Chesapeake Goldendoodles

ENS - Super Puppy

ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation) Training

We know from the research we’ve included below, as well as the results of years of studies by the United States Military Canine Program, that the period between days three and sixteen is the most critical time frame for the development and growth of the neurological system in puppies. These puppies’ eyes and ears are closed for the first few days, and they can only suck, smell, and crawl. We use a program developed by the military called “Bio-Sensor” or later dubbed “Super Puppy” training to encourage our puppies’ neurological growth and development, which according to studies will give dogs an advantage in life.

ENS is a program that Chesapeake Goldendoodles supports. We strive to raise our puppies to be well socialized. Starting at day three we introduce our puppies to numerous sounds, volumes, textures, animals, stimulations, experiences, and all around fun! This makes the puppies not only happier and healthier; it makes for the perfect pet!

The “Bio Sensor” program was also concerned with early neurological stimulation in order to provide a competitive advantage to the dog. Six exercises were used in its development to stimulate the neurological system. Every workout included handling puppies once a day. Handling them one at a time while performing a series of five exercises was required for the workouts. The handler begins with one puppy and stimulates it using each of the five exercises in order of preference. Before beginning with the next puppy, the handler completes the series from beginning to end. Each puppy is handled once a day, and the following exercises are performed:

  1. Tactile Stimulation – holding the puppy in one hand, the handler gently stimulates (tickles) the puppy between the toes on any one foot using a Q-tip for 3-5 seconds. It is not necessary to see that the puppy is feeling the tickle. 
  2. Head Held Erect – using both hands, the puppy is held perpendicular to the ground, (straight up), so that its head is directly above its tail. This is an upwards position. Hold this position for 3-5 seconds.
  3. Head Pointed Down – holding the puppy firmly with both hands the head is reversed and is pointed downward so that it is pointing towards the ground. Hold this position for 3-5 seconds. 
  4. Supine Position – hold the puppy so that its back is resting in the palm of both hands with its muzzle facing the ceiling. The puppy, while on its back, is allowed to sleep. Hold this position 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 puppy on the towel, feet down. Do not restrain it from moving. Hold this position for 3-5 seconds.

Benefits of Stimulation

Five benefits have been observed in canines that were exposed to the Bio Sensor stimulation exercises. The benefits noted were:

  1. Improved cardio vascular performance (heart rate)
  2. Stronger heart beats
  3. Stronger adrenal glands
  4. More tolerance to stress
  5. Greater resistance to disease

In learning tests, stimulated puppies were found to be more active and exploratory than their non-stimulated littermates, who they were dominant over in competitive situations.

Secondary effects on test performance were also observed. Non-stimulated puppies became extremely aroused, whined a lot, and made a lot of mistakes in simple problem solving tests using detours in a maze. When compared to their stimulated littermates, the stimulated littermates were more calm in the test environment, made fewer errors, and made only an occasional distress sound when stressed.

Socialization

Socialization is critical to the puppy’s success in developing confidence and the ability to deal with new situations. Beginning at day sixteen until the day they go to their forever home, we work daily to ensure our puppies are exposed to as many different situations as possible. There are all age groups in our family to include children as young as two to our grandparents who are eighty-eight. Socializing them eliminates the risk of developing into shy, fearful, and defensive adult dogs. We strive to raise well socialized dogs.

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