Puppy Enrichment
Newborn
During the Neonatal stage, puppies begins their Early Neurological Stimulation which keeps up throughout this phase of growth and into the next. Our Titan pupsreceive Early Neurological Stimulation from birth until 16 days of age.
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Body handling is a key component to conditioning the puppies to be comfortable with not only being held but also having different extremities manipulated so ideally they will be more comfortable at Veterinary appointments as well as with children. Near the end of this stage begins new object introduction to the puppies everyday; anything from pots/pans to children’s toys. Introducing various objects at such a young age helps to foster curiosity and comfortably with changes so that the puppies learn to adjust as their environments alter over time.
Every moment counts in the development of a young puppy. So we prepare our puppies using Early Neurological Stimulation, otherwise called the “Super Dog” Program. We also implement elements of Jane Lindquist’s “Puppy Culture” socialization methods as preliminary training for all our puppies.
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These programs allow our puppies to get off to a better start in life through sound desensitization, socialization, (possibly) clicker conditioning, and more.
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These exercises condition your new puppy to comfortably meet new objects and people and teach them how to learn so that training is easy and smooth as they transition to their new life with you.
Dogs that receive ENS as puppies have:
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Stronger adrenal glands
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Higher stress tolerance
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Greater resistance to disease
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Stronger heartbeats
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Improved cardiovascular performance
The five exercises of Early Neurological Stimulation are conducted for 3-5 seconds each. These exercises are listed below.
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Head held erect
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Head pointed down
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Tactile stimulation
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Supine position
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Thermal stimulation
Two Weeks
During the transitional stage (2 weeks to 21 days of age), the puppies gains their sight and hearing. While continuing the the three components from the Neonatal stage, they start receiving separation from their litter and mother and learn to feel at ease with humans. Since ENS ends on day 16, each puppy is given increased body handling and tactile stimulation.
Three Weeks
With ears opening during this next stage, the socialization stage, the puppies are introduced to sharp sounds. Puppies aren’t born with a fear response, so startling sounds at this impressionable age allow us to build up their startle recovery so they aren’t fearful of noises as easily down the road. Separation from their litter and mom, body handling, socializing with people, and new object introduction continues throughout this critical growth period.
Four Weeks
Here’s a quick overview of all your puppy learns beginning at four weeks:
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Recall (“Come.”) is one of the most important commands any canine can learn because sometimes it can save lives.
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Due to resource guarding being a common problem we create a CER within your puppy that shows them that humans coming towards their toys or food is nothing to worry about.
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The puppies are introduced to trusted adult dogs to allow exposure and socialization with dogs of various sizes, coat types, and energy levels.
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We set up new challenges for the puppies to problem solve, which can result in a quicker learning curve.
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The puppies gets an hour in the crate to rest, causing them to become comfortable in a crate much quicker than puppies who aren’t introduced until later in life.
Six - Seven Weeks
We can now begin administering temperament tests, install micro-chips and perform ear crops. Prospective families in pick positions are notified to begin the selection process.
