What to Expect After Three Months with Your New Dog

Congratulations! You’ve officially made it to the three-month mark with your new dog. 🎉 If you’ve made it this far, you deserve a round of applause. The “3-3-3 Rule” (three days, three weeks, three months) says it all: the first three days are full of shock and awe, the first three weeks are about settling in, and now, the third step—the three-month mark—means you’re officially deep into the transition to becoming the happy, well-bonded family you’re meant to be.

Let’s be real: having a dog is always going to be work, but after three months, you’re probably starting to feel like the two of you are figuring each other out. The barking, the chewing, the potty training mishaps – they’re still happening, but now there’s a bit more joy mixed in with the chaos. You’ve survived puppy tantrums, learned how to speak fluent dog, and hopefully have avoided stepping on the squeaky toy just one more time. You’re past the initial hurdles, and the best part? You’re seeing the first signs of a real bond forming. 🐾

What’s Changed in Three Months?

By now, your dog has probably learned a few things about you, and you’ve learned a lot about them. They’re no longer the nervous, wide-eyed stranger you brought home on day one. Maybe they’re still a bit jumpy at loud noises, but they’ve started to feel comfortable in their new home. The first three weeks were filled with them figuring out who’s the boss (spoiler alert: it’s you, but they’re still testing it), and by the time you hit the three-month mark, the ground rules are starting to take hold.

This is when your dog starts to truly settle into their new role as your dog. They might have their favorite spots on the couch (or your bed, let’s be honest), and they’ve begun to understand your routines. And maybe, just maybe, they’re starting to greet you with that look in their eyes that says, “I’ve got your back, human.” It’s heartwarming, right?

But here’s the kicker—this is the part where the REAL work begins. Now that your dog has started to feel at home, you’ll want to keep working on building a strong, healthy relationship. Here’s some advice from a seasoned dog expert (aka someone who’s seen a lot of dogs): This phase is where trust really takes root. That’s why it’s important to keep doing the basics—consistent training, plenty of love, and regular socialization.

The Work Never Ends (But It’s Totally Worth It)

Having a dog is always going to involve work, and the three-month mark is no exception. You’ve likely worked on house rules, but don’t forget about ongoing training and reinforcing behaviors. Have you practiced recall recently? If not, now’s the time to start! You want your dog to come when you call them, not just when they feel like it. And, for the love of all things good, keep working on the potty training. Accidents will happen, but consistency is key. If you’ve managed to avoid any “uh-oh” moments in the last few weeks, that’s a win in our book!

And, just because your dog is settling in doesn’t mean they’re perfect. You’re still dealing with the occasional chewing episode (hello, shoes), random zoomies around the house (why does this happen every time you’re on a Zoom call?), and the insatiable desire to sniff every blade of grass outside. But that’s what makes them them. You’re learning to love them for all their quirks, and they’re slowly learning to love you back. Those little moments of joy—like when they finally fall asleep on your lap or give you that sleepy-eyed gaze—make it all worth it.

Bonding Has Begun

By the three-month mark, you’re seeing the start of a real bond. You’re no longer just the person who feeds them and takes them outside; you’re their person. Your dog is beginning to trust you more fully, and as that trust grows, so will your relationship. But don’t be fooled into thinking you’re done—oh no, my friend. The bond is a living, breathing thing, and it’s going to keep growing, evolving, and deepening. And guess what? You’ll grow right along with it.

Trust Your Gut, Love Your Pup, And Be Patient

So, what’s next? First off, trust your gut. If you’ve been following the advice, providing structure, and letting your dog be themselves, you’re doing great. At three months, it’s all about continuing to nurture that bond while keeping up with training. Is your dog a bit stubborn? Totally normal. Are they starting to follow your commands more? That’s progress!

Just remember, you’re both on this journey together. It might take some time to get through the ups and downs, but each day is another step toward a beautiful, lifelong partnership. So keep up the good work, give those belly rubs, enjoy the snuggles, and know that the best is yet to come. You’re doing an amazing job, and your dog is lucky to have you.

Let us know how we can help. Reach out in the comments or go to lovepupplus.com to find out more info. We are dog people helping dog people. Here’s to the next three months – and beyond!