What is Early Neural Stimulation and
Why Bother?

The U.S. Military developed a method on their canine program that is
the basis of the Early Neural Stimulation Program used here at
Westwood Labradoodles, and by other top breeders as well.  In an
effort to improve the performance of dogs used for military purposes,
a program called "Bio Sensor" was developed.  Utilizing information
gleaned from years of research, the military learned that performing
early neurological stimulation exercises with puppies could have
important and lasting effects. The studies showed that there are
specific time periods early in life when neurological stimulation has
maximum results. The first period involves a period of time that
begins at the third day of life and lasts until the sixteenth day, because
this interval of time is a period of rapid neurological growth and
development.

The "Bio Sensor" program was also concerned with early neurological
stimulation in order to give the dog a superior advantage. Each
session involved handling puppies once each day. The workouts
required handling them one at a time while performing a series of five
exercises.  The handling of each pup once per day involves the
following exercises, all performed on each pup before moving on to
the next pup:

1. Tactile stimulation - holding the pup in one hand, the handler
gently 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.
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 or struggle. 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. The pup is not restrained from moving. Time of stimulation 3-5
seconds.

This type of program does not replace the daily handling each pup
receives beginning the moment it is born.  Rather, it is in addition to
that handing, and is done with the specific timing and purpose
maximizing development of the nervous system for trainability.

Author: Helene Roussi


Search our site to find what you need to know!
Central Ohio is home to Westwood Doodles!
Westwood Doodles:
Labradoodles, Goldendoodles,
and North American Retrievers
Bookmark and Share