About Our Process

The Art and Science of Raising Exceptional Dogs

 

​​At High Desert Companions, we believe that truly outstanding dogs begin with intentional, science-based early development. From the moment our puppies are born, we are focused on building a foundation of health, confidence, and adaptability to support a lifetime of success.

Through proven protocols like Early Neurological Stimulation, Early Scent Introduction, Puppy Culture, and AviDog, we give each puppy the tools they need to thrive in a variety of homes, lifestyles, and roles—from loyal companions to high-performing partners.

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Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS): Building Resilience from Day 3

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We begin ENS between days 3 and 16 of life, a critical window when puppies are rapidly developing their nervous systems. Developed by the U.S. military’s “Super Dog” program, ENS involves five gentle exercises that stimulate the brain and body in ways natural environments cannot provide alone.

Benefits of ENS include:

• Stronger cardiovascular function

• Better adrenal system performance (stress tolerance)

• Enhanced immune response

• Greater neurological development and learning capacity

These early exercises promote stronger connections between neurons during a period when the brain is undergoing synaptic growth and pruning—a process where the brain strengthens useful neural connections and eliminates weaker ones. By gently stimulating the brain during this time, we help wire our puppies for lifelong adaptability, confidence, and curiosity.

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Early Scent Introduction (ESI): Developing a Powerful Nose and Brain

 

Alongside ENS, we implement Early Scent Introduction during the same early developmental window. Each day, puppies are exposed to a new, safe scent (such as herbs, essential oils, or natural items like feathers or bark) for short periods. Their reactions are monitored and recorded.

Why this matters:

• Strengthens the olfactory system

• Builds scent memory and recognition

• Encourages engagement with the environment

• Supports working, therapy, and scent-driven activities later in life

Even for pets, a more developed sense of smell enhances confidence and awareness—and helps create a stronger connection to their world and their humans.

Puppy Culture & AviDog: Social, Stable, and Smart

 

Our puppies are raised using Puppy Culture and AviDog, which are gold standards in early puppy development. These programs are research-driven and provide a structured timeline of age-appropriate experiences that shape behavior, brain development, and emotional resilience.

We introduce:

• Novel textures, sounds, and surfaces

• Gentle startle-recovery training

• Confidence-building problem-solving games

• Positive early human handling and interaction

• Enrichment activities that build emotional control

These experiences help puppies navigate the world with confidence and curiosity. They also play a key role during critical fear periods, teaching puppies how to recover quickly from stress and approach new experiences with resilience instead of fear.

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Champion Bloodlines & Ethical Breeding Practices

 

Our dogs come from carefully selected champion lines that exemplify sound structure, exceptional temperament, and outstanding health. Each breeding is planned with intention—never casually or impulsively.

We perform:

• Full panel DNA testing for inherited diseases

• OFA or PennHIP evaluations for hips and patellas

• Eye exams by certified veterinary ophthalmologists

• Ongoing temperament evaluations for breeding potential

Our goal is to preserve and enhance the best qualities of the breed—avoiding extreme traits or overbreeding. Health and temperament come first, always.

Learn more about what Poodle health testing should look like here and Australian Shepherds health testing here.

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Early Litter Box Training & Crate Introduction

 

Cleanliness and independence start early in our program. At around 3 weeks of age, our puppies are introduced to a litter box with pellets to begin forming early potty habits. This encourages:

• Natural cleanliness instincts

• Easier house-training transitions

• Reduced accidents and stress later on 

By 3-4 weeks, we also begin crate conditioning—starting with open-door exposure and positive associations. As the puppies grow, we gradually introduce individual crate time in short, positive sessions. This builds:

• Independence and self-soothing skills

• A safe space mindset that reduces stress during transitions

• Easier adjustment to new homes and sleep routines

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Purpose-Bred Companions for Life

 

Our goal is not just to breed beautiful dogs, but to nurture emotionally intelligent, adaptable, and deeply bonded companions. From day one, our puppies are raised with intention—to prepare them for the world, support their development, and set them up for success in every stage of life.

Whether you're looking for a performance prospect, a service dog in training, or a loving family companion, you can trust that your puppy was raised with purpose, passion, and proven practices.

At High Desert Companions, we don’t just raise dogs—we build confident companions for a lifetime.