So , as promised, here is a little bit more information about ESI and ENS programs, what we use concurrently for neonatal puppies.
Early Scent Introduction program was developed by Gayle Watkins for the working Retrievers and then widely adopted by breeders of dogs involved in Scent , Field trials and Search work. There are a special protocol of introduction of different groups of scents to puppies from 3 to 16 days of their life.The idea behind it is stimulation of areas of brain responsible for scent processing.
Puppies are born with their eyes and ears closed . They interacting with this world by smell and touch predominantly in first 2 weeks period .Therefor , we have unique possibility to help their brain build more neural connection for scent memories and develop better .
Once a day we introduce new scent to puppies and keep record of their reaction to each . Scents items can be natural - like grass in these pictures , cloth , metal , birds feathers , etc. Selection of scents for this program is different then in our Socialization to Scents program what we will run a bit later with these babies.
Another neonatal program is Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) - also known as "Super dog program" and "Bio-sensor program". Based on scientific research for military dogs , it was then popularized by
Dr. Battaglia . Method applies the series of specially formulated holding positions or light tactile or thermal interaction , which provide right amount of eustress to stimulate nervous system . Short, few seconds stimulation shapes neonatal development to give puppies more tolerance to stress , greater immune response and resistance to diseases and more .
It need to be done carefully and with individual approach to each litter and each puppy to avoid an over-stimulation. In case of this Zoe's litter - they were great candidates for ENS to give them extra bonus in their development : this babies were born naturally , quick and easy, Mommy Zoe has plenty of milk and she is fantastic mother , cleaning and licking her pups , nursing with no problem , pups are gaining weight right on schedule . There is no stress in their little life, therefor ENS is very beneficial for them. Here is a couple of short videos for you , if you are interested how it is done.
