Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)
Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) is a set of five short handling exercises performed daily on puppies between 3 and 16 days of age to stimulate their neurological system. The goal is to improve cardiovascular performance, increase stress tolerance, and boost immune system resistance by exposing them to controlled, mild stress.
The 5 ENS Exercises
Tactile stimulation: Gently tickle the puppy between the toes of one foot with a Q-tip for 3-5 seconds.
Head up: Hold the puppy securely with both hands so that the head is pointing up and the tail is down for 3-5 seconds.
Head down: Hold the puppy with both hands, but now point the head down towards the floor for 3-5 seconds.
Supine position: Gently hold the puppy on its back for 3-5 seconds, with its belly facing the ceiling.
Thermal stimulation: Place the puppy's paws and tummy down on a slightly cool, damp cloth for 3-5 seconds.
Benefits and important considerations
Benefits: Studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that ENS can lead to a stronger immune and cardiovascular system, better stress tolerance, and improved performance in problem-solving and basic obedience.
Timing: These exercises are done only once a day for 3-5 seconds per exercise, from day 3 to day 16 after birth.
Professional consensus: While the practice is popular, the scientific community is still researching its effects on dogs. Some studies have yielded conflicting results, and more research is needed to fully understand the benefits and potential risks, especially regarding the separation of puppies from their mothers.
Not a replacement: ENS is meant to be a foundational program and is not a substitute for natural handling, cuddling, or the critical socialization period that follows.
Early Scent Introduction (ESI)
Early Scent Introduction is performed in conjunction with Bio-Sensor training on the puppies from day three thru day sixteen. A pungent scent is introduced to the puppy each day for short intervals. Their reaction to the scent is then recorded. A positive reaction is when a puppy will try to move towards the scent with their nose highly engaged in the scent. A negative reaction will have the puppy pulling back from the scent. A neutral reaction will be when the puppy does not seem interested or disinterested.
The benefits of ESI have been studied in a seven-year breeding test. Gayle Watson PhD conducted the test with Gaylan’s Golden Retriever litters. They broke down the litters to the dogs that had early scent detection and those that did not. She began her testing by looking at results from sporting Golden Retrievers here in the United States. Gayle and her team charted the outcome of various events to determine the effect the ESI had on the pups. The results were astounding! They found the dogs that had been involved in early scent introduction had more total scenting titles. Along with the titles were earned in more complex scenting categories. Another amazing fact that came from the research was that the dogs were achieving these titles two and a half to five years younger than the non ESI pups.
Early Socialization
When it comes to socialization we utilize interaction for the puppies with people of all different ages, sizes, sexes, and even abilities (wheelchairs, walkers, canes etc).
We also utilize a wonderful array of sounds they may encounter inside and outside of their new homes. Rainstorms, fireworks, urban and rural environments, we do our best to expose them to it all in a safe and low risk environment.