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Phox Elements
BRINDLEWOOD DOG RESCUE · AFTER YOU ADOPT

Three days, three weeks, three months.

Most rescue dogs settle in the same order. Knowing what is normal at each stage stops the wobbly first week feeling like a mistake.
From our aftercare team, based on 1,400 homings since 2011.
STAGE 1 · DAYS 1 TO 3
3days

Decompress

Your dog is working out where it is. Expect sleep, hiding and not much appetite.

Walks
Garden and one short loop
Visitors
None for now
Alone
No, keep someone home
Watch for
No food for 48 hours Call us
STAGE 2 · WEEKS 1 TO 3
3weeks

Learn the routine

Meal times, walks and bedtime start to make sense, and personality begins to show.

Walks
Two a day, same route
Visitors
One calm friend at a time
Alone
Build up from 10 minutes
Watch for
Guarding food or the sofa
STAGE 3 · MONTHS 1 TO 3
3months

Feel at home

Trust is there. Most dogs now show their real selves, and training starts to stick.

Walks
New places, longer lead
Visitors
Normal household life
Alone
Up to four hours
Next
Free three-month check Book
Something worrying that is not on here? The aftercare line is open 8am to 8pm every day, for the whole of your dog’s life.
Read the settling-in guide