Our Breeding Program

Our puppy development program begins with early neurological stimulation using the "Bio Sensor" program. The "Bio Sensor" program was developed by the U.S. Military for their war dog program. Later it became known to the public as the "Super Dog" program.

This program consists of five exercises performed on the puppies daily from the third day of life through the sixteenth day of life.  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, wined a great deal, and made many errors.

Their stimulated littermates 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.

The benefits from this program are:

     1. Improved cardiovascular performance
     2. Stronger heart beats
     3. Larger adrenal glands
     4. More tolerance to stress
     5. Greater resistance to disease

We start with one pup and stimulate it using each of the five exercises below. We complete the series from beginning to end before starting with the next pup. The handling of each pup once per day involves the following exercises:

1. Tactical stimulation (between toes)
2. Head held erect
3. Head pointed down
4. Supine position
5. Thermal stimulation.

Detailed Explanations:

1. Tactile stimulation:  Holding the pup in one hand, we gently stimulate (tickle) the pup between the toes on any one foot using a Q-tip. It is not necessary to see that the pup is feeling the tickle. Time of stimulation 3 - 5 seconds.
2. Head held erect:  Using both hands, the pup is held perpendicular to the ground, (straight up), so that its head is directly above its tail. This is an upwards position. Time of stimulation 3 - 5 seconds
3. Head pointed down:  Holding the pup firmly with both hands, the head is reversed and is pointed downward so that it is pointing towards the ground. Time of stimulation 3 - 5 seconds
4. Supine position:  Hold the pup so that its back is resting in the palm of both hands with its muzzle facing the ceiling. The pup while on its back is allowed to sleep struggle. Time of stimulation 3-5 seconds
5. Thermal stimulation:  Use a damp towel that has been cooled in a refrigerator for at least five minutes. Place the pup on the towel, feet down. Do not restrain it from moving. Time of stimulation 3-5 seconds

For more detailed information please visit http://www.breedingbetterdogs.com/achiever.html

Rule of 8's

Starting at about 3 weeks old, I start to begin what some breeders call the Rule Of Eight.  The Rule of eight is a proposal to expose the puppies to eight different "articles" across several categories by the time they are eight weeks old. 

For example:

• They should experience eight different ground textures (a blanket, cement floor, grass, gravel, linoleum, carpeting, shavings, dirt, etc)

• They should eat out of different texture bowls (glass, plastic, metal, ceramic, etc.)

• They should experience eight different toys (plush, rubber, ball, rope, rawhide, etc.)

• They should experience eight different sounds (hair dryer, vacuum cleaner, radio, fans, whistles, clapping, etc)

• We also try to place our pups in several different places and situations (tunnels, ladders, steps, ramps, etc.)