Early Scent Introduction (ESI)
Similar to ENS, Early Scent Introduction (ESI) is a process that introduces and helps further develop nose awareness and confidence. It heightens their ability to know and react to scents.
When doing ESI with the puppies, it should be done at a different time of day to ENS, not back-to-back. This is due to the possibility that the puppies may feel some mild stress from the ENS, and we do not want them to then associate that stress to the scents that are being introduced.
It's also important to take note on how the puppies react to each smell, whether it be positive "+", negative "x", or neutral "-".
The Steps in ESI
The steps compiled below come from Avidog's Early Introduction Litter Chart. Like ENS, this process is done when the puppies are between 3-16 days old.
Step 1
Introduce a new scent everyday, starting on Day 3 and ending on Day 16.
Step 2
With one hand, hold the puppy. With the other hand, hold the scent item 1/2 inch from their nose. If they want to move toward or away from it, allow them. Do not push the scent closer to them.
Step 3
Hold the scent item in front of them for 5 seconds. If the puppy does not respond, stop at 5 seconds. If the puppy is interacting with the scent, allow them to do so for at most 30 seconds.
What Scents to Use
It's important to know what kind of scents to introduce. The puppies should not be exposed to chemicals or meat products. Meat products may stimulate taste instead of scent.
Natural Scents
Grass, tree bark, leaves, moss, dirt, leaves, evergreen needles and cones
Fruits, Herbs, Spices
Lemon, apples, bananas, oranges, rosemary, mint, cloves
Training Items
Gamebirds (pheasants, grouse, ducks, pigeons), tennis balls, leather, cloth, wooden/plastic items, essential oils, manufactured training scents
Miscellaneous
Tolerant pets like cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils
Benefits of ESI
01
Introduce puppies to new scents in a controlled way.
02
Improves scenting skills in later life.
03
Enhances confidence and stability and reduces behavioral difficulties in the long run.