One benefit of getting your puppy from a responsible hobby breeder is the training the breeder gives each puppy, beginning in the first few days of life.
The first part of this training is Early Neurological Stimulation, begun on the third day of life and continued for two weeks. It is a series of five exercises, performed for 3 to 5 seconds each, and no more often than once a day.
More is not better, it could be detrimental to exceed the recommended time or frequency. These exercises provide gentle stress that would not normally be experienced at this age. Dogs who receive this Bio-sensor Stimulation during the critical period for this learning, 3 through16 days of age, get benefits that last their entire lives.
The exercises are:
1. Tactile stimulation between the toes
2. Held with head erect, perpendicular to the ground
3. Held with head down, perpendicular to the ground
4. Held supine
5. Thermal (cold) stimulation using a chilled damp towel.
These exercises were developed for training military dogs in the Bio Sensor program. They are not a substitute for holding and playing with young puppies, they need that too.
Benefits observed included:
1. Improved cardiovascular performance
2. Stronger heartbeat
3. Stronger adrenal glands
4. More tolerance to stress
5. Greater resistance to disease
Compared to their littermates who did not receive ENS, stimulated puppies were more active, more exploratory, and better learners. They were calmer, and more self assured.
Complete instructions to do this safely, with illustrations and background information, by Dr. Carmen Battaglia, can be found at:
www.breedingbetterdogs.com/article/early-neurological-stimulation
By Ann McCormick,
Inishkeen Wheatens