Breeders who have made a practice of handling pups at a very young age
have observed that these pups become very outgoing and confident as they
get older. A study by Dr. Michael Fox verifies and expands this observation.
After conducting a study on the heart rates of puppies, he concluded that
mildly stressing puppies will develop dogs that are superior when put in
learning or competitive situations. Puppies that are handled at an early age
and exposed to mild stress on a physiological level are better able to handle
stress later in their lives without becoming emotionally disturbed or
indulging in hyperactive behavior. As a result, they learn quickly and are
more responsive to new experiences in different environments.
Dr. Carmen Battaglia, in his article “Developing High Achievers,” tells
of a method developed by the U.S. military to improve the performance of
dogs used for military service. It is termed the BioSensor Method, known to
the public as the Super Dog Program. Based on research, the military
studies confirmed that there are specific periods of time when neurological
stimulation has important effects. The first period is a window of time
between three days and sixteen days during which there is rapid
neurological development. Simple exercises at this time affect the
neurological system by pushing it into action earlier than would happen
normally, resulting in an increased capacity for future learning. Benefits
include improved cardiovascular performance, greater resistance to stress,
and greater resistance to disease.
You can simulate these exercises with your own puppies. Pick up each
puppy every day. Rub his softness against your cheek, and admire his
miniature perfection—these are the fringe benefits. Hold him for about a
minute, with the puppy’s body firmly supported by your hand under his
tummy. Weigh him if you desire. Using both hands, hold the puppy in an upright position, then in a head-down position, and finally on his back,
cradled in your hand. Touch a foot.
Don’t pick up the puppies any more during the day, unless necessary of
course. Children should not hold puppies at this age. Too much stress has a
negative effect on the puppies’ development.
