Rescued Dachshund finally learns to play thanks to the 3-3-3 rule

Edinburgh, UK - Time and love heals many a wound, as this dog's story proves. A Dachshund named Coco needed more than a year to feel secure enough to play. Luckily, her new family caught the first magical moments on camera.

Rescued dachshund finally learns to play thanks to a year of love and care!
Rescued dachshund finally learns to play thanks to a year of love and care!  © Reddit/Screenshot/u/JohnKeel96

Dachshund lady Coco needs a lot of time to overcome her fear.

Her tale is a tough one. Before she came to live with her current owner, Zoe from Edinburgh, she was used as a breeding dog. Her former owner discarded Coco when she became too old to bear pups.

"She came to us unsocialized, terrified, and unable to do lots of typical dog things," Zoe told Newsweek.

Dog owner catches her pup in a furious battle – with a hilarious foe!
Dogs Dog owner catches her pup in a furious battle – with a hilarious foe!

Over the last year and a half, the dachshund has slowly adjusted to her new home. Zoe said Coco had a tough time: "She had been in survival mode, having puppies, fighting for her own food, and not really being able to develop her own confidence?"

The dog had to learn lots, but most importantly to let go of her fear of everything. That made the moment this nine-year-old dog played with a stuffed animal for the first time that much more special.

Patience was key for Coco's healing

Zoe caught the moment Coco dared to play on camera. She shared it on Reddit and told Newsweek, "It took a year of working up to it but this week alone she sniffed three dogs at the park and started playing with this squirrel toy spontaneously," said Zoe. "My advice to anyone taking in a rescue is to remember the 3-3-3 rule."

The 3-3-3 rule says an adopted animal need three days to adjust to the environment, three weeks to learn the routines, and then three or more months to feel at home.

It took Coco a while to get there but she is happy and finally playing. Her story proves love, care, and time will heal even the deepest of wounds.

Cover photo: Reddit/Screenshot/u/JohnKeel96

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