Bio-Sensor:
The military learned after years of research that early neurological stimulation caused important and lasting effects. The studies showed that there are specific periods early in life when neurological stimulation is beneficial. The first period begins at the third day of life and lasts until the sixteenth day. It is because this is a time of rapid neurological growth and development, and therefore is very important.
The U.S. Military Canine Program developed a method that still serves as a guide to what works. In an effort to improve the performance of dogs sued for military purposes, a program called BIO-SENSOR was developed. Later it became known as the “Super Dog” Program...
One-by-one we handle and stimulate each puppy using each of these exercises. The handling of each pup daily involves the following:
TACTILE STIMULATION
- Holding the pup in one hand we gently stimulate (tickle) the pup between the toes on any one foot using a Q-tip or soft toothbrush.
HEAD HELD ERECT
- Using both hands, pup is held perpendicular to the ground, (straight up), so that his head is directly above his tail. This is an upwards position.
HEAD POINTED DOWN
- Holding pup firmly with both hands the head is reversed and is pointed downward so that it is pointing towards the ground.
SUPINE POSITION
- Hold pup so 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 sleep/struggle.
THERMAL STIMULATION
- Using a damp towel that has been cooled in a refrigerator for five minutes. Pup is placed on the towel, feet down and allowed to move away from the cold.
The above exercises will produce neurological stimulations, none of which naturally occur during this early period of life. Sometimes a pup will slightly resist these exercises, while others will appear unconcerned.
These exercises impact 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 the pups performance. We also gently play with the pups and routinely handle them because the neurological exercises are not substitutions for routine handling, play socialization or bonding.
Five benefits have been observed in canines that were exposed to the Bio Sensor stimulation exercises:
Improved cardio performance (heart rate)
Stronger heart beats
Stronger adrenal glands
More tolerance to stress
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 and further - They were more stable in stressful situations.
The Bio Sensor method is a well-documented puppy development tool. Many puppies bred for field, police, and guide work are introduced to the Bio Sensor Program as part of their development. Read more here... Early Neurological Stimulation - By Dr. Carmen L. Battaglia