Neonatal Program
Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) 
Early Scent Introduction (ESI)

Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) 
or Bio Sensor (also referred to as Neonatal Neuro Stimulation) 
Article: Early Neurological Stimulation By Dr. Carmen L. Battaglia

Starting on Day 3 through Day 16, we perform five exercises. We complete the exercises from beginning to end before starting with the next pup. The handling of each pup once per day involves the following exercises:

1. Tactical stimulation (between toes) 
2. Head held erect 
3. Head pointed down 
4. Supine position 
5. Thermal stimulation

Gayle Watkins - Bio-Sensor Excercises
Early Scent Introduction (ESI)

Starting on Day 3 through Day 16, we introduce a new scent daily to each puppy. We use natural items such as grass, dirt and leaves. Essential oils, leather, wooden and plastic items. Fruits, herbs and spices (lemon, apples, rosemary, mint and cloves.) We complete the exercises from beginning to end before starting with the next pup. 

Here is an 18-minute long webinar by Gayle Watkins PhD, the breeder who developed the program. (double click on video to view full screen)
Critical periods in puppy development​
(click on link above)

Neonatal Period
Birth - 12 days 

Breeder provides a safe environment for the whelping of the puppies.  One study shows stressing puppies during the first few weeks develops dogs which are superior when put in learning or competitive situations. They are better able to handle stress, and are quick learners. Mild physical stress at such a young age will actually increase the size of the brain. Puppies can not hear or see well at this point, stays close to mother and littermates.
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The "All Nighter Gang" (A Litter) Newborns

Transition Period
13 - 20 days

During this period, It is important to pick up the pups daily, cuddle them, talk to them, and spend a few minutes with each one individually.
Eyes are now open, puppy can hear, he/she begins to walk in a wobbly fashion.They will begin to respond to taste and smell.
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Two weeks old

​Awareness Period 
​21 - 23 days

Learning begins. A stable environment is crucial. Do not move the whelping pen! It's critical the puppy remain with it's litter mates and mother. Introduce a new surface such as concrete, linoleum, wood, carpet, matting, etc each day.  Puppy is using it's senses of sight and hearing now.
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Three weeks old
Canine Socialization Period
21 - 49 days
Puppies require alot of socialization and need  plenty of playtime with littermates. Puppies should not leave their littermates before 8 weeks of age. This can lead to the puppy's inability to get along with other dogs later and therefore will likely have trouble learning to inhibit the force of their bite. Each puppy needs one-on-one individual attention with humans.  It is good to isolate puppies from their littermates to prepare them for separation. Puppy's rate of mental development will depend on the complexity of their environment. It is important to expose the puppy to a variety of noises and different floor surfaces. Begin positive training at 5 weeks old.
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Four Weeks old
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Four Weeks old

Human Socialization Period
7 - 12 weeks

The best time to welcome a new puppy into your new home is around week 7 or 8. It's a critical period in which puppy should be socialized - maximize this time! Strongly encourage enrolling in a good puppy class! Ideal time to capitalize on educating your puppy. Take into account puppy's short attention span.
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Diamond Diva at 9.5wks

Fear Impact Period
8 - 11 weeks

Keep training fun. Keep all training positive and use short sessions as puppies have short attention span.  Set goals for your puppy to excel. This kind of mindset will enable you to be successful, as you continue to socialize your puppy. This phase falls within the human imprint period. Anything that scares your puppy during this period will have a more lasting effect than if it occurred at any other time in it's life.
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Crystal Cadi ( C Litter, purple collar) 9wks old
Seniority Classification Period
10 - 16 weeks

This transition should be relatively painless as you provide structure and consistency. If these things are not provided, all heck is will break loose!  Puppy has been in the home for approximately six weeks. This phase is known as the "period of cutting teeth and apron strings." Pups will attempt to resolve where they fit in the pack.
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Eli at 14wks

Flight Instinct Period
4 - 8 months

You may notice  changes in your dog during this time, he or she is probably going through his or her  "flight instinct" period. Similar to a teenager going through puberty, your puppy is changing physiologically. Your awareness of these changes in behavior will help get you through this difficult period. Now  time when obedience schools get most of their calls. Puppies that have not been socialized and trained take a different path in life than pups that have.
"Praise the positive and minimize the negative during this time!"
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Diamond Diva 5.5 months old

Second Fear Period
6 - 14 months

Puppies experience a fear in new situations and must be handled with the utmost patience. Be sure to enforce positive socialization exposure, but be careful to avoid overwhelming situations. Throwing him in to "sink or swim", should be avoided. Your puppy may appear apprehensive so be sure not to pressure him. Let him or her approach as he or she is ready. It's important to praise confidence.   During this stage, puppy begins to mature sexually: a male will begin to lift his leg, and a female will experience her first heat anywhere from 6-12 months. It's puppy coat will be replaced by it's adult coat, starting down the spine. 
"Praise the positive and minimize the negative during this time!"
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1 year

Maturity
1 - 4 years

When this period has been reached, It's important that your pup remains crated or similar structure when you are not able  to supervise his behavior.  If you were lax in training, starting at 9-10 weeks and on, you may now see the things you have missed: object guarding, unfavorable reactions towards unfamiliar people, animals, or things that your dog missed during the socialization period.
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Eli 3.5yrs old
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