Process
I will be utilizing various techniques and methods from birth to 8 weeks as well as guiding new puppy owner's to continue these procedures to establish a foundation for a sound, healthy dog. I will use Puppy Culture, Avidog Associates, Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS), Early Scent Introduction (ESI) and Margaret Hughes The Puppy's Rule of 12's. To ensure each puppy goes to the best home according to their drive, energy and temperament, we will carefully select and match exemplary applicants to puppies by utilizing both the Avidog Pet Evaluation Test (APET) and Volhard's Aptitude Testing. Read more about these methods below!
EARLY SCENT INTRODUCTION (ESI)
Avidog Associates
​One of the valuable protocols is Early Scent Introduction (ESI), which helps develop a puppy’s scenting ability and builds early confidence. Starting at just 3 days old and continuing through day 16, I introduce one novel scent each day. I will select a range of meaningful, often pungent scents based on the types of environments our dogs will encounter—such as in hunting or family life. These include fruits, herbs, spices, natural materials, animal scents (like rabbit or cat), and training-related items like leather, feathers, or plastic.
This enhances their neurological development and strengthens their awareness of the world around them.
Espoir Goldens will utilize the Puppy Culture program—comprehensive, organized curriculum designed to support each stage of a puppy’s critical early development. From early neurological stimulation (ENS) and emotional resilience exercises to problem-solving games and socialization strategies, Puppy Culture helps us raise puppies who are confident, curious, and eager to connect. The difference is evident.
I will use Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) techniques to increase a puppy's ability to learn, cope and problem solve, leading to success in overcoming challenges and frustration they may face throughout their life. ENS exercises include tactile stimulation, held with erect head position, head pointed down, supine position and thermal stimulation which are introduced at 3 days old. It is crucial to be well-educated on this method and familiar with dog behavior to ensure to not overstress puppies when performing these exercises. The results show that early stimulation exercises can have crucial long-term behavior benefits but must be used with caution.
THE PUPPY's RULE OF 12's
Developed by Margaret Hughes, an adaptation from Pat Schaap's The Rule of 7's, it is a socialization guide to help puppies experience a wide variety of sights, sounds, textures, people, and situations by 12 weeks of age.
The categories include:
1. Experienced 12 different surfaces
2. Played with 12 different objects
3. Experienced 12 different locations
4. Played with 12 new people
5. Exposed to 12 different noises
6. Exposed to 12 fast moving objects
7. Experienced 12 different challenges
8. Handled by owner & family 12 times a week
9. Ate in 12 different locations, in 12 different containers
10. Played with 12 different puppies (or safe adult dogs)
11. Left alone safely, away from family & other animals (5-45 minutes) 12 times a week.
12. Experienced a collar and leash 12 different times in 12 different locations
At Espoir Goldens, we believe that confident dogs start with purposeful experiences. While our puppies are with us, we will thoughtfully introduce them to at least one experience from each category in the Rule of 12's each week. This includes walking on new textures, meeting friendly new faces, hearing household and outdoor sounds, and safely exploring age-appropriate challenges. These early exposures help each pup grow into a well-adjusted, adaptable companion, ready to thrive in their future home.
Early Development Done Right
CRATE TRAINING
We will begin introducing crate training our puppies as early as 3 weeks old when they have moved out of the whelping box. Crate training is an essential part of housebreaking puppies. Crate training your puppy takes advantage of the dog's natural instincts to seek out a comfortable, quiet and safe place when the environment around them becomes too loud or overwhelming. It's an
important tool in preventing dogs from chewing on items in the home or during housetraining. By beginning the process of crate training before your pup comes home, we set the foundation for a happy and confident dog. In purchasing one of our puppies, we encourage the continuation of crate training. A dog that is comfortable in their crate can be beneficial for daily life and emergencies. It can allow you to safely sequester your dog while you are unable to supervise them. When a surgical procedure or if injury occurs, a dog may need to be confined to their crate to successfully heal and recover. As well as allowing for safe transportation while in a vehicle. Monitor and recognize appropriate kennel behavior, some dogs may instinctively resource guard their living space, seek out guidance of a professional or online resources to prevent this occurrence. This behavior can become aggressive and dangerous your dog and at risk.
Each puppy will go home with
- A binder prepared with a copy of puppy contract, veterinary records, AKC Reunite microchip prepaid enrollment information and AKC tag, registration paperwork, socialization & training guides, and their Puppy Culture, ENS, ESI, Avidog Puppy Evaluation Test (APET), and Volhard Testing results. We will also include a detailed list of local and national resources to refer to.
- Bag of their kibble
- Blanket with mom and sibling's scent
- Essentials (Collar, Leash, etc.)
- Lifetime Breeder Support
Sources
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Avidog International, LLC. (2017). 97 Ways to Create Great Puppies!
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Boone, G., Romanuik, A. & Croney C. (2020). Early Nuerological Stimulation (ENS): Implications for canine welfare and management. Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine
