Our puppy raising program

 The US Military developed the ENS method designed to improve the performance of future military working dogs, developed by Dr. Carmen Battaglia.

ENS requires handling the puppies one at a time while performing a series of seven exercises. Listed in order of preference, the handler starts with one pup and stimulates it using each of the seven exercises. The handler completes the series from beginning to end before starting with the next pup. The handling of each pup once to twice per day.

When performed correctly, ENS impacts the neurological system by kicking it into action earlier than would be normally expected, the result being an increased capacity that later will help to make the difference in its performance. ENS is time sensitive and must be performed from the 3rd to the 16th days of a puppy’s life.

The exercises are not a substitution for daily handling and stroking of young puppies.

Five benefits have been observed in canines that were exposed to ENS, including improved cardio vascular performance (heart rate); stronger heart beats; stronger adrenal glands; more tolerance to stress; and greater resistance to disease.

In tests of learning, ENS stimulated pups were more active and exploratory than their non- stimulated littermates

 ESI is done from days 3 through 16, right along with ENS. It is done once daily for about 5 seconds a day, for a total commitment of 1 minute per puppy. On each of these days, we present each pup with a new scent, one that it’s never smelled before that we have near at hand. We head outside to get natural items such as grass, dirt, leaves, bark, moss, flowers and more. We then hit the kitchen to find other items such as pungent fruits, herbs, and spices including orange, banana, lemon, apple, lime, rosemary and mint, cloves, cinnamon and even anise. We dig through our gear to find items, such as tennis balls, wood and leather. Finally, if we have them available, we offer the pups miscellaneous items such as other tolerant pets like cats and rabbits, and since the advent of nose work sports we include essential oils. However, there are some things we just don’t use. We never offer meat or other food items to our pups, since we want to focus specifically on scenting, not eating. In addition, we are very cautious about presenting potentially hazardous objects, so we use no chemicals and very few unnatural or manufactured items – aside from the aforementioned tennis balls, of course.  

One pup at a time we hold these scents just in front of – but not touching – its nose, allowing it to sniff them for 5 seconds. We are looking for one of three common reactions. Some items they love, some items they hate, and some they just don’t care about. 

As breeders, we have approximately 63 precious days to make the greatest impact on a puppy’s future. This early window of life is when their minds are open, curious, and eager to learn: a critical period for shaping confidence, stability, and social understanding. Every experience during this time helps form what we like to call their “reference library of life.”

The more things each puppy is gently introduced and exposed to, objects, obstacles, sounds, textures, animals, people, environments, and routines, the richer that library becomes. Each positive encounter helps a puppy learn how to process new information, adapt to change, and approach the unknown with curiosity rather than fear.

Every day in our program is thoughtfully structured to encourage learning, exploration, and growth. We incorporate age-appropriate challenges like walking on different surfaces, hearing everyday noises, exploring new spaces, and meeting a variety of people and animals. Through this guided exposure, our puppies develop resilience, problem-solving skills, and emotional balance that will serve them throughout their lives.

Our goal is to raise puppies who are not only healthy and well-bred, but also confident, adaptable, and ready to thrive in the homes and jobs they will one day take on. Whether they grow into working dogs, competitors, or beloved family companions, their strong foundation begins right here: with intentional early development and genuine care every single day.