Early Stimulation, Socialization and Training Studies clearly indicate that when a pregnant bitch is petted, her litter will be more docile. Stroking and petting activates the parasympathetic system, facilitating relaxation, digestion and emotional balance.                   All Driftwood Puppies are exposed to early stimulation exercises from day 3 through day 16.  Early stimulation, socialization and training play a vital role in the shaping of a confident, well socialized dog. Tests show that early-stimulated puppies are more active and exploratory than their non-stimulated littermates.  Other benefits are improved cardiovascular performance, stronger heartbeats, more efficient adrenal glands, greater resistance to stress and greater resistance to disease.   Here are seven-day-old puppies during some of the stimulation tests: Tickling toes of one foot with a Q-tip, pup head held down & tail up, Thermal stimulation on a cold towel.   Each test lasts only 3-5 seconds.                On the 16th day of life, a new window of learning opens: the socialization period, which ends at about the 16th week of life. This is perhaps the most sensitive and important period of early learning for a puppy. (Watch for pictures in late September) References:   Battaglia, Dr. Carmen L., Developing High Achievers, The AKC Gazette, May 1995, pp 46-50. Fox M.W. Socialization patterns in wild and domesticated canids (ch.8), Stages and periods in development: environmental influences and domestication (ch.9), in The dog; Its Domestication and Behavior, New York & London: Garland STPM Press, 1978, p. 141-152, 153-176.