Having a well socialized puppy has been considered the responsibility of a new puppy owner. Breeders encourage them to take the puppy to training classes and make sure they are exposed to a variety of dogs, people, and other situations. As important as that is, more research shows that socializing and character development can start right when the puppy is born. Breeders can do a lot to make sure their puppies have an excellent start. Here at Matthews Legacy Farm (MLF) we have spent years researching to ensure our Goldendoodles are off to a great start and ready to adapt to new situations they will encounter with their forever families.
Did you know that the first three weeks of a puppy’s life are critical?
Puppies are very helpless from the moment they are born until they are 3 weeks of age. The mama does most of the work (feeds, cleans, and provides warmth and comfort). We start very early interacting with our puppies by holding them countless times a day so they know that human touch is a positive and safe experience.
Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)
Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) is a process we do that introduces mild stimulations to very young puppies in a controlled way. These stimlulations help encourage the neurological system which improves the growth and development of the pup’s immune system, cardiovascular system, and stress tolerance. ENS is started on days 3-16 since that is when rapid neurological growth and development occur.
This process consists of 5 simple and harmless exercises. Each exercise is done for 3-5 seconds.
Tactile stimulation - holding the pup in one hand, the handler gently stimulates (tickles) the pup between the toes on any of the feet using a Q-tip.
2. 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. This is an upwards position. Do this for 3 - 5 seconds.
3. 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. Do this for 3 - 5 seconds.
4. Supine position - hold the pup 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. Do this for 3-5 seconds.
5. 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. Do this for 3-5 seconds.
These 5 simple exercises are done to prepare our goldendoodles for their life’s journey with their new owners. Only 30 seconds a day for 2 weeks and we see a great improvement in their immune systems and stress tolerances. To learn more about ENS and Puppy Culture visit here.
We’ve got the first 8 weeks covered, now the next steps are preparing for your puppy!