Bichon Puppy Training Program

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Early Neurological Stimulation

The U.S. Military is known for producing highly intelligent dogs as part of its K9 Program. The pup’s intellect can be credited to the military canine program known as “Bio Sensor” which uses a technique called Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS).

Based on years of research, the military learned that ENS exercises could provide dogs with stimulation that can have lasting effects. Their studies showed that there are specific times when neurological stimulation has optimum results. This period of time begins at the third day of life and lasts until the fourteenth day. Research has shown that this interval of time is a period of rapid neurological growth and development, and therefore is of great importance to the puppy.

The Early Neurological Stimulation program uses six techniques that were designed to help develop the puppy’s brain and nervous system. Each technique involves handling the puppies once each day and performing a series of 5 exercises. Several benefits have been observed in canines that were exposed to the ENS exercises, including improved cardiovascular performance (heart rate), stronger heartbeats, stronger adrenal glands, more tolerance to stress, and greater resistance to disease.

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Tactile stimulation

Tickle Paws/Toes With Q-Tip To Gently Spead Paw From Middle

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Head Held Erect

Hold Pup With Head Straight Upward Up For Five Seconds

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Head Pointed Down

Hold Pup Head Reversed And Pointed Downward For Five Seconds

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Supine position

Hold Pup So Back Is Resting In Palm Of Hands For Five Seconds

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Thermal Stimulation

Place Pup On Cool Damp Towel For Five Seconds

Socialization

Socialization is the process of the puppy learning to interact with the world around them. Learning about their environment includes important “firsts” that aid in the puppy’s early development. Socialization starts right at birth as the newborn puppy searches for warmth and nutrition from its mother. Although newborn puppies cannot see or hear, their senses of smell and touch are fully functioning. As part of our breeding program, we begin handling the puppies immediately to help them feel comfortable with a human touch. Between 10-14 days pup’s ears and eyes open and they are slowly ready to experience the world around them.

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Research has shown that it is important to provide enough but not too much stimulation during this second phase, which occurs between weeks 2 and 8. The puppies are incrementally exposed to everyday sounds, like the dishwasher, music, and children. This stimulation helps them get used to the sounds they’ll hear at home and aids neurological development. Between four to eight weeks, puppies grow stronger, more coordinated, and seek out adventures. They begin playing with their littermates and investigating their environment. We socialize your puppy and allow them to experience both the indoors and outdoors, different sounds, smells, people, and even car rides before letting them go to their forever homes.