All Von Forell Puppies under go an intensive Stimulation and Socialisation programme before leaving our Kennels.
“Without enough stimulation, even well bred pups of superior pedigrees will typically be fearful”
There has been a tremendous amount of documented research completed on the Imprinting and socialisation phenomenon. Von Forell acknowledges that there are also many very important sequences of development for puppies and that a specialised plan be implemented when the puppies leave Von Forell for their new homes. To ensure that you are clear on what you should and shouldn’t be doing with your newly acquired puppy Von Forell have developed a specially designed course that will assist you in becoming a knowledgeable canine handler by encouraging responsible dog ownership and a better understanding of the way dogs behave and learn. See our Seminar and Workshops.
We feel it is important that you know that as surprising as it may seem, it isn’t just innate capacity that explains the difference that exists between individuals – humans or dogs. Most seem to have far more capacity than they will ever use in their lifetime. The ones who achieve and outperform others seem to have within themselves the ability to use hidden resources. In other words, it’s what they are able to do with what they have that makes them stand out from the rest and inevitably makes all the difference.
Much research had been conducted into this phenomenon and studies have been conducted looking for new ways to stimulate individuals to improve their own natural abilities. Some methods have produced lifelong lasting effects, and many of the differences between individuals can be explained by the use of early stimulation. The key, it seems, is adding just the right amount of stress early on: not too much, and not too little.
Because of its importance, many studies have focused their effects on the first few months of life. During the first few weeks of immobility, researchers have found these immature and underdeveloped canines are sensitive to a restricted class of stimuli that includes thermal and tactile stimulation, motion and locomotion. Studies show that removing them from their secure area and stimulating them in a certain way for a few minutes a day has made a tremendous difference to the overall outcome and value.
Studies also confirmed that there are specific time periods early in life when conducting neurological stimulation has optimum results. The first period is a window of time that begins at about the third day of life and lasts until the sixteenth day. This is believed to be a period of rapid neurological growth and development.
These exercises affect the neurological system by kicking it into action earlier than would normally be expected, resulting in an increased capacity.
Five benefits have been observed in dogs that were exposed to what’s called the Bio Sensor stimulation exercises:
1. Improved cardiovascular performance
2. Stronger heart beats
3. More efficient adrenal glands
4. Greater resistance to stress
5. Greater resistance to disease
In tests of learning, stimulated pups were found to be more active and were more exploratory than their non-stimulated littermates, over which they were dominant in competitive situations. In simple problem – solving tests using detours in mazes, the non-stimulated pups became extremely stressed, whined a great deal and made many errors. Their stimulated littermates were calmer in the test environment, made fewer errors and gave only occasional distress signal.
When Konrad Lorenz first wrote about Imprinting and socialisation in 1935 he differentiated imprinting from conditioning in that imprinting occurs early in life, takes place very rapidly and seems to have lifelong results.
The Bio Sensor method is a method that requires handling each puppy individually, once a day, and performing five exercises. These five specific exercises stimulate pups in a way they would not have encountered naturally at this early stage of life. Each exercise is performed for three to five seconds.
Studies by canine behaviourists John Paul Scott and John L. Fuller show that, when given free choice, non-enriched pups preferred to stay in their kennels. Other littermates that were given only small amounts of outside stimulation between 5 and 8 weeks of age were found to be very inquisitive and very active. When kennel doors were left open the enriched pups would come bounding out, while littermates that were not reared in an enriched environment would remain behind.
The pups that received less stimulation would typically be fearful and unfamiliar objects and generally preferred to withdraw rather than investigate. EVEN WELL BRED PUPS OF SUPERIOR PEDIGREES would not explore or leave their kennels and many were difficult to train as adults. These pups acted as if they had become institutionalised.
Taken from an article written By Dr: Carmen L. Battaglia.
Personal Advice:
By telephone, e-mail or at our facilities, our specialists will answer any questions whatever they may be, and guide you in your choice of products and services.