Our Puppy Curriculum

ESI is a practice that involves exposing newborn puppies to a wide variety of natural scents, from 3 days old to 16 days old. With the sense of smell being dogs' primary sense, exposing puppies to new scents daily during this period of critical developmental offers multiple benefits including:

• Enhanced Scenting Ability: By introducing new scents during their critical developmental stages, puppies become more adept at identifying and reacting to specific smells. *This is especially important for service or therapy dogs.
• Confidence and Stability: ESI enhances puppies’ confidence and stability as they grow into adults. Familiarity with various scents helps them navigate the world with assurance.
• Reduced Behavioral Issues: Puppies exposed to ESI may experience fewer behavioral problems in the long term.

ENS involves performing 5 exercises with each puppy daily between 3 days old and 16 days old. These 5 exercises include, head-up, head-down, supine, thermal, and tactile. Performing these exercises with puppies during this time of rapid neurological growth offers life-long benefits including:

• Improved Cardiovascular Performance (Heart Rate): ENS has been associated with stronger heartbeats in puppies. This improved cardiovascular function may contribute to overall health and vitality. 
• Stronger Adrenal Glands: The adrenal glands play a crucial role in stress response and overall well-being. ENS may enhance the development and function of these glands.
• More Tolerance to Stress: Puppies exposed to ENS may exhibit better stress management. This can lead to more resilient and adaptable adult dogs.
• Greater Resistance to Disease: ENS may boost the immune system, making puppies more resistant to infections and illnesses.

Desensitization training is the gradual exposure to stimuli they will likely experience throughout their life -- think thunderstorms, sirens, grooming tools, car rides etc. Beginning exposure to these potentially fearful stimuli at a young age, offers several benefits for puppies:

• Reduced Anxiety and Fear: Gradual exposure to feared stimuli helps puppies overcome anxiety and fear, helping them feel more at ease. 
• Improved Coping Mechanisms: Puppies learn how to manage their reactions to triggers. Desensitization teaches them healthier ways to cope with stressors.
• Enhanced Social Skills: Puppies become more comfortable around other dogs, people, or new environments. Positive associations replace negative feelings, leading to more relaxed interactions.

From birth our puppies are exposed to children and other dogs. Starting at 4-weeks old, we socialize our puppies with individuals who don't live in our home, think neighbors (and their dogs), extended family, friends etc -- everyone enjoys visiting and loving on the puppies. Here are the benefits of exposing puppies early on to a wide variety of people:

• Behavioral Development: Proper socialization helps puppies develop positive behaviors and coping mechanisms. It reduces the likelihood of fear, anxiety, and aggression as they grow into adults.
• Confidence Building: Exposure to various people and animals builds a puppy’s confidence. They learn that new situations are not threatening and can adapt more easily.
• Reduced Fear: Well-socialized puppies are less likely to be fearful of common stimuli like loud noises, strangers, or other dogs. This leads to a happier and more relaxed dog.
• Improved Training: Socialized puppies are more receptive to training. They learn to focus on their owners, follow commands, and handle distractions effectively.
• Positive Associations: Early exposure to different experiences creates positive associations. Puppies learn that novel things are enjoyable and not something to fear.
• Better Health: Socialization involves vet visits, grooming, and handling. Puppies become comfortable with these activities, making future healthcare easier.