At Rigas Mini Aussies we are constantly striving to provide the best foundation possible for the puppies that will one day leave us to live in their forever home. This means, starting at three days old, we introduce them to countless sounds, textures, objects, stimulations, experiences and fun! We have developed a routine with our puppies that includes Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS), Early Scent Introduction (ESI), and the Rule of 7s Socialization Technique.
Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and Early Scent Introduction (ESI) are simple exercises designed to help aid in a puppy’s development, resilience and coping mechanisms. Performing ENS and ESI exercies each day during the early development phase:
Introduces puppies to mild stresses in a controlled way.
Improves stress responses in later life.
Stimulates the neurological system.
Improves puppies' growth, immune, and cardiovascular systems.
Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)
Early Neurological Simulation (ENS) is a technique developed to improve the long-term ability of dogs to adjust to change.
ENS is done for two consecutive weeks, starting when the puppies are three days old. The process consists of five simple and harmless exercises designed to stimulate a puppy’s neurological system. Each of the exercises is done for 3-5 seconds once a day. The exercises consist of:
Tactile Stimulation – Tickling the Puppies Toes with a Q-tip
Supine Position – Holding the Puppy in Both Hands Belly Up
Head Up – Holding the Puppy with Head Up and Tail Down
Head Down – Holding the Puppy with Tail Up and Head Down
Thermal Stimulation – Placing the Puppy on its Side on a Damp Cool Towel
Early Scent Introduction (ESI)
Early Scent Introduction (ESI) is done in conjunction with ENS training. It is designed to enhance a puppy’s ability to identify, and react to, specific scents. Each day, puppies are introduced to a strong scent for brief intervals. We use items such as herbs and essential oils, but no treats or dog food items. We watch to see if a puppy engages and for how long. The ESI process increases a puppy’s potential to be an even better companion, service, or therapy dog.
Rule of 7s Socialization Technique
The Rule of 7s technique was developed to encourage socialization through experiences that are kept safe and positive. The basis for the Rule of 7s is not specific training but simple exposure in a supervised environment prior to 7 weeks of age. We use the Rule of 7s technique to introduce our Mini Aussie puppies to a variety of new environments and experiences that will help boost confidence, social behavior, and their trainability.
We start by introducing our puppies to 7 new things they haven’t seen or experienced before. After they have mastered those items (approximately four days later), we expose them to 7 new items. We continue this process until our puppies leave us at eight weeks old for their new homes. Our goal is to send home a puppy that is well-balanced, confident, and able to adapt to new situations more quickly.
Our list of items and experiences used in socializing puppies is always evolving and expanding. Once a puppy leaves us for their new home, they will have experienced at least the following:
Been on 7 different types of surfaces.
Played with 7 different types of objects.
Been in 7 different locations.
Met and played with 7 new people.
Been exposed to 7 new challenges.
Eaten from 7 different containers.
Eaten in 7 different locations.
Been in a crate at least 7 different times.
Ridden at least 7 miles in a car.
The most influential time of a puppy’s life is between three and six weeks. Raised in our home, puppies are constantly exposed to new sights, smells and sounds. Talking, laughing, objects being dropped, meal preparation, power tools, vacuum cleaner, and laundry being done. They are encouraged to explore and play to build confidence.
Once home, we encourage our new puppy families to continue socializing with their puppy in a positive way: a puppy training class, puppy play group, or neighbor’s yard.
