Adoption 101

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The 3-3-3 Rule and bringing
home a rescue dog

Adopting a rescue dog brings excitement, stress, and worry all at the same time. You may be wondering how long does it will take your rescue dog to adjust? What are the phases of a rescue dog? What can you do to help them through the transition of coming home with you?

BEFORE You Bring Home Your Rescue Dog
If you haven’t brought your new rescue dog home yet, here are 4 things you should do before bringing any new dog home:

Dog/puppy proof your house and make sure no electrical wires are hanging on the floor, pick up small items a dog may find enticing to chew, gate off areas of the home you don’t want the puppy to have access to.
Walkthrough your yard and make sure the fence is in good shape with no areas the dog may squeeze or dig under the fence. Check the gates to make sure they are closed and latched.
Purchase a crate and set it up in a quiet place, such as your bedroom. A crate will give your dog a safe place to decompress.
Purchase necessities such as food, food/water bowls, collar, leash, and ID tag. Of course, a few toys and a bone would be nice too.

YOU'RE HOME - Now What?!

1. Outside before inside When you first get home, introduce your new dog to the outside of your house before bringing him inside. Let him take in all the new smells. Show him where he will go potty and make sure to read our post on how to potty train your puppy fast. Then take him for a walk to burn off any extra energy.
2. Bringing a new dog home to another dog If you have another dog at home, introduce them outside before bringing him inside. Even if they’ve already met at the shelter or foster home. Take them for a walk together or put the resident dog in the backyard, bring the new dog to the outside of the fence to let them smell each other.
It is important not to let the new dog “invade” your resident dog’s territory. Take this step very slowly. As hard as it may feel, you should wait 24-48 hours before fully introducing the new dog into your pack. Keep them in separate areas of the house for the first day to let everyone decompress.
IMPORTANT: Take the time to read this because it is so important to do introductions the right way.
3. Introducing your new dog to the inside of your home Enter and introduce your dog to your house slowly. Restrict his access to one area of the home. He is going to be stressed for the first few days (read the 3-3-3 rule of dogs above), so the smaller the new area is, the more comfortable he will be. Keep him on a leash for at least the first day, preferably the first 3 days. You don’t always have to hold on to the leash, he can drag the leash around with him, but this gives you quick access to him if needed. It helps the dog not get overwhelmed and helps me limit potty accidents.
4. Keep the first few days quiet and low-key Don’t overwhelm him with visitors coming to see how cute he is. Don’t take him to the dog park. Avoid overwhelming situations altogether. Wait until he has a chance to get to know you and his new home first. Give him plenty of quiet time to settle in.Give your new rescue dog a safe area to decompress, this will help him feel more comfortable. An open crate is a great tool to create a comforting den-like area.
5. Create a routine starting day one Creating a routine will also help your dog feel more comfortable. Schedule his feeding, walks, sleep and playtime. The sooner you establish a routine, the better you both will feel. A feeding schedule will help with potty training.
6. Training Research dog training classes. Training is just as much for you the owner, as it is for the dog. Training your dog is so important, please don’t skip this part of being a responsible dog owner.
7. Kids and Dogs Don’t leave kids alone with your new dog. For the first few weeks, your dog is going to be stressed from moving to a new home he is not familiar with… add a child that just wants to hug and kiss the dog, and it’s a recipe for disaster (i.e. dog bite). Even the nicest dog can bite out of fear and protection.

The 3-3-3 Rule – 3 Days, 3 Weeks, 3 Months
What is the 3-3-3 rule when adopting a dog?
The 3-3-3 rule is a general guideline that represents the phases of a rescue dog or common milestones your new dog or puppy will go through… it is the first 3 days, 3 weeks, and 3 months after bringing your dog home from the shelter, rescue or foster home.

The 3-3-3 rule is also known as the “rescue dog honeymoon period “.

If you’ve ever started a new job or moved to a new school, you know this feeling. The feeling of being in an unfamiliar place, new surroundings, new people, new rules.

How long will it take my rescue dog to adjust?
The honest answer is it depends. Some dogs will follow the 3-3-3 rule to a tee, others will take 6 months or a full year to feel completely comfortable.

Keep in mind that the 3-3-3 dog rule is a general guideline. It will depend on the situation the dog was surrendered, the dog's personality and background.

Give your dog space and allow him to go at his own pace during this honeymoon period. You will look back someday and be amazed at the transformation.

Let’s look at what you should expect:

In the first 3 days, your new dog will be overwhelmed with his new surroundings. They will not be comfortable enough to be themselves. Don’t be alarmed if they don’t want to eat for the first couple of days, many dogs don’t eat when they are stressed.

They may shut down and want to curl up in his crate or under the table. They may be scared and unsure of what is going on. Or they may be the opposite and test you to see what he can get away with, kind of like a teenager.

Feeling overwhelmed
Maybe scared and unsure of what is going on
Not comfortable enough to be “himself”
May not want to eat or drink
Shut down and want to curl up in his crate or hide under a table
Testing the boundaries

After 3 weeks, he’s starting to settle in, feeling more comfortable, and realizing this may be his forever home. He has figured out his environment and getting into the routine that you have set. He lets his guard down and may start showing his real personality. Behavior issues may start showing, this is your time to be a strong pack leader and show him what is right and wrong.

Starting to settle in
Feeling more comfortable
Realizing this could possibly be his forever home
Figured out his environment
Getting into a routine
Lets his guard down and may start showing his true personality
Behavior issues may start showing up

After 3 months, your dog is now completely comfortable in his home. You have built trust and a true bond with your dog, which gives him a complete sense of security with you. He is set in his routine and will come to expect his dinner at his usual time.

Finally completely comfortable in his home.
Building trust and a true bond
Gained a complete sense of security with his new family
Set in a routine

In conclusion - Enjoy your new rescue dog, he will be your best friend! The first thing most people want to do is show off their new puppy. Just take it slow, I know you are excited but keep in mind how your dog is feeling. He has been through a lot, he may have lost his family, abandoned in a shelter… it’s all very stressful. He needs time, so give it to him.
Remember the 3-3-3 dog rule is a general guideline. Your dog will go at his/her own pace during the honeymoon period, it could take 4, 5 or maybe even 6 months. Each dog is unique. Just be there for them, comfort them when they need it and create a positive safe environment and you will be on your way of creating your perfect dog.

CONGRATULATIONS and WELCOME to the CIRCLE L RESCUE FAMILY!

HELP! We Have an Emergency!
What Do You Feed the Rescue Dogs?
What Do You Feed the Rescue Horses?

In the event of an emergency, please call your local veterinary clinic. Keep in mind, once adopted - YOU are responsible for all medical care of your new family member!

That being said, we can definitely recommend veterinary practices who may already be familiar with your new pet:

918-414-5470

918-299-4900

Breakdown of CLR dogs' feeding regimen

Dogs residing at Circle L are fed a variety of different meal options, depending on their specific location. Some foster homes purchase food on their own, others are reliant on CLR providing donated food.

Our go-to feed remains to be the 4Health brand, available at Tractor Supply Company. This brand is manufactured by the Diamond brand of pet foods and seems to do equally well with the variety of dogs we serve.

The dogs all enjoy a "gravy" made from watering down a can of wet dog food, poured over their dry kibble.

Breakdown of the CLR Horse FeedING rEgimen

For the most part, generally healthy horses at Circle L Rescue receive an age and weight appropriate ration of either Nutrena Proforce Fuel, or Nutrena Proforce Senior. We have had great success using this feed as a general balance type of ration. Horses are fed according to the weight recommendations on the packaging.

With foals and yearlings, we feed the Purina Omolene 300 Mare & Foal, or when we are able the Purina Ultium Growth formulation.

Additionally, we feed alfalfa to the horses who are in need of the additional calories. Senior or poor condition horses will have soaked alfalfa cubes, as the chopped style of alfalfa stem can be easier for them to handle. Healthy horses receive alfalfa flakes.

We use apple cider vinegar for a variety of benefits, including weight gain, tummy troubles and helps put the shine back in their coats. It absolutely HAS to have the "mother", and not just be apple cider flavored. MSM is beneficial for the older horses, who need support with joint health. It provides fast acting pain relief and anti-inflammation. Sho Glow is another great supplement, we feel helps all the horses be their best!

LASTLY - let's talk WORMER! We use two products, manufactured by Zoetis. Quest Gel Dewormer & Boticide is used in the spring (notice the imaging behind the horse, on the packaging - with flowers in a field) and Quest Plus Dewormer in the fall (again, you'll notice the packaging lines up with the proper time to dose with each). AS ALWAYS - consult with your veterinarian for the proper deworming schedule for YOUR horse. These are just the products we use here at the rescue, with success. The best parasite control, begins with a fecal!