ENS & ESI

From the moment a puppy is born, their experiences shape their future temperament, resilience, and overall well-being. That is why we implement Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and Early Scent Introduction (ESI) with every litter. These proven techniques expose puppies to gentle stressors and a variety of scents during their critical early development window, setting them up for success as confident, well-rounded companions. Through these carefully structured exercises, our puppies develop a stronger immune system, better adaptability, and enhanced problem-solving skills—traits that benefit them for life.

Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) consists of five exercises performed daily on each puppy between days 3 and 16 of life. These exercises include tactile stimulation, head elevation, head down positioning, supine positioning, and thermal stimulation. Research has shown that puppies exposed to ENS experience long-term benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, a stronger stress response, and an increased tolerance for new and challenging environments. By implementing this process, we help our puppies develop into dogs that handle stress better, making them ideal companions for families, working environments, and service roles.

Early Scent Introduction (ESI) is another critical component of our early puppy development program. During the same period as ENS, we expose puppies to a variety of scents, introducing them to different smells that help enhance their natural scent detection abilities. This technique is particularly beneficial for hunting dogs, service dogs, and therapy animals, but it also creates an overall well-adjusted pet that is more confident and curious about the world around them. Puppies that undergo ESI tend to have a stronger ability to process new environments and changes, reducing the likelihood of fear-based behaviors as they mature.

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• Improved cardiovascular performance and stronger heart function

• Greater tolerance to stress and enhanced resilience

• Increased learning capacity and problem-solving skills

• Strengthened immune system for better overall health

• Enhanced ability to process and react to new environments

• Greater scent recognition and sensitivity, ideal for working and service dogs

• A well-rounded, confident puppy that transitions smoothly into their new home

Benefits of ENS and ESI:

Our Puppy Curriculum

Beyond ENS and ESI, we continue to shape our puppies' development with a specialized curriculum from three weeks of age until they go home. This curriculum includes a variety of tactile experiences, exposing puppies to different textures and materials such as blankets, reflective squares, and tactile obstacles with bumpy surfaces. These experiences help puppies become comfortable with new sensations, ensuring they grow into adaptable and confident dogs. By introducing these elements early on, we prepare our puppies to navigate diverse environments with ease.

We also engage our puppies in scent-based games, such as hide-and-find activities where they use their noses to locate treats. This strengthens their problem-solving skills and enhances their natural scent detection abilities, a crucial trait for both working dogs and family pets. Additionally, we incorporate obstacle-based challenges, including ball pits, tunnels, and snuffle mats, to further encourage exploration and confidence-building. These activities help our puppies develop a love for learning and adaptability to new situations.

To further stimulate cognitive development, we introduce brain game feeding bowls that require puppies to flip latches and maneuver compartments to access their food. This fosters critical thinking and perseverance, preparing them for real-world challenges. Additionally, we introduce new objects daily—such as pillows, helium balloons, and even fruits like cantaloupe—to spark curiosity and build confidence in exploring the world. We also expose our puppies to various noises, including doorbells, door knocking, various home environment sounds, public malls, loud roads, trains, thunderstorms, children in a park, fireworks, sirens, airplanes, and car rides. Throughout the day, they listen to jazz and classical music to create a calming environment and further enrich their sensory experience.

Activities Included in Our Puppy Curriculum:

• Tactile introduction to different textures and materials

• Hide-and-find scent games

• Obstacle-based challenges (ball pits, tunnels, snuffle mats)

• Brain game feeding bowls for problem-solving

• Daily exposure to new objects such as balloons, pillows, and fruits

• Noise exposure (doorbells, sirens, fireworks, thunderstorms, etc.)

Benefits of Our Puppy Curriculum:

• Enhanced problem-solving and cognitive skills

• Increased adaptability and resilience to new experiences

• Improved scent recognition and tracking ability

• Boosted confidence in different environments

• Strengthened socialization with various stimuli

• Reduced fear and anxiety towards loud noises and new situations

• Improved trainability and readiness for future learning

Temperament Evaluations

To ensure each puppy finds the best possible home, we conduct temperament evaluations following the Badass Breeder Puppy Evaluation process. This method provides detailed insights into a puppy’s personality, strengths, and adaptability, helping families select a puppy that matches their lifestyle and needs. By assessing temperament early on, we set both the puppy and their new family up for long-term success.

The Badass Breeder temperament test evaluates puppies in categories such as confidence, human focus, energy level, assertiveness, resilience, motivation, and touch tolerance. Each puppy is observed in a variety of scenarios to determine how they react to new experiences, challenges, and stressors. This helps us gauge which puppies may excel as therapy or service dogs, which would thrive in active households, and which are best suited for calmer environments.

Temperament Categories Assessed:

• Confidence: How well the puppy approaches new situations and environments

• Human Focus: The puppy’s desire to engage and connect with people

• Energy Level: The amount of activity and drive the puppy naturally has

• Assertiveness: How the puppy expresses itself and reacts in social interactions

• Resilience: How quickly the puppy recovers from mild stress or correction

• Motivation: The puppy’s willingness to work for food, praise, or toys

• Touch Tolerance: How comfortable the puppy is with handling and physical touch

Through this structured evaluation process, we gain valuable insights into each puppy’s personality and tendencies. This information allows us to match families with the perfect puppy for their lifestyle, ensuring a smooth transition into their forever home. By selecting one of our puppies, you’re gaining a companion whose temperament has been thoughtfully assessed to fit seamlessly into your life.

Adopt your puppy today!