Training schedule and outline: The purpose of the training outline is to help our clients better understand what their puppy is learning and why each phase is important. Videos of training will be linked to Cue or Example Videos in tan color below:

Newborn - One month old:  Starting on Day 3, going till Day 16, performed once a day, the pups will start  Early Neurological Stimulation

The US Military developed this method, designed to improve the performance of future military working dogs, according to the Breeding Better Dogs program developed by Dr. Carmen Battaglia, esteemed breeder, judge, seminar presenter, and AKC board member.

ENS requires handling the puppies one at a time while performing a series of five exercises. Listed in order of preference, the handler starts with one pup and stimulates it using each of the five exercises. The handler completes the series from beginning to end before starting with the next pup.

 1 .Tactile stimulation - holding the pup 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 - holding the pup 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 pup 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. 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. 

At two weeks old, the litter's eyes and ears are opening, and they are becoming more mobile. This is also when the litter will have their nails clipped for the first time.

Week 3 -4: Your pup is 3-4 weeks old and is starting to eat blended puppy food, which begins the weaning process from their mother. This is when we introduce the food whistle.  What is the “food whistle” The “food whistle” is a training tool that pairs a distinct whistle sound with positive reinforcement to establish a reliable recall command.   

Why do we do it? Teaching a puppy the whistle at that age is particularly effective because puppies at this age have heightened auditory perception and are highly receptive to forming associations. Early training helps solidify the connection between the whistle and the reward, creating a deeply ingrained response. This early conditioning ensures the puppy will respond promptly to the whistle, even in distracting environments, enhancing their safety and control as they grow.