User:Merge79/Superdog

Biosensor program is

Summary

The biosensor (or Superdog) program consists of a set of methods designed to initiate neurological stimulation in dogs during their early developmental phase in order to produce marked and lasting increases in performance.

Background

The program was developed in the 1970's in the United States by the U.S. Military. Based on years of research, it was determined that dog performance for military purposes could be improved through early neurological stimulation. Important and lasting physiological and psychological benefits could be induced by subjecting a puppy to stimulation exercises during two critical periods in their development.

Methodology

The canine neurological stimulation exercises used in the biosensor program comprise a total of six stimulations, five of which are listed here. There are two critical windows during development where the application of the exercises has the most impact, the first being during third and sixteenth day of life. Each exercise is applied for a specific duration of time; exceeding the proscribed time intervals for each exercise can cause over-stimulation and result in adverse and detrimental results (to the dog itself and by extension to it' performance). As such, it is essential not to exceed the proscribed time intervals for each exercise.

The stimulations in a sense "kick start" the neurological system earlier than normally expected during development, which results in increased capacity that manifests in improved performance later on in the dog' life.

Experience shows that sometimes pups will resist these exercises, others will appear unconcerned.

The stimulations are not a substitute for routine handling, socialization or bonding.

Exercises

1. Tactile stimulation:

This method relies on 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.

2. Head held erect:

Using both hands, the 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.

3. Head pointed down:

Here, holding the pup 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.

4. Supine position:

The pup 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.

5. Thermal Stimulation:

Using a damp towel that has been cooled in a refrigerator for at least five minutes, the pup is placed on the towel, feet down. Do not restrain it from moving. Time of stimulation 3-5 seconds.

Benefits

The application of the biosensor program resulted in:

1. Improved cardio vascular performance (heart rate)
2. Stronger heart beats
3. Stronger adrenal glands
4. More tolerance to stress
5. Greater resistance to disease.

In tests of learning it was observed that stimulated pups were more active and exploratory than non-stimulated littermates and 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, wined 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 calmer in the test environment, made fewer errors and gave only an occasional distress when stressed.

References

http://www.elcajonschutzhundclub.com/Early%20Neurological%20Stimulation.pdf

http://www.tallyhopoodles.com/BioSensor.pdf

http://www.breedingbetterdogs.com/articles/early_neurological_stimulation_en.php

http://www.angelfire.com/ca/curlycr/2001pups2a.html