Early neurological stimulation

On Day 4, I started applying early neurological stimulation of Miska's neonates using the Bio Sensor (aka Super Dogs) program started by the US military for their canine program. No, the pups aren't being raised for the military but the program is designed to have important and lasting positive effects on their development. This is the first time I have done this with a litter - always learning new things! - and I'm grateful to the book, Another Piece of the Puzzle: Puppy Development, Pat Hasings and Erin Ann Rouse (Eds.).

Studies conducted by the US military 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 stimulation isn't a substitute for regular handling of the whelps but is in addition. Daily for about 3 to 5 seconds (longer isn't better in this case), each whelp is gently held upside down, held perpendicular to the floor as well as in a supine position, placed on a cold wet towel and has its toes gently tickled with a Q-tip. We also very gently squeeze the toes, ears, and tickle the chest and have started some Tellington Touch handling around their muzzles. We will continue this particular daily routine until day 16. After day 16, we'll begin other exercises.

Benefits of Stimulation
Numerous benefits have been observed in canines that were exposed to the Bio Sensor stimulation exercises. The benefits include:

1. Improved cardio vascular performance (heart rate)
2. More exploratory behaviour
3. Faster learning
4. More stable temperaments, less distracted when working
5. More tolerance to stress, including cold weather
6. Greater resistance to disease.

In tests of learning, stimulated pups were found to be more active and were more exploratory than their non- stimulated littermates over which they were dominant in competitive situations. 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, on the other hand, 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 when stressed.