Training at Sunnyside: 

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Some breeders use the Military BioSensor Program touted by Dr. Battiglia. (also called ENS - Early Neurological Stimulation). From what I've read, I'm not convinced it was a fully successful program. However, I have used it on several litters of pups. They all turned out very calm and stable. However, they were also from calm and stable parents, so there is a genetic component to that as well. In addition, raising one litter at a time with significant hands on work, is a very different environment than a military kennel situation. So, it is inconclusive to me as to whether or not the stimulus was beneficial, but does not seem to be harmful to pups who were also socialized and handled in other ways, so I continue to keep it in my program.

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I do try, however, to use a - very modified - approach to stimulation and training (essentially, lure & marker training exposure from a younger age) loosely derived from the Puppy Prodigies program.

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As of  2021, we have added Early Scent Introduction to our lineup of activities we do with our young pups. It's too early to tell all the benefits we'll see, but increasing one on one handling and observation is always helpful :)

 

 

However, other than the ENS / ESI, I save most of my 'training' exposure with them - beyond normal handling and care - for when they're 30 days old and older.

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I have posted a few videos below showing me working with a few of the pups from one of my (non-ES) litters.
I had worked with them in similar ways to the PP program from 4 wks of age and onward, but didn't video anything until they were more developed. And, since there were 15 pups in that litter, and the program is not my only job, unlike the people working at PP, I didn't do as extensive training with them. However, you can see for yourselves the benefits some focused time with each of the pups produces. I, along with my owners, have been very happy with the results. And while the pups are nowhere near fully trained by the time they go to their new homes, they already understand positive motivation and are prepped to bond strongly and work with their new owners.

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