Bio Sensor (Super Dog) Program
The Bio Sensor method is a well-documented puppy development tool. Many puppies bred for field, security and guide work are introduced to the bio Sensor Program as part of their development.
The U.S. military developed a method in order to study the effects of early neurological stimulation in their "Bio Sensor" or "Super Dog" program. In an effort to improve the performance of dogs used for military purposes, a program called "Bio Sensor" was developed. Later, it became known to the public as the "Super Dog" Program. Based on years of research, the military learned that early neurological stimulation exercises could have important and lasting effects. Their studies confirmed that there are specific time periods early in life when neurological stimulation has optimum results. The first period involves a window of time that begins at the third day of life and lasts until the sixteenth day. It is believed that because this interval of time is a period of rapid neurological growth and development, and therefore is of great importance to the individual.
The "Bio Sensor" program was also concerned with early neurological stimulation in order to give the dog a superior advantage. Its development utilized six exercises, which were designed to stimulate the neurological system. Each workout involved handling puppies once each day. The workouts required handling each puppy one at a time while performing a series of five exercises. Listed in no order of preference the handler starts with one puppy and stimulates it using each of the five exercises. The handler completes the series from beginning to end before starting with the next pup. The handling of each pup once per day involves the following exercises:
1. Tactile stimulation
While holding the puppy in one hand, the handler uses a Q-tip to tickle the puppy between the toes on one foot. The tickling should last between three to five seconds. The puppy does not have to show a reaction.
2. Head held erect
Holding the puppy in both hands, the puppy is positioned perpendicular to the ground so its head is directly above its body. This position is held for three to five seconds.
3. Head pointed down
Holding the puppy in both hands, the puppy is reversed so its tail is uppermost and directly above its head. This position is held for three to five seconds.
4. Supine position
Hold the puppy in the palms so it is resting on its back with its face pointed upwards facing the ceiling. This position is held for three to five seconds.
Before starting the exercises, place a damp towel in the refrigerator for at least five minutes. For this exercise, place the puppy on the cool towel, belly down. Allow the puppy to wriggle off if it desires. Remove the puppy from the towel after three to five seconds if it hasn't moved itself.
- Improved cardiovascular performance
- Stronger heart beats
- Stronger adrenal glands
- More tolerance to stress
- Greater resistance to disease
Researchers also found that regular handling and socialization were still necessary.
In addition to socialization, exposing puppies to various sights, sounds, smells, tastes and touches allows them to better cope as an adult dog. Enrichment activities can begin at a very early age, perhaps even at birth. Some ideas include providing toys of all shapes and textures; providing a variety of footing such as newspaper, carpeting, window screens, plastic, concrete, gravel; providing a variety of sounds such as radio, cap gun, vacuum cleaner; providing a variety of challenges such as climbing steps, going through a tunnel, playing hide and seek, etc. Just be sure that the enrichment activities you design won't hurt or scare the puppy.
To get a puppy off to the best possible start in life be sure to provide:
- early neurological stimulation (between three and sixteen days of age)
- plenty of socialization (especially important during weeks four to sixteen)
- enrichment activities starting early and continuing throughout the puppy's life
We will not substitute the Bio Sensor method for our socialization and handling of the puppies. All of our puppies will be highly socialized and handled from birth, this will include children and other dogs.