Skip to Content

Does Your Breeder Do Puppy Socialization?

Home » Does Your Breeder Do Puppy Socialization?

Share with a fellow Aussiedoodle lover!

Early socialization is a crucial aspect of raising well-adjusted, confident, and healthy puppies. Responsible breeders employ various techniques and programs to ensure their puppies receive the best start in life. Among these are Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS), Early Scent Introduction (ESI), touch sensitivity exercises, and the Puppy Culture program. If you comparing Aussiedoodle breeders, ask if they incorporate any of these socialization methods in their puppy raising.

Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)

Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) is a program developed by the U.S. military to improve the performance of future working dogs.

ENS involves a series of gentle exercises performed on puppies between the ages of 3 to 16 days. These exercises are designed to stimulate the neurological system and improve the puppy’s ability to cope with stress.

ENS exercises include:

  • Tactile Stimulation: Gently tickling the puppy between the toes with a cotton swab.
  • Head Held Erect: Holding the puppy with its head upright.
  • Head Pointed Down: Holding the puppy with its head pointed downward.
  • Supine Position: Holding the puppy on its back.
  • Thermal Stimulation: Placing the puppy on a cool, damp towel.

ENS has been shown to provide several benefits, including:

  • Improved cardiovascular performance
  • Stronger heartbeats
  • Stronger adrenal glands
  • Increased stress tolerance
  • Greater resistance to disease

Early Scent Introduction (ESI)

Early Scent Introduction (ESI) is a program that introduces puppies to various scents during the critical early development period. This method is particularly beneficial for breeds used in scent work, such as detection or hunting dogs.

With ESI, breeders expose puppies to different scents by placing items with distinct smells near the puppies’ noses for a few seconds each day. This is done from 3 to 16 days of age.

ESI helps puppies develop:

  • Enhanced scent recognition abilities
  • Increased confidence and curiosity
  • Better problem-solving skills

Touch Sensitivity Exercises

Touch sensitivity exercises are designed to help puppies become comfortable with being handled. This reduces fear and stress during routine activities such as grooming, veterinary visits, and family interactions.

Breeders handle puppies in various ways to expose them to different types of touch:

  • Gentle petting and massaging
  • Holding puppies in different positions
  • Introducing various textures (e.g., soft blankets, different flooring surfaces)

Puppies exposed to touch sensitivity exercises are typically:

  • More relaxed during handling
  • Less fearful of new experiences
  • Easier to groom and care for

While both ENS and touch sensitivity exercises are essential for a puppy’s early development, they serve different purposes and involve different techniques. ENS focuses on early neurological stimulation to promote health and performance, while touch sensitivity exercises aim to make puppies comfortable with handling and reduce their fear of touch-related experiences. Both methods are vital in raising well-adjusted, healthy puppies, and responsible breeders often incorporate both into their socialization practices.

Puppy Culture Program

Puppy Culture is a comprehensive program that covers the critical period from birth to 12 weeks of age. Developed by Jane Killion, it provides a step-by-step guide for breeders and puppy owners to raise well-socialized and well-adjusted puppies. It features:

  • Early Socialization: Introducing puppies to a variety of people, environments, and experiences.
  • Problem Prevention: Teaching puppies to accept being alone, crate training, and housebreaking.
  • Enrichment Activities: Providing mental stimulation through toys, puzzles, and novel experiences.
  • Training Foundations: Introducing basic obedience commands and positive reinforcement training.

Puppies raised with Puppy Culture are more likely to be:

  • Confident and well-adjusted
  • Better equipped to handle stress and new situations
  • Eager learners with a solid foundation for future training

Early socialization through programs like ENS, ESI, touch sensitivity exercises, and Puppy Culture plays a vital role in a puppy’s development. These methods help build a strong foundation for a healthy, confident, and well-adjusted adult dog. Responsible breeders who implement these techniques provide their Aussiedoodles with the best possible start in life, setting them up for success in their future homes.

Paris Permenter
Latest posts by Paris Permenter (see all)