.   You'll also be able to identify any behavioral issues early on and address them before they become bigger problems.

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Helpful Rules For New Dogs in Homes:

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New Dogs and Resident Dogs:

• NEVER LEAVE DOGS UNATTENDED with toys or bones.
• No food bowls left out (even if empty) and dogs should be fed separately at least for the first few months (preferably indefinitely, but at least until you are absolutely sure there is no resource guarding on either side).
• Do not leave dogs unattended for at least the first few months and then ONLY if and when you are absolutely sure they are safe together (and there are no bones, toys or anything that could trigger a fight.)
• We do not suggest any kind of retractable leashes, as they give you no control.  Please use a leash that you can easily and swiftly bring your dog to you and away from danger/other animals. We also highly recommend a no-slip martingale collar as this prevents dogs from backing out of the collar or harness and escaping. We also recommend double leashing new dogs for the first 1-2 days, as all new dogs can be flight risks.
• If you feel the need to use a prong collar, choke chain or any other type of corrective collar please DO NOT use them until you consult a professional (positive reinforcement preferably).They all have specific ways to be used and these types of collars can have an adverse reaction and worsen the behaviors you are looking to rectify.
• If you have a fenced in yard, please do not ever leave dogs unsupervised for several weeks.   Please do not leave your new dog out alone unsupervised until you know exactly how high they can jump- you would be surprised how high some dogs can jump when triggered or excited.   Also, dogs can be diggers and dig out, so please do not leave your new dog unattended in the fenced yard for that reason as well.

Children And Dogs

• Please teach your children and any children that visit, never to pull, hit, or poke any part of your dog and never to tease, frighten, or scream around the dog. Please provide supervision for children at all times with a new dog.
• If children are visiting and your dog or the child appears at all unsure or nervous, be safe and put the dog in another room or a safe place in the house they can go to at all times.