The beginnings of training....

When we used to raise horses, I believed in the 'Imprint' method which means someone handles the foal before it stands and does several specific tasks to desensitize the foal for future training ease. Once the foal is desensitized, we then begin sensitizing. I've had wonderful success raising foals with this method.

Last year, Chris from Pixc Havanese told me how she had done a similar method for her pups. Intrigued, I searched for the article and have incorporated it into raising our pups as well. It's known as Neurological Stimulation and has been used by many successful breeders.I wanted to bring you into the world of this early training method.

I weigh the pups every day which them gets the pups used to some handling and exposes to some cooler temps as I take them from the nest. Then we subject the pups to a few seconds in each of the following:

• head held up with legs hanging down
• head down with legs higher
• lay on their back
• tickle each foot pad
• place on cool surface

Both pups are really good with all the steps except being held with the head down. I have modified that step with something more gentle to help each of them build confidence. Costa fusses more than Lacey who takes it more in stride.

I actually have expanded the stimuli to include turning on the electric clippers and 'petting' the pups with the clipper body to get them accustomed to the noise and vibration. Neither pup fusses when the electric clippers are rubbing them. I think they find the sound and sensation relaxing, similar to taking a very young human baby for a car ride to help them lull to sleep. I also will use use the electric blow dryer for a couple of seconds just to get them used to the warm air and noise.

I tried to shoot a short video of each pup separately to demonstrate the methods we use and how well the pups react but Lacey's video was too long to upload.  Instead I have attached Costa's with hopes to reshoot Lacey's another day. Notice that Costa has his eyes open in this short clip.