The Benefits of Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) for Puppies
At Perro de Caza, we are passionate about raising healthy, well-adjusted Labrador Retrievers who excel in both the field and as family companions. One key part of our breeding program that sets our puppies up for success is **Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)**. This method, developed by the U.S. military as part of their "Super Dog" program, has been a crucial part of how we raise our puppies to handle stress and adapt to new environments with confidence. In this blog post, we’ll explain what ENS is, how it’s performed, and why we believe it’s so beneficial to the puppies we raise.
What is Early Neurological Stimulation?
Early Neurological Stimulation is a series of exercises designed to stimulate a puppy’s neurological system during a critical period of early development, between 3 and 16 days of age. This period is known as the **"neurological imprinting stage,"** when a puppy's brain is highly responsive to new experiences. The exercises are short and gentle but have long-lasting effects on the puppy's ability to handle stress, adapt to new situations, and develop a stable temperament.
The ENS method was first introduced by the U.S. military to improve the performance of their working dogs. It has since been adopted by breeders worldwide due to its proven benefits in enhancing the overall health and development of puppies.
How is ENS Performed?
ENS consists of five simple exercises that are performed once a day, for 3-5 seconds each, starting when the puppies are just a few days old. Here’s a breakdown of what the process looks like:
1. **Tactile Stimulation**: A Q-tip or a soft object is gently rubbed between the puppy's toes, activating nerves that they are not typically using at this stage.
2. **Head Held Upwards**: The puppy is held gently with their head facing upward for about 3-5 seconds. This changes their orientation and stimulates their balance.
3. **Head Held Downwards**: The puppy is held upside down, with their head facing the ground for 3-5 seconds, helping them experience different orientations.
4. **Supine Position**: The puppy is held on its back, gently laying them in a supine position for a few seconds. This is a submissive position that helps the puppy adjust to being handled.
5. **Thermal Stimulation**: The puppy is placed on a cool, damp cloth for a brief moment to stimulate their sense of temperature change.
These exercises are brief and non-invasive, but they introduce subtle stressors that promote resilience as the puppies grow. ENS doesn’t replace regular handling and socialization but rather enhances it by giving the puppies a head start in their neurological development.
Why We Use ENS in Our Breeding Program
We implement Early Neurological Stimulation with every litter because of the many proven benefits it offers. ENS helps to strengthen the puppies' cardiovascular system, improve their stress tolerance, and boost their immune response. Over the years, we’ve noticed that the puppies who undergo ENS are calmer, more adaptable, and handle being touched or handled much better compared to those who haven’t been through the program.
One of the major benefits we’ve seen in our Labrador Retrievers is that they are less sensitive to environmental stressors, such as loud noises, new environments, or changes in routine. This makes them not only excellent hunting companions but also fantastic family dogs that adjust well to different households and lifestyles.
Understanding Our Puppies' Personalities
Another reason I personally love using ENS is that it gives me a chance to get to know the puppies' personalities from an early age. As I work with each puppy through these exercises, I can observe their reactions—some puppies are calm and relaxed, while others are more sensitive or curious. This early interaction helps me understand their temperaments, allowing me to guide potential new owners toward the puppy that will best fit their home and lifestyle.
As the puppies grow and change each day, ENS gives me insights into how they are developing, both physically and emotionally. This helps ensure that every puppy is given the best foundation to thrive, whether they are destined for a life in the field or as a beloved family pet.
The Long-Term Benefits of ENS
The benefits of ENS extend far beyond puppyhood. Studies have shown that dogs who experience ENS are more likely to develop into confident, resilient adults who are better able to handle stress and novel situations. This means that they are less likely to be fearful or anxious in new environments, making training easier and strengthening the bond between dog and owner.
At Perro de Caza], we believe that giving our puppies the best possible start is essential to their future success. By incorporating ENS into our program, we ensure that our Labrador Retrievers grow into healthy, confident, and well-balanced dogs who can excel in a variety of roles, from hunting companions to loyal family pets.
If you're interested in learning more about our breeding program or have any questions about ENS, feel free to reach out. We’re always happy to talk about how we raise our puppies and why we believe in these proven methods.
Here is a great resource to learn more: