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 3 days after being born with Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS). This starts with gentle handling and stroking at least two times a day 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
Lady at 3 days old. Sunrise Litter 2024
Early Puppy Development
When working with puppies, I like to start problem-solving exercises when they are just 1 week old. I begin with a lightweight cardboard tube that moves when the puppy touches it. As they grow older, I increase the difficulty of the exercises. After the cardboard tube, I introduce a heavier tube that doesn't move. Next, I create an 8-inch-wide surface using rubber backing (the kind that goes under rugs to hold them in place). The puppies learn quickly through these exercises.
These exercises are not meant to stress the puppies. They are designed to provide enrichment and encourage them to think and experience. Enrichment offers a much wider range of experiences than simply sitting in a whelping box doing nothing other than eating and sleeping.
By 3 weeks old, these problem-solving exercises become too easy for the puppies. They begin to have more experiences outside the whelping box.
At 6-7 weeks old, I start taking them out of the house for short walks on a leash individually. I also begin the early introduction to commands such as "down," "wait," and "stay."
I make sure to provide early puppy development stimulation to help your dogs reach their fullest potential.
ENS Requires handling of the puppies one at a time while performing a series of five exercises.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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