Here at Merritt Doodles, we begin ESI (Early Scent Introduction) at the age of 3 days. We introduce puppies to a variety of different scents and record their reactions. At 3 days of age, puppies do not yet have the ability to see or hear, so their noses are very powerful. We handle them minimally the first few days of life, taking care of the necessary tasks with love and care. They are only handled for weigh-ins, a a head to toe check, and ribbon change. 

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On Day 4, we begin with ENS, Early Neurological Stimulation. We start with gentle handling, allowing them to smell our noses and mouths. We hold them close to our faces and hearts, and wait for calm energy before they are returned to their mama. We continue this through week 2.

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Starting Week 3, we use the Badass Breeder 10-Step Handling Protocol. We rub ears, cover eyes, open mouths, rub bellies, run hands down their back, run hands along tails, touch paws, tap nails, run fingers around neck, and touch their nose. This increases with pressure in week 4.

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In weeks 5-8, we modify the above to include tugging on ears and tugging and twisting tails. We also begin running our hands along backs in both directions, and push between paw pads. We increase pressure with each week. 

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In addition to ESI and ENS, we are constantly introducing our puppies to different music genres, new objects, textures, startling sounds, climbing structures, things that light up, move, wheels that spin, and balls that are larger than they are. They learn to explore their world, learn to climb, overcome challenges, new environments, and new people. 

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We "Pass the Puppy" between different humans, imprint the "Puppy, Puppy, Puppy" recall, and once they can run around, we start incorporating "follow the leader" where they follow one of our puppy handlers. We expose them to both males and females, old and young. And in addition to humans, they learn that dogs are friendly too! They get to romp around and learn from our other program dogs and pets. This is one of our favorite stages. We get to see them be empowered by other dogs!

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We strongly believe in safe dens (aka crates), so crates are introduced into their puppy room once they graduate from the whelping box. This is when we add potty pads, then gradually transition them to potty trays, and last but not least, they doggie door! They learn so quickly not to soil their beds which are inside their open door crates. We practice shutting the door of the crate for short periods of time, and have found that our families have great success with their puppies in crates when they go home! 

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We evaluate all of our puppies from 7-8 weeks, and share those videos with our families. This is allows them to make the most educated decision, which results in the best environment for the puppy, and best puppy match for the family. 

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