When a dog leaves a shelter and enters a foster home, they are not immediately “themselves.” Even the most social, friendly dogs experience stress from the shelter environment—noise, confinement, unfamiliar people, routines, and smells. Decompression is the adjustment period a dog needs to feel safe, understand their new surroundings, and begin to show their true personality. This process is normal, necessary, and expected for foster dogs, and it is one of the most important parts of successful fostering. During the first days and weeks, a foster dog may seem shut down, overly excited, anxious, clingy, or unusually independent. Some dogs sleep a lot, avoid interaction, or hesitate to eat; others may pace, vocalize, or test boundaries. These behaviors are not signs of a “problem dog,” but normal responses to stress and transition. As a foster, your role is to provide structure, calm, and predictability—simple routines, quiet time, limited visitors, and a safe space where the dog can decompress without pressure.

A helpful guideline for understanding this process is the 3-3-3 rule. In the first 3 days, a foster dog may feel overwhelmed and unsure, focusing on basic survival and observation. In the first 3 weeks, the dog often begins to relax, learn routines, and show more personality—both strengths and areas that need support. By 3 months, many dogs are emotionally settled and comfortable. Every dog moves at their own pace, but this framework helps set realistic expectations for fosters.It’s also common for behavior to change during decompression. A dog who was quiet at first may become more playful or vocal. A dog who seemed confident may show fear once they feel safe enough to express it. This is not regression—it’s progress. It means the dog trusts their environment enough to communicate their needs. Fosters play a critical role during this phase by observing, documenting behaviors, and responding with patience rather than pressure.

Decompression Do’s and Don’ts for Fosters

DO:

Move slowly and keep life simple in the beginningLet the dog approach you when they’re ready rather than forcing interaction. Sit sideways or at the dog’s level instead of looming over them. Use calm voices and relaxed body language. Create a predictable routine for feeding, potty breaks, and rest. Provide a safe “no-pressure” space (crate, bed, quiet room). Reward calm, voluntary interaction with gentle praise or treats. Observe and take notes on behavior without trying to correct everything .Advocate for the dog’s pace, even if it feels “too slow”

DON’T:

Rush bonding, training, walks, or social outings. Force physical contact, eye contact, or affection. Drag or carry a nervous dog into new situations. Flood the dog with visitors, dogs, or stimulation too quickly. Expect the dog to “act grateful” or behave normally right away. Label stress behaviors as stubbornness, dominance, or disobedience. Take shutdown, fear, or hesitation personally. Assume early behavior is the dog’s true personality. Most importantly, fostering is not about fixing or rushing a dog—it’s about providing safety, patience, and time. By allowing proper decompression and honoring the dog’s comfort level, fosters help reveal the dog’s true personality and set them up for a successful permanent placement. Your willingness to slow down, listen, and let the dog lead is one of the most powerful tools in rescue.