Early Neurological Stimulation

The U.S. Military developed a method in their canine program for early neurological stimulation. Based on years of research, they learned that early neurological stimulation exercises could have important and lasting effects.

In modern day, this same methodology has been incorporated into the latest puppy development programs, and many breeders are seeing the benefits. At Black Creek Doodles, we perform early neurological stimulation on all of our puppies from days 3-16.

It is believed that because the early days of a puppy's life is a period of rapid neurological growth and development, the program has optimal effect between 3 and 16 days old.

The workout involves handling puppies once each day, performing a series of five exercises.

Early Neurological Stimulation for puppies improves the development of the puppies' neurological systems by early stimulation and stress. Five benefits have been observed in dogs that were exposed to the Bio Sensor stimulation exercises:

• Improved Cardiovascular Performance
• Stronger Heart Beats
• Stronger Adrenal Glands
• More Tolerance to Stress
• Greater Resistance to Disease

Early Neurological Stimulation is performed in addition to socialization and handling, and helps our puppies to get an even better start in their early development. Below are the five exercises designed to stimulate the neurological system of a newborn puppy.

1. TACTILE STIMULATION

   Hold the puppy in one hand, the handler gently stimulates (tickles) the pup between the toes on any one foot using a Q-tip. It is not necessary to see that the pup is feeling the tickle. Time of stimulation 3 - 5 seconds.

2. HEAD HELD ERECT

   Using both hands, the pup is held perpendicular to the ground, (straight up), so that its head is directly above its tail. This is an upwards position. Time of stimulation 3 - 5 seconds.

3. HEAD POINTED DOWN

   Hold the puppy firmly with both hands the head is reversed and is pointed downward so that it is pointing towards the ground. Time of stimulation 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 pup while on its back is allowed to sleep struggle. Time of stimulation 3 - 5 seconds.

5. THERMAL STIMULATION

   Use a damp towel that has been cooled in a refrigerator for at least five minutes. Place the pup on the towel, feet down. Do not restrain it from moving. Time of stimulation 3 - 5 seconds.