raising confident puppies one step at a time

Explore our method behind raising socially confident labrador puppies for families like yours.

Early Neurological Stimulation

Days 3-16 your puppy will undergo 6 different tactile exercises designed to stimulate their neurological system.

Why does it work?

These exercises 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.

How does it work?

Puppies will undergo these 5 tactile exercises once each day from days 3-16.

Tactile exercises for puppies:

1. 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. Time of stimulation 3 - 5 seconds.

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. Time of stimulation 3 - 5 seconds.

3. Head Pointed Down

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.

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. Time of stimulation 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. Time of stimulation 3-5 seconds.

What does it do for puppies?

According to Better Breeding Dogs:

  1. ENS improves cardiovascular performance.

  2. ENS produces stronger heart beats.

  3. ENS produces stronger adrenal glands.

  4. ENS gives puppies more tolerance to stress.

  5. ENS gives puppies greater resistance to disease.

fun fact!

Early Neurological Stimulation was created by the US Military. It was originally called Bio Sensor. The US Military created this program to enhance the performance of military dogs.

Early scent introduction

Days 3-16 your puppy will experience 1 new scent each day.

Why does it work?

Early Scent Introduction increases a dog’s interest in scenting, the ability to detect scents and the ability to follow scents. This is done by exposing and desensitizing the puppy to a variety of scents during the critical neonatal period.

How does it work?

Puppies will be exposed to 1 new scent once each day during days 3-16. This is done along with Early Neurological Stimulation. Scents related to eating are not allowed.

Steps for Scent Introduction:

1. Pick Up Puppy

Once a day, pick up each pup individually and hold it gently but firmly in one hand, so that there is no chance of it falling. If you would be more comfortable, sit on the floor and cradle the pup in your lap. 

2. Hold Scent Close

With the other hand, hold the scent item about ½ inch from the pup’s nose. If the pup wants to move towards the item, allow it to do so. If the pup tries to move away from the scent item, allow this as well. Do not move the scent item toward a pup that is trying to avoid it.

3. Wait and Watch

Hold the scent item in place for 5 seconds. If the pup shows no reaction or an adverse response, end after 5 seconds. If the pup chooses to engage with the scent item, allow it to do so for up to 30 seconds. 

4. Return to Litter

Return the pup to the box and repeat this procedure with the next puppy until you have done the entire litter (or cohort, if you are splitting the litter).

What does it do for puppies?

ESI has many benefits. Results observed from dogs that have undergone ESI are:

  1. Excellent performance as Search & Rescue and Detection dogs.

  2. Confidence in every sport involving scenting, from nose work to barn hunt.

  3. Improved confidence and stability in pet and service dogs.

  4. More optimistic attitude toward life.

  5. Fewer behavioral problems.

What scents do we use and why?

We select pungent scent items based on the work that our dogs do (hunting, tracking) as well as items they may interact with during their daily life. We avoid meats, since we are trying to stimulate scent not taste. 

Scent Examples:

Fruits, herbs and spices

(lemon, apples, bananas, oranges, rosemary, mint, cloves)

Natural items

(grass, tree bark, leaves, moss, dirt, leaves, evergreen needles and cones)

Training items

(gamebirds, such as pheasants, grouse, ducks, pigeons; tennis balls, leather, cloth, wooden and plastic items, essential oils, manufactured training scents)

Miscellaneous

(tolerant pets such as cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils)

did you know?

Early Scent Introduction was created by Gayle Watkins, a breeder that wanted to experiment with using the neonate period to enhance scenting for puppies. Watkins took inspiration from the Bio Sensor program created by the US Military.

puppy handling

Puppies are handled every day to increase confidence and trust in people.

Why does it work?

Handling sessions can be designed to acclimate your puppy to a wide range of anticipated manipulations, including being brushed, bathed, and examined by a veterinarian. During these sessions, puppies develop a positive association with being handled as these manipulations are paired with tasty treats. (According to VCA Hospitals)

How does it work?

Unlike Early Neurological Stimulation, handling continues far after day 16 and will happen until puppy goes home. Handling may include puppies being picked up, caressed, massaged, held and groomed.

8 steps for puppy handling:

1. Rub and gently tug on their ears.
2. Cover their eyes for 3-5 seconds.
3. Open their mouth.

Note: Inspect their teeth and place your finger inside of their mouth. You can rub their tongue and gums. Always look at teeth to ensure they are coming in correctly. Every once in a while issues with tooth eruption do occur.

4. Rub their belly and chest in a circular motion.
5. Run your hand up their back (from tail to head).

Note: Also practice “heavy petting” or patting you pup’s back like your burping a baby.

6. Gently tug and twist their tail.
7. Rub your finger in between all of their paw pads.
8. Tap on the tips of their nails.

What does it do for puppies?

Daily Puppy Handling has many benefits such as:

  1. Helping puppies relax when being touched.

  2. Increasing puppy cooperation when being touched or handled.

  3. Relaxing vet visits.

  4. Easier bath times.

  5. Increased trust and confidence in people.

did you know?

In one study, puppies that were handled gently every day early in their lives behaved more calmly at 8 weeks of age than puppies that were not handled.

socialization

Socialization is any exercise or exposure that helps the puppy become more confident in their surroundings.

Why does it work?

Proper socialization can prevent a dog from being fearful of children, for example, or of riding in a car. It will help them develop into a well-mannered, happy companion. (AKC)

sounds

  • shouting

  • crying babies

  • fireworks

  • construction'

  • busy street

  • blender

  • blow dryer

  • running water

  • thunder

  • doorbell

  • sirens

How does it work?

The idea behind socialization is that you want to help your puppy become acclimated to all types of sights, sounds, and smells in a positive manner. We create positive associations with a variety of things a dog might come in contact with to help the dog feel more comfortable exploring. This builds confidence.

Socialization Ideas:

moving objects

  • cars

  • pick-up trucks

  • semi-trucks

  • construction trucks

  • garbage truck

  • motorcycle

  • stroller

  • wheelchair

  • scooter

  • wagons

places

  • friend’s house

  • store

  • park (just observe)

  • park (meet new people)

  • outside school

  • off-leash hike

  • outdoor cafe

  • vet’s office

  • social gathering

  • groomers

  • elevators

  • bridges

animals

  • puppies

  • cats

  • stable adult dog

  • birds/fowl

  • livestock

  • horses

and so much more! Here’s a great socialization checklist

What does it do for puppies?

Socializing puppies has great benefits including:

  1. Creating Confident Puppies

  2. Encouraging puppies to be curious not cautious.

  3. Reducing anxiety from external environment.

  4. Fewer behavioral issues.

  5. Increased trust and confidence in people and the world.

did you know?

There are three kinds (stages) of stimulation identified that impact and influence how puppies will develop and be shaped as an individual: the first stage is early neurological stimulation, the second stage is socialization and the third stage is enrichment.