Our Approach to Breeding

At Homelytailmates, raising confident and well-balanced puppies begins from their earliest days. Our puppies start Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) from just three days old and are raised following the Badass Breeder socialisation program.

These gentle early experiences help develop resilience, confidence, and adaptability as puppies grow. While no breeder can guarantee a therapy or assistance dog, we work thoughtfully to give each puppy the very best start in life and the strongest possible foundation for their future.

Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)

At Homelytailmates Australian Cobberdogs, we begin Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) when puppies are just three days old. This gentle program supports healthy neurological development during an important early stage of life.

The Science Behind ENS

Research into early puppy development has shown that small amounts of controlled stimulation during the first weeks of life may support improved neurological development.

Results

Puppies exposed to ENS during this short developmental window may benefit from increased resilience, improved stress tolerance, and stronger adaptability as they mature. These early experiences help puppies learn to process new sensations calmly and confidently.

The Exercises

ENS involves five very brief exercises carried out once a day between three and sixteen days of age. Each exercise lasts only a few seconds and includes gentle handling positions and mild sensory experiences.

The exercises are always performed with care so puppies remain relaxed and comfortable. The goal is not to challenge them, but to introduce small positive experiences during a time when their nervous system is rapidly developing.

The Benefits

NS helps lay the groundwork for confident, adaptable puppies. When combined with ongoing socialisation and enrichment, it supports the development of well-balanced dogs who can comfortably navigate everyday life.

At Homelytailmates, ENS is just one part of our puppy raising program. As puppies grow, they are gradually introduced to new textures, sounds, environments, and enrichment activities through the Badass Breeder socialisation program, helping them develop curiosity, confidence, and problem-solving skills.