By Matthew Matlack

The 3-3-3 Rule – Expect your new dog to take 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to adjust, and 3 months to fully settle in. Patience is key!
Start with a Safe Space – Use a crate or a cozy area to help your dog feel secure. Avoid overwhelming them with too many new experiences at once.
Prepare for an Adjustment Period – Some dogs may be shy, anxious, or even overly energetic at first. Stick to a routine and give them time to build trust.
Training & Socialization Take Time – Use positive reinforcement to teach boundaries and commands. Introductions to other pets and people should be slow and controlled.
Every Rescue Dog Has a Story – Whether they were abandoned, lost, or surrendered, every dog has a past. Your patience, love, and care can help them thrive in their forever home.

Adopting or fostering a rescue dog is one of the most rewarding things you can do—but let’s be real, it can come with a few surprises too. If you're thinking about opening your home and heart to a rescue pup, this guide will walk you through what to expect, how to prepare, and how to make the transition smooth—for you and your new four-legged friend.

The Big Picture: Why Rescue Dogs Matter

Bringing a rescue dog home isn’t just about adopting a pet—it’s about giving a second chance to a dog who truly needs it. These dogs are often survivors. They’ve been through a lot, yet they have so much love to give. Every adoption helps reduce the number of strays, eases the burden on shelters, and can literally save a life.

What to Expect: The First Few Weeks

Where Should a Rescue Dog Sleep the First Night?

Most experts recommend starting with a crate. It’s like a safe little den where your dog can feel secure. Keeping it near your bedroom can help your new pup feel comforted by your presence.

The 3-3-3 Rule

This simple rule explains how dogs generally adjust:

3 Days: Your dog might feel scared or overwhelmed. They may not eat or drink much.
3 Weeks: They start settling in and showing more personality.
3 Months: They’ve built trust and really feel like part of the family.

Common Behavior Adjustments

Rescue dogs may be shy, anxious, or overly energetic at first. Be patient—it takes time. Avoid big gatherings, dog parks, or new environments until your pup is more comfortable.

How to Prepare for a Rescue Dog

Do Your Homework

Know what breed mix your dog might be and how that affects behavior and energy levels. A Border Collie mix is way different than a Yorkie mix! Potcakes, for example, are smart, loyal, and often a mix of hound, terrier, and shepherd—making them adaptable, alert, and full of personality. Understanding your dog's likely traits will help you set realistic expectations and build a better bond from day one.

Ask Questions

Find out everything you can—breed guesses, temperament, medical history, and previous home environment. PLEASE inquire about any known history of rescues. Knowing their past can really help in some instances.

Set Realistic Expectations

Your new dog won’t be perfect overnight. They’ll need training, structure, and love. It’s totally normal for them to make mistakes as they adjust.

Ease the Transition

Start slow. No dog parks on Day One. Give them a bed, a routine, and a calm environment.

Create a Safe Space

Crates, cozy beds, and quiet areas help dogs feel safe.

Enrich Their Life

Dogs need more than toys—they need mental stimulation. Try puzzle feeders, scent games, and long walks.

Avoid Harsh Discipline

Use positive reinforcement. Don’t punish nervous behavior—instead, reward calm actions and build trust.

Educate Yourself

Learn basic training techniques. “Lure and reward” is effective, gentle, and helps you speak your dog’s language.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• How do I know if a dog is right for my family?

Talk to shelter staff—they know the dogs well and want to make the best match. In fact, this is a critical step in the foster or adoption process. Don’t just go on a dog’s looks.

• What if the dog has health or behavior issues?

Ask questions before adoption. Most shelters give you a full rundown and offer post-adoption support.

• How do I introduce a rescue dog to another pet?

Do it slowly and in a neutral place. Outside the house and even off property is ideal for initial introductions. Slow. For cats, start with scent swapping and baby gates.

• What do I need before bringing a dog home?

A leash, collar, food, bowls, bed, and some time off work if possible. Don’t forget a safe, dog-proofed space. Owning a dog is a great responsibility. The benefits are huge and your life will change. Unsure? Try fostering!

Our Story – How Potcake Rescue Began

My wife and I were on an island in the Caribbean Sea when we saw a familiar sight: stray dogs roaming in the heat. One in particular was laying motionless on a gravel road. We stopped to check on him and long story short, helped him recover and brought him to Missouri as a foster placement. With two cats at home, we weren’t sure how it would go—but he flourished, and he was named Sonny. A year later, we adopted Willie, another Potcake rescued from The Mud, a Haitian village on Great Abaco, Bahamas destroyed by Hurricane Dorian. Our experiences led us to work directly with Abaco Shelter and to support about 20 strategic partners—thus, Potcake Rescue was born.

Shooting the Potcake Rescue short film for Samsung first led us to Great Abaco Island, which became a turning point. We plan to eventually move our family to The Abacos and immerse ourselves in the island life, the people, and—of course—the dogs. Now based on the Space Coast of Florida, we continue our mission, inspired by Sonny and Willie’s transformation.FAQs About Rescue Dogs

Final Thoughts

Adopting or fostering a rescue dog changes lives—yours and theirs. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. Through patience, education, and love, you’ll help a once-forgotten dog thrive.

Want to help us give more Potcakes a second chance? Become a member of our ROYAL FAMILY for free to join our mission today.

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What to Expect When Adopting or Fostering a Rescue Dog