“Early Neurologic Stimulation” and Neonatal Learning

An introduction:

The environment and experiences during neonatal development in puppies has a significant influence on both the physical and behavioral qualities of the dogs they grow up to be. Studies have shown that physical illness, poor maternal care, and physical stress can decrease neurologic development. So of course, one wants to provide healthy, proper care for their puppies. But beyond that, it has been shown that early handing and “gentling” seems to accelerate the metabolism, nervous system development and even learning abilities. Puppies are born in what is considered to be an “extreme state of neuronal immaturity.” That is their nervous systems and sensory organs have lots growth to accomplish after birth. A process called “synaptogenesis” rapidly develops as they use the environment around them (external stimuli) in a primary role while their nervous system matures. Early handling including visual, thermal, tactile, acoustic, and complicated stimuli drastically alters the behavior of puppies. Puppies handled in this way were found to be more active, confident, more likely to explore, were more emotionally stable during their testing, and had better problem solving abilities. Of course visual and acoustic are not as important during the first two weeks before the eyes and ears open.

So what does this mean? Puppies have a lot to learn and learn much from their environment. Good sound genetics is a start but it is not enough. Puppies are very influenced by what happens and what does not happen to them while they grow.

“Early Neurologic Stimulation” techniques and findings:

The US military compiled a method called the Early Neurologic Stimulation or “Bio-Sensor” method. They found specific times during a puppies' development when these methods seem most effective. Their studies showed that the 3rd day through the 16th day involved such rapid neurological growth, and that it was actually one of the most important times in puppy development. The puppies were stimulated with 5 simple exercises in a sequential series with each puppy from beginning to end every day. The methods are very simple, and provide light stress and include things like holding the puppy gently on its back for 3-5 seconds, tickling between the each toe with a Q-tip, and placing puppy on a cool towel. But these simple procedures produced some very noticeable benefits including Improved cardiovascular performance, stronger heart beats, stronger adrenal glands, higher stress tolerance, and even greater resistance to disease. Also puppies were more skilled at problem solving when tested in mazes and puzzles. Puppies raised without these techniques became frightened, whined and made many errors. Stimulated puppies remained calm and made fewer errors.

Application:

All of this gives us simple but highly effective way to start puppies out with the best. We still play with the puppies, pet them, love them, and baby talk to them, like most puppy lovers would. But we also add this in everyday for each puppy at this age. You have likely met poorly socialized young puppies who grow into unprepared adults and have difficulty coping with separation, stress, unable to focus past their fears and not adapted for their family life with people. Fixing these problems later, is often more difficult and only partially possible. This is why this window of opportunity is so important. It sets the stage for their whole future and we want them to have the very best chance to be the best.

Further reading and citations

Gazzano, Angelo, Chiara Martiti, Lorella Notari, Claudio Sighieri, and E. A. McBride. "Effects of Gentling and Early Environment on Emotional Development of Puppies." Diss. University Of Pisa. Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology. Web. 2 Apr. 2011.

Battaglia, Carmen. "Developing High Achievers." Early Neurologic Stimulation. Breeding Better Dogs. B.E.I. Publications, 2001. Web.

Beerda, B., M.B.H. Schilder, and J.A.R.A.M De Vries. "Manifestations of Chronic and Acute Stress in Dogs." Applied Animal Behavior Science 52: 307-19. Print.