Day 3

Today the puppies did what they do best

 eat… sleep… poop… repeat

Tipsy’s milk has come in and we have noticed that the puppies have significantly increased their weight gain.  They are growing like weeds!  We will weight them everyday for the first 2+ weeks and then on their weekly birthday afterwards.

Today starts something very important that we do on days 3-16.  It is called Early Neurological Stimulation which you will often hear me refer to as ENS.  We do this to improve cardio vascular performance (heart rate), stronger heart beats, stronger adrenal glands, more tolerance to stress, and greater resistance to disease.  Everyone did as expected.  Many were a bit squirmy, but no one had a bad reaction.  The five exercises are as follows. The duration of each of the five exercises is 5-10 seconds.

1. Tactical stimulation (between toes) Holding the pup in one hand, the handler gently stimulates (tickles) the pup between the toes on any one foot using a Q-tip. It is not necessary to see that the pup is feeling the tickle. Also pinching the toes and paws gently.Time of stimulation 5-10 seconds

2. Head held erect Using both hands, the pup is held perpendicular to the ground, (straight up), so that its head is directly above its tail. This is in an upwards position. Time of stimulation 5-10 seconds

3. Head pointed down Holding the pup firmly with both hands the head is reversed and is pointed downward so that it is pointing towards the ground. Time of stimulation 5-10 seconds

4. Supine position Hold the pup so that its back is resting in the palm of both hands with its muzzle facing the ceiling. The pup while on its back is allowed to struggle. While also rubbing all parts of the pups body with your fingers. Time of stimulation 5-10 seconds

5. Thermal stimulation Use a damp towel that has been cooled in a refrigerator for at least five minutes. Place the pup on the towel, feet down. Do not restrain it from moving. Time of stimulation 5-10 seconds

These are our candids from ENS today