One of my friends worked closely with a breeder who uses Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) aka “The Battaglia Method” on puppies 3-12 weeks old. After 20 years of preaching the importance of early puppy socialization being the foundation for raising a Zen Dog, I was intrigued. What I learned was fascinating and one of the topics covered in Episode 19 of the Zen Dog Training Podcast titled When to Start Zen Dog Training.
Everyone in the dog training world understands the importance of socializing puppies and how extra important it is to socialize them before the end of the socialization period at about 14 weeks. While dogs of ANY age can be socialized and learn to cope and accept with new people, places, things, and other dogs, socialization efforts before the 14th week have the most impact.
Our Helping a Shy, Fearful, or Protective Dog Guide is a great resource for socializing dogs of all ages with a desensitization and counterconditioning program.
The socialization period (3 weeks to 14 weeks) is a crucial development period in a dogs life. Much of what makes up a dog’s personality and temperament is determined by the experiences (or lack thereof) they have during this critical period. Dr. Battaglia’s method goes further and asks breeders and people who are luckily enough to have a 3-14 week old puppy to take puppy socialization to the next level.
Dr. Carmen Battaglia is an author on breeding dogs and dog sports and AKC Dog Judge that has published books, guides, and has a website on his work and Early Neurological Stimulation. His research describes a U.S. Military program developed to improve the performance of dogs called the “Bio Sensor” program that was such a success it later became known as the “Super Dog” program due to the benefits such as great tolerance to stress, improved cardio vascular performance, stronger heart beats and adrenal glands, and even a greater resistance to disease!
Video clip where we discuss ENS and the “Super Dog” Program.
You can find the exact instructions on how to do ENS by googling “Early Neurological Stimulation” and looking for the PDF by Carmen L. Battaglia, PhD. Please note: ENS should be researched and done properly, too much stimulation at a young age can be harmful!
If you want to learn more about ENS and Dr. Carmen Battaglia’s Super Dog Program give our podcast a listen where I discuss the importance of socialization and the 7 Puppy Essential Lessons with Jason Connell of Just Curious Media.
Find Zen Dog Training on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or where ever you listen. Check out the entire episode HERE.
