We have commenced Puppy Neurological Stimulation - yep, it’s a thing.
This is an evidence-based program that stimulates a cortisol release from the adrenal gland (that weird-looking thing on top of your kidneys). This stress hormone is the one that is released when, say, a Tyrannosaurus Rex starts chasing you - but then you find a little cave to hide in and he can’t get you, you’re safe . It’s a hormone we need for that fight or flight response.
Although these little boys don’t know about dinosaurs, the cortisol is released for only the five seconds it takes to apply to each of the stimuli (in this two-minute video, you can see Michelle and me conducting each of the five, once-daily exercises). They’re not too happy but then they realise the “bad” thing has stopped (Rex isn’t going to get them) and the world is still a safe place especially when they’ve got mummy’s warm milk nearby.
The purpose of these exercises, which we do from days 3-16, is to help the puppy to experience what he may perceive as a scary thing, only to realise it won’t keep scaring him (Rex isn’t going to follow him for life). He then develops a resilience to the many everyday stresses that are part of our lives.
We humans are usually able to rationalise simple stresses but other mammals often cannot. Constant fear, anxiety or even aggression can develop in a dog that does not learn that this hectic world and their humans are usually safe.
There is no such thing as a naughty dog - don’t blame them for ANYTHING. They're simply using the tools evolution gave them to deal with scary situations.
We will also be applying Puppy Culture to the boys’ education from a very young age. This will be taught and continued with their new families- the results of everyone being on the same page from birth to a few months old is outstanding! One of the benefits of choosing a breeder wisely and being involved from such a young age. Watch this space!
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