The "Super Dog Program"- Early Neurological Stimulation
The "Super Dog" program, also known as "Bio Sensor" was developed by the US Military in order to improve the overall performance of their dogs. The program calls for the use of six specific exercises designed and tested to stimulate the neurological systems of puppies at an early age. We utilize these exercises in the raising of all of our puppies. Studies show that puppies given early neurological stimulation exercises mature at faster rates and often perform better in problem solving tests than non-stimulated littermates. Studies also indicate improved cardio vascular performance, stronger heart beats, stronger adrenal glands, more tolerance to stress, and greater resistance to disease. For more information about studies and the specific exercises used, please see the article Developing High Achievers.

1. 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.	1. Tactile stimulation (Click for Fullsize)
2. Head held erect (Click for Fullsize)	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 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 (Figure 3).	3. Head pointed down (Click for Fullsize)
4. Supine position (Click for Fullsize)	4. Supine position Hold the pup so that its back is resting in the palm o 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 Use a damp towel that has been cooled in a refrigerator for at least five minutes. Place the pup on the towel, feet down. Do not restrain it from moving. Time of stimulation 3-5 seconds.	5. Thermal stimulation (Click for Fullsize)

Imprinting When the puppies reach about four weeks of age, we begin to imprint certain behaviors. Depending on what sort of a living situation each is destined for (schutzhund competitor, pet dog), we may vary the type of imprinting done on that German Shepherd puppy. Generally, we encourage and promote drive and curiosity, as well as basic communication skills. (Video Clip of "Clicker Sit") Through this early imprinting, we hope to send puppies to their new homes with a good foundation for future training.

Socialization
At the earliest safe age for the puppies, generally at about six weeks of age, we begin to socialize them through positive experiences to a number of different, exciting, and challenging situations and environments outside of our kennel property. They are taken into the city and parks. Puppies are exposed to other people, children, and animals, as well as various surfaces (Video Clip of "Puppy Course") and noises. They get to see traffic, people, city streets, sounds and smells. We make the best effort to give our puppies a strong social foundation by the time they go home at eight weeks of age.

Temperament Evaluations
All Starke Pfoten puppies undergo a temperament evaluation while they are in our care, in order to give us a good idea of what each breeding has produced. This is also done in order to help us steer you in the right direction so that you may choose the best puppy for your specific living situation and needs. This standardized evaluation has 11 exercises and is developed to discover to the best of our knowledge the quirks of each puppy's personality. Each German Shepherd puppy gets a score for each portion which puts him or her into a category based on their reaction. Scores and explanations will be available to all German Shepherd puppy buyers upon request.