Setting Puppies Up for Success
Dr. Sarah Williams, Canine Behaviorist
Key Takeaway: Our goal is to raise healthy, happy, attentive, intelligent, and sweet temperament dogs through our comprehensive ENS and Puppy Culture programs that begin at just 3 days old.
The Critical Early Weeks
The first 12 weeks of a puppy's life are the most formative, shaping their future temperament, resilience, and ability to learn. At Home Trained Best Bernedoodles, we've developed a science-based program that optimizes this critical period.
Neurological Development
A puppy's brain develops faster between birth and 16 weeks than at any other time in their life. What they experience during this window literally shapes their neural pathways.
We focus on creating positive neural connections through carefully structured experiences.
Socialization Period
Between 3-12 weeks, puppies form lifelong associations. Positive experiences during this time create confident, well-adjusted adults.
Our program introduces puppies to 100+ stimuli in a controlled, positive manner.
Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)
We begin our ENS program when puppies are just 3 days old, based on the Bio Sensor program developed by the U.S. Military. These gentle stress exercises create neurologically superior dogs.
The 5 ENS Exercises
1. Tactile Stimulation
Holding the puppy in one hand, we gently stimulate between toes with a Q-tip for 3-5 seconds. This enhances nervous system development.
2. Head Held Erect
Holding the puppy perpendicular to the ground (head up) for 3-5 seconds. Improves cardiovascular performance and balance.
3. Head Pointed Down
Holding the puppy perpendicular to the ground (head down) for 3-5 seconds. Strengthens vestibular system.
4. Supine Position
Holding the puppy on its back for 3-5 seconds. Teaches acceptance of restraint and handling.
5. Thermal Stimulation
Placing the puppy on a cool towel for 3-5 seconds. Strengthens adrenal glands and stress tolerance.
Physical Benefits
- Stronger heart rate
- More efficient adrenal glands
- Greater tolerance to stress
- Improved immune function
Behavioral Benefits
- Increased problem-solving ability
- Greater confidence
- Faster recovery from stress
- Enhanced trainability
Our Puppy Culture Program
From 3 weeks onward, we implement the Puppy Culture program - a comprehensive socialization and training protocol developed by canine behavior experts.
Curriculum Highlights
- Socialization: Controlled exposure to 100+ stimuli
- Communication: Teaching bite inhibition and canine manners
- Emotional Resilience: Building confidence through novel experiences
- Problem Solving: Food puzzles and cognitive challenges
- Handling: Preparing for grooming and veterinary care
Daily Activities
- Morning: Novel object introduction
- Midday: Sound desensitization
- Afternoon: Surface exploration
- Evening: Positive handling exercises
- Throughout: Play with littermates
Case Study: Confidence Building
One litter showed unusual timidity at 4 weeks. We implemented targeted confidence-building exercises:
- Wobbly board training (gradual introduction)
- Novel object of the day (always paired with treats)
- Controlled exposure to recorded sounds
- Positive reinforcement for exploration
By 7 weeks, these puppies were the most confident and curious of all our litters, demonstrating the plasticity of puppy temperament when properly nurtured.
Week-by-Week Development
Here's how our program progresses through the critical first weeks:
0-2 weeks
Neonatal period
ENS, gentle handling, thermal regulation
2-3 weeks
Transition period
Introduction to solid food, mild environmental changes
3-4 weeks
Awareness period
Beginning of Puppy Culture, sound introduction
4-5 weeks
Canine socialization
Bite inhibition training, litter interactions
5-7 weeks
Human socialization
Meeting new people, handling exercises
7-9 weeks
Environmental exploration
Novel surfaces, obstacles, problem solving
9-12 weeks
Preparing for home
Crate training, leash introduction, housebreaking
Socialization: Beyond the Basics
While many breeders focus on basic socialization, our program goes much deeper to create exceptionally well-adjusted puppies.
Sound Desensitization
We expose puppies to 50+ recorded sounds at gradually increasing volumes:
- Household noises (vacuum, doorbell)
- Outdoor sounds (traffic, sirens)
- Unpredictable noises (dropped pans, fireworks)
- Animal sounds (other dogs, wildlife)
Surface Exploration
Puppies experience walking on 20+ different surfaces:
- Grass, gravel, sand
- Metal grates, plastic tarps
- Wobbly boards, uneven surfaces
- Slippery floors, textured mats
Preparing for Life in Their New Home
In the final weeks before going home, we focus on skills that make the transition easier for puppies and families alike.
Crate Training
Positive crate associations established through gradual introduction and rewards.
Leash Introduction
Gentle leash training through positive reinforcement methods.
Housebreaking Foundation
Regular potty schedule and elimination cue training.
Continuing the Journey
Our commitment to your puppy doesn't end when they leave our care. We provide comprehensive resources for their continued development.
New Owner Resources
- Detailed Puppy Culture manual
- Customized socialization checklist
- Recommended training protocols
- Feeding and care guide
- Lifetime breeder support
Recommended Next Steps
- Puppy kindergarten classes (starting at 10 weeks)
- Continued socialization (100+ people by 16 weeks)
- Basic obedience training
- Intermediate training (beginning at 6 months)
- Canine Good Citizen certification
Success Story: Service Dog Candidate
"Biscuit" was identified early as having exceptional focus and calm demeanor. With our early training foundation and his new owner's continued work, he recently graduated as a certified diabetic alert dog.
"The early training Biscuit received at Home Trained Best Bernedoodles made all the difference in his service dog journey. His confidence in novel situations and ability to focus despite distractions were clearly established in those first critical weeks."
Find Your Perfect Bernedoodle Companion
Our carefully bred Bernedoodles combine exceptional temperament with health and beauty.