Our Puppy Curriculum
Puppy Early Neurological Stimulation: A Strong Foundation for a Lifetime of Health and Success
At Palmetto Moon Poodles, we understand the significance of a strong foundation when it comes to raising healthy and successful puppies. That's why we prioritize Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) as an integral part of our breeding program. Developed by the US Military to improve the performance of future military working dogs, ENS is a set of techniques that involves gentle manipulation and stimulation of newborn puppies during their critical developmental period.
The first few weeks of a puppy's life are crucial for their overall well-being. During this time, their nervous system is rapidly developing, and their brains are highly receptive to environmental stimuli. By implementing ENS, we aim to enhance the neurological development of our puppies, preparing them for the challenges and experiences they'll encounter throughout their lives.
Early Neurological Stimulation
ENS involves five key techniques that are performed daily from the time the puppies are born until they reach the age of 16 days.
These techniques include:
Tactile Stimulation: We lightly massage and stimulate the puppies' entire bodies using a warm towel to mimic the sensation of being licked by their mother. This gentle touch encourages healthy circulation and helps them grow accustomed to human touch.
Head Held High: We hold each puppy upright, supporting their heads and elevating them for a few seconds. This position helps improve their balance and proprioception, enabling them to have better coordination and body awareness as they grow.
Supine Position: We gently place each puppy on their backs for a brief period, exposing them to a vulnerable position. This technique helps them become more adaptable and relaxed in various situations, reducing their fear response and promoting resilience.
Thermal Stimulation: Using a damp, cool cloth, we stroke the puppies' paws gently. This technique imitates the sensation of damp grass, which exposes them to different textures and temperatures. It helps develop their tolerance to environmental changes and assists in building their confidence.
Auditory Stimulation: We expose the puppies to different sounds, such as clapping or the sound of a ringing bell. This helps them become familiar with various noises and stimulates their auditory senses, laying a foundation for improved hearing and adaptability.
ENS is a scientifically backed practice that neurological research has shown to have long-lasting effects on a puppy's development. When puppies are exposed to these gentle stimuli early in life, their brains form vital connections, promoting optimal cognitive function and reducing the risk of certain behavioral issues later on.
By employing ENS as part of our comprehensive breeding program, we set each Palmetto Moon puppy up for success with an investment in their future. The stimulation techniques we utilize help them become well-adjusted, adaptable, and confident individuals, better equipped to handle the challenges of the world around them. It is our commitment to providing not only physically healthy puppies but also well-rounded individuals who can bring joy and companionship to their forever homes.
Early Scent Introduction
What is the Early Scent Introduction program?
Our Puppy Early Scent Introduction program is a carefully crafted initiative that exposes our puppies to a variety of scents at an early age. We believe that this early introduction to different smells allows our puppies to develop a strong foundation for their future training and socialization.
The Benefits of Early Scent Introduction
Early scent introduction offers numerous benefits to our puppies.
1. Enhanced Sensory Development: Dogs' sense of smell is one of their strongest senses. By introducing them to various scents early on, we help them strengthen their olfactory abilities, which can make them more adept at tracking scents or detecting odors in the future.
2. Reduced Fear and Anxiety: Exposing our puppies to a wide range of smells from an early age can help desensitize them to unfamiliar scents. This can reduce fear and anxiety, making them more confident and adaptable in new environments.
3. Improved Training Potential: By introducing our puppies to specific scents related to obedience training, such as treats or essential oils, we can establish positive associations and enhance their receptiveness to future training sessions. This can significantly improve their learning abilities as they grow.
4. Stress Reduction: The familiar scents the puppies are introduced to help create a comforting and secure environment for them. This can minimize stress, especially during the transition from our facility to their new homes.
How We Implement the Program
At Palmetto Moon Poodles, our expert team of breeders and trainers follows a comprehensive process to ensure the success of our Puppy Early Scent Introduction program:
1. Gradual Exposure: We gradually introduce puppies to various scents in a controlled and safe manner. This allows them to acclimate to different smells without overwhelming them.
2. Positive Reinforcement: We utilize positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats, praise, and play, to create positive associations with the scents our puppies are exposed to. This fosters a love for learning and establishes a strong foundation for future training.
3. Safety First: We ensure the scents used in the program are safe for our puppies and do not pose any health risks. Our team closely monitors the puppies during the introduction process to ensure their well-being.
Join Palmetto Moon Poodles in Nurturing Your Puppy's Potential
At Palmetto Moon Poodles, we are dedicated to providing our puppies with the best possible start in life. Our Puppy Early Scent Introduction program is just one of the many ways we ensure their well-being and future success. If you are considering bringing home one of our beloved poodles, rest assured that they have received a comprehensive early scent introduction, setting them up for a bright and promising future.
Contact us today to learn more about our program and explore the wonderful poodles available for adoption. Together, let's nurture your puppy's potential and create a strong bond that will last a lifetime.