AT Ludwigs Mini Schnauzers we believe our precious puppies deserve the very best
and we will do anything we can do to give them the best start in life. Our goal for
every puppy produced is for health, temperament, confirmation & type.

    Each daily session involves handling the puppies once a day.

    We start the Program  3 days after birth and continue until the pups are 16
    days old.

    The process includes handling each pup one at a time while performing the 5
    exercises.

    The 5 exercises will produce neurological stimulations, none of which naturally
    occur during this early period of life.
Five benefits have been observed in canines that were exposed to these
stimulation exercises.
The benefits noted were:

1. Improved cardiovascular performance (heart rate)
2. Stronger heartbeats.
3. Stronger adrenal glands
4. More tolerance to stress
5. 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 over which they were
dominant in competitive situations.

Secondary effects were also noted regarding test performance.

In simple problem-solving tests using detours in a maze, the non-stimulated
pups became extremely aroused, whined a great deal, and made many errors.

Their stimulated littermates were less disturbed or upset by test conditions,
and when comparisons were made, the stimulated littermates were more calm in
the test environment, made fewer errors and were only occasionally distressed
when stressed.
1. Tactile stimulation~
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. Time of stimulation
3-5 seconds.
5. Thermal stimulation: Using
a damp towel that has been
cooled in a refrigerator for
at least five minutes, the
handler places the pup on the
towel, feet down. The pup is
not restrained from moving.
Time of stimulation 3-5
seconds. (Figure 5)  
4. Supine position~
The puppy is held 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
sleep-struggle. Time of
stimulation 3-5 seconds.
3. Head pointed down~
Holding the pup firmly with
both hands, the handler
reverses the head and points it
downward towards the ground.
Time of stimulation 3-5 seconds
2. Head held erect~
Using both hands, the handler
holds the pup perpendicular
to the ground (straight up),
so that its head is directly
above its tail. This is an
upwards position. Time of
stimulation 3-5 seconds.
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All rights reserved © Ludwig's Miniature Schnauzers 2003-2011
VIOLATORS WILL BE PROSECUTED AND FINED TO THE FULL EXTENT OF THE LAW
CLICK HERE to read how
our pups are raised and
socialized throught their
first 8 weeks of life.
CLICK HERE to read how
our pups are raised and
socialized throught their
first 8 weeks of life.