We carefully plan every litter to create the perfect match for each family’s needs—from loyal companions and service dogs to hunting partners and cherished first pets.

​

Every parent dog is genetic, DNA, health, and temperament tested, ensuring that each puppy has the best start possible. From early socialization with children to a nurturing home environment, we focus on health, personality, and love.

 

Although it’s always tempting to keep every puppy ourselves, our greatest joy is helping you welcome the perfect new family member—a furry friend who will bring years of happiness, loyalty, and unforgettable memories.

​

Early Development & Enrichment at Ledford’s Family Farm​

The first few weeks of a puppy’s life are incredibly important for healthy growth and lifelong development. During this time, newborn puppies are completely dependent on their mother and breeder. Their eyes begin to open around day 10, and their ears follow shortly after—around day 14.

 

Since their senses are still developing, the best way to interact with puppies during these early days is through gentle, positive touch. We handle each puppy lovingly at least twice a day, introducing calm and reassuring contact that helps them feel secure and confident from the very start.

​

 

Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)

From days 3–16, puppies experience rapid neurological growth. To support this, we incorporate a method known as Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)—a program originally developed by the U.S. military to enhance the performance and health of working dogs.

 

Each day, we gently perform five simple exercises:

 

1. Tactile stimulation (touch between the toes)

2. Head held upright

3. Head pointed downward

4. Supine position (on the back)

5. Thermal stimulation (brief exposure to a cool surface)

 

 

These brief, controlled exercises help stimulate the nervous system and encourage early brain development. Research has shown ENS can lead to benefits such as:

 

• Improved cardiovascular performance and heart strength

• Healthier adrenal function

• Greater tolerance to stress

• Enhanced immune system and disease resistance

​

Early Scent Introduction (ESI)

Alongside ENS, we also use Early Scent Introduction (ESI)—a simple yet powerful enrichment activity that helps develop a puppy’s ability to recognize and respond to scents. Beginning at three days old and continuing through day 16, we introduce a new scent each day for a short period of time.

 

We observe and record each puppy’s response as:

 

• Positive: Shows curiosity or engagement

• Neutral: No reaction

• Negative: Turns away from the scent

 

 

Some of the scents we use include lavender, soil, leather, apple, fennel, cinnamon, clove, onion, alpaca fiber, rabbit fur, and tennis ball.

 

Why This Matters

These early experiences lay the foundation for confident, intelligent, and well-rounded companions. For service or therapy dogs, strong scent recognition can even be life-saving—helping them detect changes in blood sugar, alert to seizures, locate a missing child, or warn of dangers such as gas leaks or fires.

 

At Ledford’s Family Farm, we believe that nurturing begins on day three—and every touch, smell, and moment of interaction plays a part in shaping the remarkable dogs our families bring home.