ens AND SOCIALIZATION
At RVA Doodles, we are dedicated to nurturing well-rounded, confident, and healthy Goldendoodle puppies. Our comprehensive approach integrates Socialization, Tactile Stimulation, and Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS), each tailored to the developmental stages of our puppies.
Socialization
Socialization is vital for developing a puppy’s temperament and adaptability. We begin this process from birth, ensuring that our puppies are gently handled and exposed to human interaction daily. This early exposure helps them form positive associations with people, laying the foundation for a friendly and confident adult dog.
Around three weeks of age, as puppies’ senses develop and they become more aware of their surroundings, we introduce them to a variety of stimuli:
• New Environments: We expose them to different areas within our home and safe outdoor spaces, allowing them to explore various settings.
• Sounds and Sights: We introduce common household noises, such as vacuum cleaners and doorbells, thunder sounds as well as different visual stimuli, to help them become accustomed to everyday life.
• People of All Ages: We ensure they interact with adults and children, fostering comfort and positive associations with humans of all ages.
This structured socialization during the critical period between three to twelve weeks is essential for preventing fearfulness and promoting adaptability in new situations.
Tactile Stimulation
Tactile stimulation involves introducing puppies to various textures and surfaces, enhancing their physical development and confidence. Starting from birth, we gently handle each puppy, stimulating their paws, ears, and tails. This early tactile interaction prepares them for future handling during grooming and veterinary visits.
As they grow, we introduce them to different surfaces such as carpet, hardwood, grass, and gravel. This exposure helps them develop motor skills and reduces sensitivity to new environments, contributing to a well-adjusted adult dog.
Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)
Early Neurological Stimulation is a series of specific exercises conducted once daily from the third to the sixteenth day of a puppy’s life—a period of rapid neurological growth and development. These exercises were originally developed by the U.S. Military to improve the performance of future working dogs.
The five exercises involved in ENS are:
1. Tactile Stimulation: Gently tickling between the toes with a cotton swab for 3-5 seconds.
2. Head Held Erect: Holding the puppy perpendicular to the ground (head directly above the tail) for 3-5 seconds.
3. Head Pointed Down: Holding the puppy firmly with both hands, head facing downward towards the ground, for 3-5 seconds.
4. Supine Position: Holding the puppy on its back, with its muzzle facing the ceiling, for 3-5 seconds.
5. Thermal Stimulation: Placing the puppy on a cool, damp towel for 3-5 seconds.
These exercises stimulate the neurological system, leading to benefits such as improved cardiovascular performance, stronger heartbeats, stronger adrenal glands, greater tolerance to stress, and increased resistance to disease.
Why Timing Matters
Implementing these practices during the appropriate developmental windows is crucial:
• Birth to Three Weeks: Early handling and ENS exercises take advantage of the rapid neurological development occurring during this period.
• Three to Twelve Weeks: This is the critical socialization period where positive exposures can significantly influence a puppy’s future behavior and temperament.
By adhering to these timelines, we ensure that our puppies receive the optimal benefits of each developmental practice, leading to well-adjusted and resilient adult dogs.
At RVA Doodles, our commitment to these early developmental practices reflects our dedication to raising Goldendoodles that are not only healthy but also equipped to become beloved members of their future families. Interested in adding a well-socialized Goldendoodle to your family? Contact RVA DOODLES