The nervous system for is just as complex for dogs as it is for humans. The nervous system is a large amount of nerve fibers which send electrical impulses that are described as messages to cells and organs. In mammals, this system is divided into different groups. There is the central nervous system (CNS) which is made up of the brain, brain stem, and spinal cord. Then there is the peripheral nervous system (PNS) that includes nerves which run from the brain through the head, neck and spinal cord. These nerves are also referred to as motor nerves, because they affect the muscles. Meaning that they control movement, posture, and reflexes. For example, this group of nerves is involved when your dogs shakes their tail. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is another set of nerves that control involuntary movements of organs like the heart, blood vessels, bladder and intestines. Your protection dog has no control over voluntary control of the autonomic nervous system, it functions automatically.

All protection dog puppies are born without a fully developed nervous system. This is because the brain, spinal cord, and nerves lack the ability to properly transmit electrical impulses. During the first few weeks of life, the system will start to mature. A owner may notice that during the first week of life, the puppies do little besides eating and sleeping. However the puppies do tend to move, even while fast asleep. By the second week, the guard dog puppies continue to spend a large amount of time asleep, but fewer body movements are involved. Most puppies will be able to maintain an upright posture and spend more time awake and alert, by the third week. They will attempt or push or slide, but will not be able to walk yet. This is simply because their muscles have not developed enough strength yet. As the next few weeks progress, the puppies’ nerves will grow immensely and it they will be able to walk and eventually even run.

Puppies are also born blind, with closed eyelids which is controlled by their nervous system. After fourteen days, the eyelids will begin to open slightly, exposing the eyeball. Once they are three to four weeks old, they will have vision. However, it will not become fully developed until ten weeks of age. Also, puppies are born deaf as well. Their ear canals will remained closed until they are two weeks old. Sounds, especially sharp noises will easily scare puppies this young, because they can not hear the sounds well enough. Four weeks old is the time when protection dog puppies will be able to hear quite normally. The nervous system development for you personal protection dog is something that takes time, and hopefully will happen without any flaws.