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The 30-day settling checklist
Short answerThe first month's tasks, in order, in one place - tick items off as you go; your progress saves on this device only, and the list prints cleanly. The checklist tracks your tasks and observations; it doesn't judge your dog's progress, and every dog settles on their own clock. Health or behavior worries are questions for your vet or the shelter's behavior team, not for a list.
How to use it
Work through it roughly in order - before pickup, the first days, week one, weeks two to four - but treat it as scaffolding, not a test. Pair it with the guides: the first day, the first week, decompression and the 3-3-3 frame, and setbacks when they show up. Untick anything that doesn't apply to your dog.
The first month, in order
Tick items as you go. Your progress saves on this device only.
0 of 20 steps done
Before pickup
Days 1-3
Week 1
Weeks 2-4
After day 30
By the end of the month you may have the skeleton of a routine: feeding times, walk routes, a sleeping arrangement, a vet relationship, and a dog who knows the shape of the day. Keep what works, adjust what doesn't, and widen the world at the dog's pace - the bonding guide is the long game from here.
Questions about your rescue dog settling in?PawLine gives research-based answers tailored to your dog's breed, age, history and what you're seeing at home.Ask PawLine