After stepping away from social media, we found ourselves more grounded in the quiet, meaningful routines that shape each litter. One of those routines is our Early Scent Introduction (ESI) process — a gentle, purposeful way to expose our pit bull puppies to the world around them.
[Cardi aka Wild Child checking out the scents for ESI]
During the ESI period, each puppy is introduced to a new scent daily for just a few seconds. The goal isn’t to train them—it’s to support early neurological development and help shape confident, curious temperaments.
[Light Pink Collar Female Showing a Positive Reaction to Cinnamon]
Over several days, our puppies experienced scents like chamomile, coffee, lavender, sage, cinnamon, cloves, orange peel, and vanilla. Each pup responded in their own way—some leaned in with curiosity, others backed away, and a few yawned, licked, or gave the cutest little sniffs. These reactions may seem small, but they offer powerful insight into how each puppy processes new information and engages with the world.
[Dark Pink Female Showing a Positive Reaction to Cinnamon]
cWhy do we do this?
Early Scent Introduction activates important sensory and neurological pathways that contribute to long-term resilience. Pit bull puppies introduced to a variety of gentle stimuli during their early days are often more adaptable, less reactive, and better prepared for life outside the whelping box.
Beyond building confidence, ESI may also help us identify natural tendencies and potential future roles. For example, a pit bull puppy who shows strong, consistent interest in scent work might be a great candidate for:
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Diabetic alert training
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Search-and-rescue or police K9 work
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Scent-based sports
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Or even emotional support and therapy roles, where calmness and responsiveness are key.
[Dark Blue Male Showing a Negative Reaction to Cinnamon (turning his head away)]
ESI gives us an early glimpse into each puppy’s sensory strengths and personality—which helps guide future placements and training. At Bad to the Bone Kennels, we believe early enrichment matters. From scent work and early handling to exposure and socialization, our approach is rooted in intention, compassion, and a deep respect for developmental timing.
Thanks for following along. We can’t wait to share more with you soon.