ENS & Socialisation Program
I have been fortunate to whelp many Australian Labradoodle litters in my home, using a dedicated whelping room designed specifically for this purpose. I am fully equipped with all necessary supplies and remain close by at all times, sleeping in the room for the first ten days — and longer if required — to carefully support both mother and puppies throughout the whelping and early nursing period.
* I have trained most of these puppies with my 2 Part Training Program.
Part 1: The Early Neurological Stimulation ENS method which consists of 5 different body handling
exercises, all of which should be done once a day from day 3 until day 16.
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Tactical stimulation
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Head held erect
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Head pointed down
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Supine position
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Thermal stimulation
A well-implemented Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) program can have a significant positive influence on how puppies respond to stress throughout their lives. Puppies who experience ENS are often better equipped to cope with challenging or unfamiliar situations and are less likely to display excessive fear, anxiety, reactivity, or aggression.
Research has also shown that puppies exposed to ENS during the neonatal period tend to demonstrate improved problem-solving abilities, increased curiosity, and a more confident, engaged approach to their environment. In addition, studies suggest potential long-term benefits including improved cardiovascular function, a stronger immune response, healthier hormonal and adrenal system development, and an overall increased resistance to disease.
ENS & Socialisation Program
Part 2 I implement a carefully structured early development program that draws on my professional background in Special Education, combined with evidence-based principles from Dr Carmen Battaglia’s canine socialisation research.
Our puppies are whelped and raised in our home as part of our family. We intentionally plan our daily lives around the dogs to ensure that every puppy receives the very best possible start. This home-based environment allows the puppies to experience the sights, sounds, routines, and rhythms of everyday family life in a safe and nurturing way.
Throughout their early weeks, each puppy is encouraged to learn both actively and passively. They are supported to explore and engage at their own pace, while always being carefully supervised within a controlled environment. This approach fosters curiosity, confidence, and emotional security.
The second phase of our program focuses on foundational life skills and positive early experiences. This includes early socialisation, basic manners and skills training, toy and play engagement, grooming and handling, household desensitisation, leash introduction, toilet training, learning to settle and remain calm, and many other age-appropriate activities. Exposure is introduced gradually and thoughtfully, allowing each puppy to build tolerance and confidence through enjoyable, positive experiences.
By the time our puppies leave for their new homes, they have already experienced a wide range of carefully managed encounters designed to support emotional resilience and adaptability. This strong foundation helps each puppy transition smoothly into family life and flourish as a confident, well-adjusted companion. Where appropriate, puppies may also demonstrate the foundational skills and temperament required to progress into future Therapy or Assistance Dog training. Or to become the perfect loving companion.
Throughout the program, I conduct daily hands-on and observational assessments of each puppy. During weeks six and seven, formal temperament testing is introduced. This testing is carried out alongside a skilled, independent handler whom the puppies have never met, ensuring an objective and unbiased evaluation.
Although this program is both time-intensive and highly involved, I believe it is essential. It allows me to build a detailed and accurate profile of each puppy’s temperament, strengths, and personality, enabling the best possible match between puppy and home — a decision that supports lifelong success for both.
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