Curriculum

ENS and ESI

Included in this program is the use of Early Neurological Stimulation and Early Scent Introduction.

Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) was originally developed by the U.S. Military in their canine program, it has been proven to improve heart rates and stronger heart beats, develop stronger adrenal glands, a greater tolerance to stress, and greater resistance to disease. Early Scent Introduction (ESI) is where we introduce a new smell to our puppies from day 3 to 16 of their lives. It helps improve a puppy’s sense of smell from a young age, building confidence in other area of their lives.

10 Step Handling Exercises

At the beginning of week three we do a simple 10 step handling process daily with each puppy. We begin with very little pressure and build the pressure as they get older. This is SO IMPORTANT! It is helping your puppy to become desensitized to touch. Not all puppies may love it but they will all at least learn to be compliant to being handled. Your kids will thank you, your groomer and your Vet will thank you. We are always very loving and gentle as we handle our puppies.

Temperament testing

In the 8th or 9th week, depending on breed, puppy evaluations are done. This test is very important, and it helps us understand the puppy's temperament. With this information, we can help you figure out which puppy is best suited to your lifestyle. Ultimately, you get to choose your puppy with knowledge. Puppy picks are by order of deposit.

With Puppies, some traits are stable (just the way that puppy is), and some are adjustable (we can shape them). While we watch and record many traits starting at 6 weeks old, these are the main ones we look at for during our testing:

Stable Traits:

Assertiveness (with humans and dogs)

Motivation

Energy Level

Prey Drive

Human Focus

Tenderhearted

Adjustable Traits:

Confidence

Nerve Strength/Resiliency

Touch Tolerance (compliance only-not if they like it)

Sound Sensitivity

Sight Sensitivity

The Badass Breeders Curriculum we use helps shape our puppy’s adjustable traits. It helps create confident puppies that are brave and bounce back quickly when startled, they are compliant with being handled all over, they handle new sounds and sights well because we work hard at a young age to desensitize them to things that would often frighten puppies at a later age. It's so amazing and rewarding to watch our puppies gain confidence in themselves and also trust in humans. Our goal is to teach our puppies that the world is safe, people are kind, and dogs are friendly.

curriculum examples

This is the first time the pups have been in the bathroom. By doing exposure activities in different rooms of the house, it builds confidence in their abilities to navigate experiences in new situations. By the time they leave here, they'll have been challenged in every room of the house I can, and outside as much as weather permits

Today we learned to climb on something that moves and on a ramp that goes high. The ball pit is so loud but so fun when the balls fly everywhere. We are always a little unsure at first but we surprise everyone when we decide it is safe and fun. Then we go a little crazy 😂

Exposure to sounds and lights, and movement is important to puppy development. It teaches them it is not scary and and can be even be fun!

This is the first time the puppies played with the step and slide. They enjoyed it so much, I'd have to say it is a team favourite!

First time through obstacle course

By now the puppies are old enough to try pretty much anything. At first, they may need encouragement, but once they get it, they are ready for action!

Obstacle Course, Take Two