Adopting a dog is a big change, for them most of all. Your Rescue Dog's First 30 Days starts with the paperwork, ID and safety steps for week one, then follows the widely used "3-3-3" guideline: about 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to learn your routine and 3 months to feel at home. Every dog moves at their own pace, and some need longer. Every exercise uses rewards. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior recommends reward-based training only, and found no evidence that force, pain or fear (prong or shock collars, leash jerks, shouting) work better in any situation.
What you'll achieve
By the end of the course
A calm, safe first few days
A routine your dog can predict
House rules and house training from day one
Careful introductions to people and pets
Part 1: Before you start
Your rights and responsibilities
Short reading lessons on what the law says about pets and service animals, and what's expected of you as an owner. Each ends with a quick quiz.
Pets, service animals and the law8 min read
What a trained pet is, and isn't, in the eyes of the law. This keeps you, your pet and our certificate on the right side of it.
Your responsibilities as a dog owner7 min read
The everyday rules that keep you, your dog and your neighbours safe: licences, vaccines, leashes, cleanup and bites.
Paperwork, ID and your adoption agreement6 min read
The practical and legal to-do list for your first week with an adopted dog.
Part 2: Training
5 training lessons, about 9 minutes each
Each lesson has an animated diagram of the steps, step-by-step practice, troubleshooting tips, a clear goal for moving on, and a quiz.
Days 1 to 3: decompression8 min
Keep it quiet, keep it simple, and let your dog watch and learn.
Week 1: routine and house training10 min
Predictable days help a new dog relax, and good habits start now.
Name, attention and trust8 min
Start simple training that builds your bond.
Weeks 2 to 3: careful introductions12 min
Introduce resident pets, visitors and new places slowly and on your dog's terms.
Week 4 and beyond: settling in8 min
Notice who your dog is becoming, and plan for the next months.
How you finish
The final skills checklist
When every lesson is done, you tick off each skill once your pet can do it reliably. Your certificate is issued as soon as the list is complete.
Your pet has a quiet retreat space they choose to use
Your pet follows a predictable daily routine for meals, walks and rest
Your pet turns to look at me when I say their name
Your pet has met a resident pet or a visitor calmly, at their own pace
Treatwise Pet School
Certificate of Achievement
Certified Your Rescue Dog's First 30 Days Pet
Awarded for completing every lesson of a reward-based Treatwise training course and its final skills checklist.
The Your Rescue Dog's First 30 Days course was completed by
Handler
Your name
Pet's name
Your pet's name
Breed
Breed
Issued by Treatwise Pet School
This certificate was issued on completion of the Your Rescue Dog's First 30 Days course, after the handler confirmed their pet can perform each skill on the course checklist.
Skills trained
Decompression routine, house rules, name response, safe introductions, early trust
Date issued
October 16, 2026
Certificate no.
SAMPLE
Certificate of course completion. Verify it at treatwisepets.com/verify.
