Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)
Here at Golden Meadow Farmstead, we believe Early Neurological Stimulation, or ENS, is an important part of raising high quality puppies. ENS is the the introduction of minor stress to a puppy that is between 3 and 16 days old, in order to help shape the puppy’s rapidly growing neurological system. ENS is performed daily through a series of 5 exercises.
Benefits of ENS
These exercises have been proven to have benefits for puppies that last a lifetime. The benefits of ENS include stronger heart beats, stronger heart rates, stronger adrenaline system, increased resistance to disease, and greater tolerance to stress. In less than 30 seconds a day, when the puppy is young, we can shape the puppy’s future forever!
How to Implement ENS
In addition to handling the puppies, we perform the ENS exercises daily with each of the puppies. While handling the puppies each day lowers the puppy’s blood pressure, ENS exercises build their neurological systems. It is normal for a puppy to struggle a little with some or all of these exercises.
The first few days of life have inherent stresses of their own. Early Neurological Stimulation starts after the puppy has had a few days to adjust to being outside the womb. It is important to note that if a puppy is facing stress in any way aside from ENS, then ENS is stopped. After the outside stress is resolved, ENS is continued. The goal is not to overwhelm the puppy. By adding short, controlled stresses, we can aid in the growth of their neurological system.
ENS Exercises
1. Tactical Stimulation – Using a q-tip, tickle the puppy between its toes. The peripheral nerves are woken up in this exercise. Tickle the puppy’s toes for 3 to 5 seconds.
2. Head up – Hold the puppy with its head straight up and tail down for 3 to 5 seconds. This position naturally drains the blood away from the puppy’s brain causing the body to be out of equilibrium. This imbalance encourages the Neurological System to work a little extra to pump blood towards the brain in order to regain a balanced state within the puppy’s body.
3. Head Down – Hold the puppy with its head straight down and tail up for 3 to 5 seconds. Similarly to the previous exercise, this position changes the blood flow in the puppy’s body. The change in blood flow causes the neurological system to increase its efforts to balance the puppy’s body. The extra efforts for short periods of time, build strength in the neurological system.
4. Supine Position – Hold the puppy in your hands, so that the puppy is on its back, and its belly is facing up. Changing the position of the puppy forces the neurological system to respond and adapt appropriately. Keep the puppy in this position for 3 to 5 seconds.
5. Thermal Stimulation – Place a wet wash cloth in the refrigerator or freezer for about 30 minutes. After the cloth is cold, set the puppy on the cloth. This is a significant change in temperature for the puppy. The neurological system is challenged by change in temperature and it engages in a new way. Keep the puppy on the cold cloth for 3 to 5 seconds.
All these exercises combined, strengthen the neurological system by engaging it in multiple ways. That strength results in a stronger, healthier dog for the rest of its life.
Still curious to learn more? Checkout this video from Puppy Culture. Dr. Carmen Battaglia, who was instrumental in spreading the word about ENS, also has information posted on his website, Breeding Better Dogs.
Special Shout out to Lucy’s Spring 2022 Goldendoodle Puppies for modeling our ENS photoshoot!