Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) ...
We go further than just ENS! Scroll down for sound desensitization information!
About The Author:
Carmen L Battaglia holds a Ph.D. and Masters Degree from Florida State University. As an AKC judge, researcher and writer, he has been a leader in promotion of breeding better dogs and has written many articles and several books. Dr. Battaglia is also a popular TV and radio talk show speaker. His seminars on breeding dogs, selecting sires and choosing puppies have been well received by the breed clubs all over the country.
Carmen L Battaglia holds a Ph.D. and Masters Degree from Florida State University. As an AKC judge, researcher and writer, he has been a leader in promotion of breeding better dogs and has written many articles and several books. Dr. Battaglia is also a popular TV and radio talk show speaker. His seminars on breeding dogs, selecting sires and choosing puppies have been well received by the breed clubs all over the country.
The U.S. Military in their canine program developed a method that still serves as a guide to what works. In an effort to improve the performance of dogs used for military purposes, a program called "Bio Sensor" was developed. Later, it became known to the public as the "Super Dog" Program. Based on years of research, the military learned that early neurological stimulation exercises could have important and lasting effects. Their studies confirmed that there are specific time periods early in life when neurological stimulation has optimum results. The first period involves a window of time that begins at the third day of life and lasts until the sixteenth day. It is believed that because this interval of time is a period of rapid neurological growth and development, and therefore is of great importance to the individual.
The "Bio Sensor" program was also concerned with early neurological stimulation in order to give the dog a superior advantage. Its development utilized six exercises which were designed to stimulate the neurological system. Each workout involved handling puppies once each day. The workouts required handling them 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. The handling of each pup once per day involves the following exercises:
The "Bio Sensor" program was also concerned with early neurological stimulation in order to give the dog a superior advantage. Its development utilized six exercises which were designed to stimulate the neurological system. Each workout involved handling puppies once each day. The workouts required handling them 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. The handling of each pup once per day involves the following exercises:
- Tactical stimulation (between toes)
- Head held erect
- Head pointed down
- Supine position
- Thermal stimulation
Early Neurological Stimulation
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These five exercises will produce neurological stimulations, none of which naturally occur during this early period of life. Experience shows that sometimes pups will resist these exercises, others will appear unconcerned. In either case a caution is offered to those who plan to use them. Do not repeat them more than once per day and do not extend the time beyond that recommended for each exercise. Over stimulation of the neurological system can have adverse and detrimental results. These exercises impact the neurological system by kicking it into action earlier than would be normally expected, the result being an increased capacity that later will help to make the difference in its performance. Those who play with their pups and routinely handle them should continue to do so because the neurological exercises are not substitutions for routine handling, play socialization or bonding.
Benefits Of Stimulation
Five benefits have been observed in canines that were exposed to the Bio Sensor stimulation exercises. The benefits noted were:
Secondary effects were also noted regarding test performance. In simple problem solving tests using detours in a maze, the non-stimulated pups became extremely aroused, whined a great deal, and made many errors. Their stimulated littermates were less disturbed or upset by test conditions and when comparisons were made, the stimulated littermates were more calm in the test environment, made fewer errors and gave only an occasional distress sound when stressed.
A study found that while puppies are growing they are learning because their nervous systems are developing and storing information that may be of inestimable use at a later date. Studies by Scott and Fuller confirm that non-enriched pups, when given free choice, preferred to stay in their kennels. Other litter mates who were given only small amounts of outside stimulation between five and eight weeks of age were found to be very inquisitive and very active. When kennel doors were left open, the enriched pups would come bounding out while littermates who were not exposed to enrichment would remain behind. The non-stimulated pups would typically be fearful of unfamiliar objects and generally preferred to withdraw rather than investigate. Even well-bred pups of superior pedigrees would not explore or leave their kennels, and many were found difficult to train as adults. These pups, in many respects, were similar to deprived children. They acted as if they had become institutionalized, preferring the routine and safe environment of their kennel to the stimulating world outside their immediate place of residence.
- Improved cardio vascular performance (heart rate)
- Stronger heart beats
- Stronger adrenal glands
- More tolerance to stress
- Greater resistance to disease
Secondary effects were also noted regarding test performance. In simple problem solving tests using detours in a maze, the non-stimulated pups became extremely aroused, whined a great deal, and made many errors. Their stimulated littermates were less disturbed or upset by test conditions and when comparisons were made, the stimulated littermates were more calm in the test environment, made fewer errors and gave only an occasional distress sound when stressed.
A study found that while puppies are growing they are learning because their nervous systems are developing and storing information that may be of inestimable use at a later date. Studies by Scott and Fuller confirm that non-enriched pups, when given free choice, preferred to stay in their kennels. Other litter mates who were given only small amounts of outside stimulation between five and eight weeks of age were found to be very inquisitive and very active. When kennel doors were left open, the enriched pups would come bounding out while littermates who were not exposed to enrichment would remain behind. The non-stimulated pups would typically be fearful of unfamiliar objects and generally preferred to withdraw rather than investigate. Even well-bred pups of superior pedigrees would not explore or leave their kennels, and many were found difficult to train as adults. These pups, in many respects, were similar to deprived children. They acted as if they had become institutionalized, preferring the routine and safe environment of their kennel to the stimulating world outside their immediate place of residence.
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The Benefits of Sound Desensitization for French Bulldog Puppies
Sound desensitization is a vital process in a puppy’s early development, helping them become accustomed to a wide range of noises in a controlled and gradual way. By introducing puppies to various sounds during their critical socialization period, breeders can prevent the development of noise-related anxiety or phobias later in life. This process not only reduces fear and stress in dogs but also helps them grow into more confident, adaptable companions.
One of the key benefits of sound desensitization is the prevention of noise-related phobias. Puppies that are not exposed to common sounds such as thunderstorms, fireworks, or household appliances may develop anxiety when encountering these noises as adults. By gradually introducing these sounds at a low volume and slowly increasing the intensity, puppies learn that these noises are not threatening, reducing their likelihood of developing irrational fears. This training helps puppies remain calm in situations that might otherwise provoke stress.
Additionally, sound desensitization improves a puppy’s focus and behavior during training. Dogs that are sensitive to noises can easily become distracted or startled during training sessions, making it difficult for them to follow commands. A desensitized puppy is more likely to stay focused, leading to more productive and effective training.
Finally, sound desensitization builds confidence and emotional resilience. Puppies that are used to various sounds are less likely to be fearful in new environments. This leads to more adaptable dogs that can handle the unpredictability of life with ease, reducing behavioral problems caused by fear or anxiety.
In conclusion, sound desensitization is an important part of puppy training that provides lasting benefits. It promotes mental well-being, reduces fear, and helps puppies grow into confident, well-adjusted adult dogs, ready to face the world calmly and securely.
One of the key benefits of sound desensitization is the prevention of noise-related phobias. Puppies that are not exposed to common sounds such as thunderstorms, fireworks, or household appliances may develop anxiety when encountering these noises as adults. By gradually introducing these sounds at a low volume and slowly increasing the intensity, puppies learn that these noises are not threatening, reducing their likelihood of developing irrational fears. This training helps puppies remain calm in situations that might otherwise provoke stress.
Additionally, sound desensitization improves a puppy’s focus and behavior during training. Dogs that are sensitive to noises can easily become distracted or startled during training sessions, making it difficult for them to follow commands. A desensitized puppy is more likely to stay focused, leading to more productive and effective training.
Finally, sound desensitization builds confidence and emotional resilience. Puppies that are used to various sounds are less likely to be fearful in new environments. This leads to more adaptable dogs that can handle the unpredictability of life with ease, reducing behavioral problems caused by fear or anxiety.
In conclusion, sound desensitization is an important part of puppy training that provides lasting benefits. It promotes mental well-being, reduces fear, and helps puppies grow into confident, well-adjusted adult dogs, ready to face the world calmly and securely.
