What sets our puppies apart

Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) exercises are conducted daily from the third to the 16th days, a critical period believed to coincide with rapid neurological growth and development in puppies. Although puppies are notably immature during this phase, they are highly receptive to and influenced by ENS.

This method, developed by the US Military to enhance the performance of future military working dogs, aligns with the Breeding Better Dogs program established by Dr. Carmen Battaglia, a respected breeder, judge, seminar presenter, and AKC board member. ENS involves individual handling of puppies to carry out a set of five exercises in a specific sequence.  Each pup undergoes this stimulation once daily.

Five benefits have been observed in canines that were exposed to ENS, including improved cardiovascular performance (heart rate); stronger heart beats; stronger adrenal glands; more tolerance to stress; and greater resistance to disease.

    Newborn puppies come into the world with vulnerable immune systems, making them prone to infections and other health challenges. To give them the healthiest start to life we provide fresh frozen plasma (FFP). FFP is packed with important proteins and immunoglobulins that play a crucial role in boosting the immune response in our young puppies.

    Fresh frozen plasma is a valuable source of immunoglobulins, particularly immunoglobulin G (IgG), which is essential for transferring passive immunity and providing immediate protection against a wide range of pathogens. FFP also contains other beneficial immunoglobulins like IgA and IgM, which further strengthen the puppies' immune response. By supplying these essential components, FFP helps fortify developing immune systems during this critical stage.

     Newborn puppies heavily rely on passive immunity transferred from their mothers to fight off infections in their early days. However, factors such as inadequate colostrum intake or illness in the mother can hinder this transfer. FFP administration can bridge this gap by providing a concentrated source of immunoglobulins, including IgG. Timely administration of FFP significantly enhances passive immunity, giving newborn puppies a stronger defense against infectious agents.

     Given their immature immune systems, neonate puppies face an increased risk of infections. FFP offers a significant boost to their disease resistance by providing a wide array of antibodies and immune proteins. These components act as the first line of defense, neutralizing pathogens and bolstering the puppies' ability to fight off infections. By enhancing their immune response, FFP administration contributes to the overall health of newborn puppies.

     In recent years, the oral administration of FFP to newborn puppies has emerged as a convenient alternative for immune support. Initial studies have shown promising results in terms of immunoglobulin absorption and immune response stimulation.

ESI is a tool we use for puppies to expose them to different scents during their critical developmental stages, we start ESI at day 3 and continue to 16 days after birth.

This process  involves placing a scented item near the puppy, allowing it to investigate and familiarise itself with the scent. This can range from natural odours such as leaves and soil to human-made ones like various fabrics or tools.

During the first few weeks of a dog’s life, its brain undergoes rapid development. This period, often referred to as the “critical window,” is a prime time for puppies to learn and adapt to various stimuli.

Introducing varied scents during this phase can influence a dog’s neural pathways, making them more adept at processing and reacting to different smells throughout their lives.

• Enhanced Cognitive Abilities: Just as early childhood experiences shape human brain development, ESI helps in the cognitive growth of dogs. Regular exposure to new scents stimulates their brains, which may result in enhanced problem-solving abilities and adaptability in unfamiliar environments.
• Temperament and Confidence Building: Dogs introduced to a diverse array of smells from a young age are often more confident and less fearful in unfamiliar situations. This can reduce stress-related behaviours and make them more resilient to changing environments.
• Preparation for Specialised Roles: Dogs trained for specific jobs, whether in search and rescue, police work, or service roles, benefit immensely from ESI. An early introduction to various scents can lay the foundation for their specialised training, making them more efficient and adept in their respective roles.
• Improved Socialisation: Exposure to diverse scents, especially those associated with humans (e.g., perfumes, lotions), other animals, or different environments, can enhance a dog’s social skills. This can be particularly useful for ensuring that dogs are well-adjusted and non-aggressive in multi-pet households or public places.

Early Scent Introduction, while a simple process, can have profound and lasting effects on a dog’s life. By leveraging the critical developmental window and a dog’s inherent olfactory capabilities, ESI fosters cognitive growth, confidence, and adaptability.

Whether preparing a puppy for a specialised role or merely aiming for a well-adjusted family pet, the practice of ESI stands as a testament to the intricate bond between sensory experiences and overall well-being in dogs.

We are committed to healthy puppies. We have incorporated embark health screening for all of our puppies arriving. Each puppy will come with a detailed list of genetic markers, traits, and genetic makeup for you to take home. This gives you the peace of mind knowing we have done everything possible to provide a happy healthy puppy for their longevity. You can visit the embark website to view more information on the detailed information that will be provided with each puppy. 

Starting at crucial windows in your puppies progress each week we will have socialization session. We focus on the BAB curriculum. This gives us weekly activities for puppies to focus on depending on the crucial developmental stages we are at. This progresses throughout the remainder of time your puppy is with us. Additionally we have have developed an outdoor enrichment area to provide puppies with lots of activities to help stimulate their thinking skills and strengthen confidence. This area gives them opportunities for learning and exploring.