Early Neurological Stimulation

This stage lasts from three to sixteen days old. Early neorological stimulation is done with a series of five workouts designed to stimulate the neurological system. These exercises produce neurological stimulations that does not occur naturally in life.

Socialization

Stage two begins when the puppies are four weeks old and most importantly lasts until 16 weeks. This is an extremely important stage where the right steps need to be taken to prevent both under and over socialization. Improperly socialized pups develop into older individuals unprepared for adult life, unable to cope with its challenges, and interactions. Studies have proven re-socializing as adults has only produced small gains. The window for early social stimulation only comes one time. Once that time passes, little or nothing can be done to overcome the effects of too much or too little stimulation.

Enrichment

This final stage has no time limit. Enrichment experiences typically involves exposure to a wide variety of interesting, novel, and exciting experiences with regular opportunities to freely investigate, manipulate, and interact with them. When measured later in life, those raised in an enriched environment tend to be more inquisitive and more able to perform difficult tasks. Non-stimulated pups proved to be more fearful of unfamiliar objects and generally preferred to withdraw rather than investigate.