Early Scent Introduction.

In addition to ENS, we started Early Scent Intro with the pups. The long term results of ESI were studied in a 7-year breeding test. Success of puppies trained in ESI compared to a control group was remarkable! In their adult life they achieved scenting titles much earlier ( years earlier!), accumulated more titles overall and their abilities were more complex. ESI has since been used widely by breeder enthusiasts involved in scenting disciplines and the protocol has been endorsed by the American Kennel Club. ESI is used in conjunction with Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS).

A puppy is introduced to a stimulus of a strong smell for about 5 seconds. The puppy is unrestrained and allowed to move freely. Its reaction is recorded as neutral, positive or negative.


Is ESI intended for dogs that are going to have careers in tracking or hunting? No, this is for any puppy! The idea behind these exercises is to stimulate the areas of the brain primed for development spurt. Canines perceive the world predominantly by scent and scent memory. Our human perception of the world around us is predominantly visual. Very much the way we introduce mobiles in our babies’ cribs to stimulate their development, strong scents offered to puppies in neonatal period stimulate their brains and form neural connections for scent memories. But hey, priming these pups for future success in tracking, barn hunt and earthdog will be a lovely bonus. 

Day 1 we used basil. Their little noses for sure detected the smell, we had a couple that were positive, 1 or 2 negative and the rest seemed neutral.

Day 2 was sage..thanks Auntie Stacie for the sage. Today, day 3, I think will be pine needles.

Almost 1 week old...itching to walk. This litter is strong, very active, very vocal and totally adorable. 1 girl and 4 boys still available.