Puppy Socialization and Early Neurological Stimulation
Socializing puppies has traditionally been considered the responsibility of the new owner. We tell them to take the puppy to classes and make sure they are exposed to a variety of people, animals, and situations.
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But, more research shows that encouraging a stable temperament can start even before puppies are born. Breeders can do a lot to make sure their puppies have a great start on being more adaptable to all the situations they will encounter in life. Let's look at the first three weeks of the puppies’ lives.
The First Three Weeks
The first three weeks of a puppy’s life are a crucial time. Puppies are very helpless at this stage. Their eyes do not open until around 10 days, and the sense of hearing starts around 2 weeks. Mama dog does most of the work at this stage, and my job is to keep everyone warm, safe, and clean.
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The most important way to interact with my litters during this phase is by touch. Puppies will be gently handled and stroked at least two times a day so they learn that human touch is a pleasant experience.
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Early Neurological Stimulation
In addition, I include Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) exercises, which are conducted once daily from the third to the 16th days. This time is believed to be a time of rapid neurological growth and development and respond well to ENS.
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ENS requires handling the puppies, performing a series of 5 exercises, one at a time while . I complete the series from beginning to end before starting with the next pup. This process involves the following exercises:
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 for 3 - 5 seconds. It is not necessary to see that the pup is feeling the tickle.
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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 for 3 -5 seconds.
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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 for 3 - 5 seconds.
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Supine position – Hold the pup so that its back is resting in the palm of both hands with its muzzle facing the ceiling for 3 - 5 seconds. The pup while on its back is allowed to sleep.
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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 and hold for 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. ENS is time sensitive and must be performed from the 3rd to the 16th days of a puppy’s life.
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The exercises are not a substitution for daily handling and stroking of young puppies.
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Five benefits have been observed in canines that were exposed to ENS, including:
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Improved cardio vascular performance (heart rate)
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Stronger heart beats
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Stronger adrenal glands
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More tolerance to stress
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Greater resistance to disease
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In tests of learning, ENS stimulated pups were more active and exploratory than their non- stimulated littermates. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.