Education
We strive to educate families both past and future
on the well being of their puppy!
ENS & ESI Training
Early Neurological Stimulation
Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) exercises, which are conducted once daily from the third to the 16th days, a period believed to be a time of rapid neurological growth and development. Even though puppies are very immature during this time frame, they are sensitive and respond to ENS.
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ENS requires handling the puppies one at a time while performing a series of five exercises. Listed in order of preference, the handler starts with one pup and stimulates it using each of the five exercises. The handler completes the series from beginning to end before starting with the next pup.
The handling of each pup once per day involves the following exercises:
1. Tactile stimulation – Holding the pup in one hand, the handler gently stimulates (tickles) the pup between the toes on any one foot using a Q-tip. It is not necessary to see that the pup is feeling the tickle. Time of stimulation 3 – 5 seconds.
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2. Head held erect – Using both hands, the pup is held perpendicular to the ground, (straight up), so that its head is directly above its tail. This is an upwards position. Time of stimulation 3 – 5 seconds.
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3. Head pointed down – Holding the pup firmly with both hands the head is reversed and is pointed downward so that it is pointing towards the ground. Time of stimulation 3 – 5 seconds.
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4. Supine position – Hold the pup so that its back is resting in the palm of both hands with its muzzle facing the ceiling. The pup while on its back is allowed to sleep. Time of stimulation 3-5 seconds.
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5. Thermal stimulation— Use a damp towel that has been cooled in a refrigerator for at least five minutes. Place the pup on the towel, feet down. Do not restrain it from moving. Time of stimulation 3-5 seconds.
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What Does ENS Do?
When performed correctly, ENS is believed to impact the neurological system by kicking it into action earlier than would be normally expected, the result being an increased capacity that later will help to make the difference in its performance, according to Breeding Better Dogs. ENS is time sensitive and must be performed from the third to the 16th days of a puppy’s life.
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Five benefits have been observed in canines that were exposed to ENS, including improved cardio vascular performance (heart rate); stronger heart beats; stronger adrenal glands; more tolerance to stress; and greater resistance to disease.
In tests of learning, ENS stimulated pups were more active and exploratory than their non- stimulated litter mates, according to Breeding Better Dogs.
Early Scent Introduction
Early Scent Introduction (ESI) is a procedure we do that helps puppies with their nose awareness and confidence. It enhances their ability to identify and react to scents. Similar to Early Neurological Stimulation, ESI is introduced at days 3-16 of a puppies life and is very benefical for their development.
During this curriculum, we expose them to a different scent each day. As we do this, we hold the puppy close to us, and let them smell each item. After this we then chart their reaction on their neonatal care chart. The reaction is considered to be positive when the puppy shows interest in the scent, moving his/her nose towards it. A negative reaction is recorded when the puppy tries to move away from the scent. If a puppy is neither interested or uninterested in the scent, this is considered a neutral reaction.
What are the benefits?
This procedure creates a more aware and alert dog, which in return makes an even better companion, service, and therapy dog. Many times with therapy and early service dog training, the dog’s scent abilities are a characteristic that is required. Studies have shown that stimulating puppies scent ability early on has been proven to dramatically increase their scent ability later in life.
Here are a few examples of how dogs can help through their scent abilities—
Nearly half of children with autism tend to run away or go missing. Many dogs are trained to follow the scent and can locate the child.
Diabetic alert dogs are trained to detect low or high blood sugar levels by the smells in the air.
Some dogs can even let an elderly person know that the stove has been left on, or even a gas leak.
Naturally some dogs have more of natural nose instinct compared to others. By doing this training and recording their reactions it helps us match the right pup with the right individual need.
Feeding Your new Puppy
We recommend feeding your dog a quality feed without all the fillers and highly encourage you to go with a food that is
NO CORN, NO WHEAT & NO SOY.
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This is a high energy breed that runs HOT so we want to be careful and selective when choosing the proper food.
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HOT VS. COLD PROTEINS
What does that mean?
Proteins such as beef, chicken, lamb are a hot protein. This means your dogs digestive system actually needs to heat up to digest this protein and can cause issues such as excessive itching, hot spots and other allergy related symptoms. Not all dogs will be sensitive but if you notice the above issues then you will want to look at your food.
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Proteins such as whitefish, salmon, tuna etc. are a cool protein. This does not require your dog to "heat up" to digest this protein therefore allowing your dog to digest it alot easier without potentially causing discomfort or allergy issues.
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If you have any questions we are here for the life of your puppy and will help guide you if needed to select a food that
is perfect for your dog!