EARLY NEUROLOGICAL STIMULATION (ENS)
WHY THE FIRST 3 WEEKS OF A PUPPY’S LIFE ARE CRITICAL?
Puppies are very helpless from the moment they are born until they are 3 weeks of age. The mama does most of the work (feeds, cleans, and provides warmth and comfort). We start very early interacting with our puppies by holding them countless times a day so they know that human touch is a positive and safe experience.
EARLY NEUROLOGICAL STIMULATION (ENS)
Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) is a process we do that introduces mild stimulations to very young puppies in a controlled way. These stimlulations help encourage the neurological system which improves the growth and development of the pup’s immune system, cardiovascular system, and stress tolerance. ENS is carried out on days 3-16 since that is when rapid neurological growth and development occur.
This process consists of 5 simple and harmless exercises. Each exercise is done for 3-5 seconds.
Tactile Stimulation
Tactile Stimulation
Tactile Stimulation
Holding the pup in one hand, we gently stimulate (tickles) the pup between the toes on any of the feet using a cotton bud.
Head Held Erect
Tactile Stimulation
Tactile Stimulation
Using both hands, the pup is held perpendicular to the ground, (straight up), so that its head is directly above its tail. This is an upwards position. We do this for 3 - 5 seconds.
Head Pointed Down
Tactile Stimulation
Head Pointed Down
We hold the pup firmly with both hands then the head is reversed and is pointed downward so that it is pointing towards the ground. We do this for 3 - 5 seconds.
Supine Position
Thermal Stimulation
Head Pointed Down
We hold the puppy so that its back is resting in the palm of both hands with its muzzle facing the ceiling. The pup while on its back is allowed to sleep. We do this for 3-5 seconds.
Thermal Stimulation
Thermal Stimulation
Thermal Stimulation
We use a damp towel that has been cooled in a refrigerator for at least five minutes. We then place the puppy on the towel, feet down. We do not restrain it from moving. We do this for 3-5 seconds.