The Decompression Period
Understanding the critical first days and the 3-3-3 rule for settling in.
What Is the Decompression Period?
The decompression period is the time your new pet needs to adjust to their new environment. During this time, everything is unfamiliar — the smells, the sounds, the people, and the routines. Your pet may behave very differently during this period compared to how they will behave once settled.
A widely used framework is the 3-3-3 rule:
First 3 days — Your pet may be overwhelmed, shut down, or anxious. They might not eat much, may hide, or could be restless and pacing. Some dogs will not toilet normally. Some cats will hide under furniture for days. This is all normal.
First 3 weeks — Your pet starts to settle into the routine. They begin to understand when meals happen, where the door is, and who the people are. You may start to see their real personality emerge — including behaviours that were suppressed by stress, like playfulness, or sometimes guarding.
First 3 months — Your pet truly feels at home. Trust is established, routines are solid, and you are seeing their authentic personality. Bonding deepens, and training starts to stick more reliably.
The 3-3-3 rule is a guideline, not a strict timeline. Some pets settle in days; others take much longer. Rescue animals with difficult histories may need six months or more.
Many new pet owners panic when their quiet, gentle new dog suddenly starts showing behaviours like jumping, mouthing, or barking after two to three weeks. This is normal — it means your pet is feeling safe enough to be themselves. It is not a sign that something has gone wrong. It is a sign that trust is building.
What to Do During Decompression
During the decompression period, your goal is simple: be calm, be consistent, and be patient.
- Keep the environment quiet — avoid parties, large gatherings, or introducing your pet to everyone you know in the first week
- Let them come to you — do not force cuddles, handling, or interaction; sit nearby and let them approach when ready
- Stick to a routine — feed at the same times, walk at the same times, and keep the household rhythm predictable
- Limit visitors — well-meaning friends and family can wait; your pet needs to bond with their immediate household first
- Avoid overwhelming experiences — skip the dog park, the busy beach, and the pet shop for at least the first two weeks
- Monitor but do not hover — give your pet space to explore at their own pace while keeping an eye on safety
If you have children, coach them on gentle, calm behaviour. No chasing, no picking up, no waking the pet while they sleep. Teach children to let the pet come to them.
The 3-3-3 Rule
Put these phases of the 3-3-3 rule in the correct order, from first to last.