Border Collie Breeders | Border Collie Puppies | Taupo, Nz
Puppy Curriculum
Laying the Foundation for a Lifetime of Confidence
As a responsible breeder, I'm committed to giving your puppy the best possible start in life. From birth to 8 weeks, I focus on teaching three essential principles: the world is a safe place, people are kind, and dogs are friendly.
Early Development Matters
Through carefully planned activities and exposure, I help your puppy develop confidence, nerve strength, and resilience. This foundation enables them to adapt effortlessly to family life and become exceptional dogs.
Our Puppy Curriculum
We start our puppy curriculum three days after birth with Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and Early Scent Introduction (ESI).
ENS uses brief, daily, mild physical stressors on puppies between days 3 and 16 to promote cognitive and physical development, potentially improving their ability to handle stress later in life.
ESI involves daily exposure to various natural scents to boost their olfactory development, scent discrimination, and confidence. ESI greatly enhances nose awareness, which is crucial for our pups who will go on to become therapy dogs.
Before we begin any process, we first focus on gentle handling and stroking so they learn that human touch is a pleasant experience.
"ENS is believed to impact the neurological system by kicking it into action earlier than would be normally expected, resulting in an increased capacity that later will help make the difference in its performance.
Five benefits have been observed in canines that were exposed to ENS, including improved cardiovascular performance (heart rate); stronger heartbeats; 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 littermates." - Breeding Better Dogs
Days 3-16 of life; Why this period?
This is a critical window of rapid neurological development during which puppies are most receptive to new sensory input.
Benefits of ESI
Enhanced Olfactory Development:
Stimulates and sharpens the puppy's sense of smell from a very young age.
Improved Scent Discrimination:
Helps puppies to better identify and react to different odours, which is beneficial for scent work.
Greater Confidence and Adaptability:
Exposure to various scents can build confidence and make dogs more adaptable to new and varied environments.
Neurological Stimulation:
Takes advantage of the brain's neuroplasticity during a critical developmental period, shaping neural pathways.
Lady at 3 days old. Sunrise Litter 2024
Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)
The Process:
1) Tactile Stimulation
1) Tactile Stimulation
ENS Requires handling of the puppies one at a time while performing a series of five exercises.
1) Tactile Stimulation
1) Tactile Stimulation
1) Tactile Stimulation
Holding the pup in one hand, we gently stimulate (tickle) the pup between the toes on any one foot using a Q-tip. Time of stimulation 3 – 5 seconds.
2) Head Held Erect
1) Tactile Stimulation
3) Head Pointing Down
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.
3) Head Pointing Down
5) Thermal Stimulation
3) Head Pointing 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.
4) Supine Position
5) Thermal Stimulation
5) Thermal Stimulation
The pup is held 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.
5) Thermal Stimulation
5) Thermal Stimulation
5) Thermal Stimulation
Using a damp towel that has been cooled in a refrigerator. The pup is placed on the towel, feet down. He is not refrained from moving. Time of stimulation 3-5 seconds.
By the time your puppy goes home, they'll have been exposed to a wide range of stimuli, ensuring a smooth transition to their new life.
Raising Confident Companions Our thoughtful approach sets the stage for a lifetime of confidence, adaptability, and joy. Join us in giving your puppy the gift of a strong foundation, and watch them thrive as a beloved family member.
