Puppy Raising

I’m passionate about raising healthy, resilient, loving Goldens. Many of my puppies have gone into various forms of therapy work. The puppies are raised in our home and experience many sights and sounds.  

ENS

Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) begins at 3 days and ends at day 16.  It is done only once a day and lasts 3-5 seconds per stimulant. 

Below are movements the puppies experience daily:

  • Hold puppy upright
  • Hold puppy head down
  • Place puppy in arms on his/her back
  • Tickle puppy on each paw with a q-tip
  • Place puppy on a wet, cool washcloth

ENS was developed by the US military and designed to improve the performance of future military working dogs.  Five benefits have been observed in canines that were exposed to ENS, including improved cardiovascular performance (heart rate); stronger heart beats; 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, according to Breeding Better Dogs.

ESI

The importance of early scent introduction (ESI) for puppies lies in its potential to positively impact their development.  By familiarizing puppies with a wide range of scents during their critical developmental period, typically up to 16 weeks of age, they can become more adaptable and less likely to be fearful or anxious in new environments.  Additionally, this early exposure can help puppies build confidence and strengthen their cognitive abilities related to olfactory senses.

Introducing puppies to various scents early on can also aid in their training and socialization, as they will be more accustomed to different smells they may encounter as they grow older.  This can contribute to their overall well-being and quality of life, as they navigate the world with greater ease and comfort.

2 weeks to 8 weeks

Once puppies eyes and ears open they are moved to a bigger pen which expands as they grow.  New experiences happen daily which include novel items into the pen (box, new toy, musical toys, hanging items, slide, tarp, umbrella, cookie sheet just to name a few)  They also listen  to potentially disturbing sounds (thunder storms, firecrackers, city noises, door knocking, blender, vacuum, dishwasher, washing machine, dryer and more……….)

Puppies are introduced to crates, car rides, and walks around the house observing their new world.  They eat on many different surfaces in various locations. One of their favorite games is “find it”.  The puppy will start with the food just outside the crate and each day the challenge will increase- more obstacles and farther distance from the food.  I introduce a synthetic lawn in the pen and the puppies choose to potty there.  If the nest (sleeping area) is defined a puppy will always move away from the nest to go potty. 

I use the “Manding” approach to early training.  The pup will offer me a sit and I use the word “Yes” and then treat.  When I approach the pen, I stand and wait for a puppy to sit and “Yes”/treat. In a matter of a day or so all will understand that offering a sit when a human comes gets them something yummy.  

Another very important activity is water.  We start with observing water, hearing water, and progress to toes wet, body wet, and lastly bath.  This is all done very slowly and over a long time and taking into consideration each puppy’s level of comfort.  We also do water play outside when the weather is good.  

Nail trimming also can be disturbing to dogs so we start this at a young age.  I use a dremel on my adult dogs. So I begin with an electric toothbrush on their feet while nursing.  The next step is using a baby dremel-type file and again during a pleasurable experience.  Lastly I use the dremel along with treats.

Puppies experience little people in a very controlled environment.  I have taught  my grandchildren the proper way to interact with the puppies.  The puppies always have the freedom to snuggle or move on- they are never held against their will.

This is just a touch of what my puppies experience the first 8 weeks of their lives.

There are many videos on Instagram highlighting much of the above and more..