One of A Kind Education

At One of A Kind, we are accustomed to handling dogs of every size, strength, and temperament. They are as diverse as humans, and come with their own experiences, preferences, and quirks. Because of this, there are many things to consider before you start your search for a new pet.

• Allergies
  If there are allergies in the home, the fur/hair of a dog may be a significant deal-breaker. Look into information that may help you choose less-allergenic dog breeds.
• Breeds
  Are you looking for a specific breed? If so, find information on nutrition, grooming, exercise, training, and the overall health and maintenance needed to take care of the breed.
• Energy Level
  Learn about the energy levels of different breeds, sizes, and ages of dogs. You would be surprised to find out how vastly diverse they are.
• Instinctive Traits
  Dogs have instinctive traits that cannot be trained away. For example, Border Collies are natural born herding dogs who will become anxious, destructive, or ill if their desire to herd is not met. Learn about a breed’s unique characteristics and distinct qualities before you adopt.

So you have done your research and finally found the dog of your dreams. There are a few more things you need to know before bringing your new family member home. The biggest mistake one can make is turning the pet loose to have free reign to all areas of the home. Dogs need to be taught boundaries in a slow fashion. Regardless of how gentle and loving a pet is, it should never be left unattended with young children in the beginning. Fast play should not begin for at least several weeks (if not months) after acclimating into the home. Too much, too soon, sets the pet up for failure.

At One of Kind, we believe in the “Rule of Three”. The first three days your pet will be nervous, scared, anxious, and possibly stressed about the new move. Decompression from the rescue will begin. The next three weeks your pet will begin to learn the routine and get to know the other family members. They may then begin to show their true personality. The next three months your pet should begin to settle in and feel comfortable—maybe even comfortable enough to test their boundaries. This is the time to be the pack leader and reinforce the boundaries you expect.