“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” ~Philippians 4:13
The initial three weeks of our puppies’ lives are focused on nurturing their bond with Mom. Yet, we recognize the importance of connecting with them and introducing short, manageable stressors to foster resiliency and healthier immune systems. By incorporating Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS), Early Scent Introduction (ESI), and the 10-Step Handling Exercise into our daily routine with these newborn puppies, we can create lasting change that significantly benefits their lives.
Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS), developed by the visionary Dr. Carmen Battaglia, involves tactile and thermal stimulation that exposes puppies to mild stressors, enhancing their stress responses and fortifying their futures.
Early Scent Introduction (ESI) enriches each puppy’s experience by exposing them to a variety of scents, fostering nose awareness and confidence essential for future working roles, including diabetic alert, law enforcement, and hunting. This important exercise was created by Dr. Gayle Watkins, an accomplished Golden Retriever breeder and scientist.
At this early age, the introduction of the 10-Step Handling Exercise brings a gentle massage that gradually increases in pressure each week, shaping a dog that is comfortable with different types of touch. This technique, developed by Jeanette Forrey of 4EKennels and the creator of the Empowered Breeder program, serves as the cornerstone of our breeding philosophy.
As we reach three weeks, we embrace a more advanced curriculum through the Empowered Breeder Program, introducing diverse textures, sounds, and environments weekly—always in alignment with their developmental milestones. Every step we take contributes to their incredible journey ahead.
