Training Protocols for Newborn Puppies
I believe that every dog breeder and rescue should know these protocols as they have massive scientifically proven benefits!
We start our training at 3 days of age! ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation) training protocols start on day three to about 2 weeks old by flipping the puppy upside down for 5 seconds, hold the head up, holding their rear in the air with their head down, and stimulating the paws with a q-tip (cold and warm water) between each toe. They are then exposed to cold temperatures for 5 seconds. These exercises in applying small amounts of stress have shown to have great benefits in puppy development.
Improved cardiovascular performance: Puppies exposed to ENS may have stronger heartbeats and better heart rate
Stronger adrenal glands: ENS may help puppies develop stronger adrenal glands
Increased stress tolerance: ENS can help puppies develop coping mechanisms to deal with stress, which may make them more resilient throughout their lives
Greater disease resistance: ENS may help puppies develop greater resistance to disease
Better learning: ENS may help puppies develop improved cognitive abilities and learning capacity
Faster maturation: EEG measures show that puppies that undergo ENS may mature faster than non-stimulated puppies
Starting on day 3, we perform these neurological stimulation for all of my puppies. We follow the Bio Sensor Workout, which includes the following 5 exercises for 3-5 seconds. These exercises will produce neurological stimulation, none of which naturally occur at this early stage in the puppy's life.
ENS Workout:
Tactical stimulation (between toes)
Head held erect
Head pointed down
Supine Position (on back)
Thermal stimulation
Puppy Socialization: From day 16 until the day the puppy goes home, I begin working daily on socialization skills by following the Puppy Culture Method with all of our puppies. I strive to raise puppies that are well adjusted and exposed to as many situations and environmental enrichment opportunities as possible. The puppies are “loved on” by people of all ages. We introduce all of our puppies to our dogs, cats, and other animals. I constantly add different obstacles and things to explore in their environment during this phase. This encourages the puppies to challenge themselves and build confidence. You can find more information about ENS and Puppy Culture by following the links below.
In addition, I am also starting training protocols for ESI, or Early Scent Introduction. We select 13 natural scents and expose the puppy for 5 seconds to each one noting their response.
Scent is the way puppies experience the world. Introducing natural scents early on can help:
Improve scenting ability in later life.
Enhance confidence and stability as adults.
Reduce behavioural issues in the long term
Research has shown that when puppies are exposed to scent at this early age, they have an association and a recognition towards that specific scent.
If your puppy is likely to be used for a service role, detection role or perhaps as a working gun dog, then introducing them to “job specific” scents and increase their association with that scent, even at this age can have a very powerful impact on their skills later on.
Another protocol I like to use is stimulating the puppies in a positive way by simulating the mother's tongue with a warm, damp paintbrush. I take the paintbrush and stroke it from head to tail over the puppies body for at least 5-10 seconds. This can be done right before supplementation with formula. This was a concept taken off of a study used on rats. They discovered how the sensation of a rat being licked by its mother caused many positive neurological reactions opening up pathways within the brain and increasing mental development and connection to the mother. I have decided to do the same thing with my puppies.
It also should be noted that these protocols should not be done all at once but separated throughout the day as you don't want to over stimulate which can have negative impacts.
Don't forget to check out our available AKC Great Dane puppies!