Bio-Sensor (Super Dog) Program
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The U.S. Military developed a program in the 1970's called "Bio Sensor." (Became publicly know and is often referred to as the "Super Dog" Program or Bio-Sensory Training for Dogs.) The program was developed to improve the performance of dogs used for military purposes.
The basic premise of the program is that early neurological stimulation exercises could affect the performance of the dog. The Army's research revealed that early stimulation of the puppy from the 3rd day through the 16th day influence rapid neurological growth and development.
Bio-Sensor is practiced by Redfeathers Irish Setters. I incorporate the Bio-Sensor or Super Dog Program into my Irish Setter socialization and temperament development regimen. The Bio Sensor program easily fit into my established Irish Setter puppy rearing process and supports my values.
I have always believed that handling dogs at an early age helps with the physical and social development of the puppy.
Below are the five Bio Sensor exercises designed to stimulate the neurological system of the puppy. I incorporate these exercises into my daily puppy routine. Each puppy is put through the following exercises once daily:
I strictly follow the Bio Sensor program with the following exceptions. The program is started on the fourth or fifth day. On the third or fourth day my Irish Setter puppies travel to the Veterinarian to have their dew claws removed. The trip to the Vet is more than enough neurological stimulation. I also use a cool metal cake pan as the source of my thermal stimulation.
Bio-Sensory Training for Dogs improves the development of the puppy's neurological systems by early stimulation and stress. Five benefits have been observed in dogs that were exposed to the Bio Sensor stimulation exercises:
- Improved Cardiovascular Performance
- Stronger Heart Beats
- Stronger Adrenal Glands
- More Tolerance to Stress, and
- Greater Resistance to Disease
I do not substitute the Bio-Sensory Training for Dogs for socialization and handling of my Irish Setter puppies. 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.
TACTILE STIMULATION
Hold the Irish Setter puppy 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
HEAD HELD ERECT
Using both hands, the Irish Setter pup is held 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
HEAD POINTED DOWN
Hold the Irish Setter puppy firmly with both hands the head is reversed and is pointed downward so that it is pointing towards the ground.
Time of stimulation 3 - 5 seconds
SUPINE POSITION
Hold the puppy 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
THERMAL STIMULATION
Use a damp towel that has been cooled in a refrigerator for at least five minutes. Place the Irish pup on the towel, feet down. Do not restrain it from moving.
Time of stimulation 3 - 5 seconds
NOTE: The puppy in these pictures is Bridget's daughter, Redfeathers Kick Up A Storm, now known as "Maddie".
