What is Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)?
Having many interactions with a puppy early on can help develop the puppy's ability to cope with stress - with promising results! Holding puppies from the very beginning at least twice a day will help the puppies learn that human touch is a good thing. Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) starts the process by adding gentle, short-term stressors to the puppy from 3-16 days old. ENS focuses on touch, and since puppies do not even open their eyes until they are 10 days old or hear until around 2 weeks, touch is one of the most important senses they have. The steps in ENS are not in substitution to daily handling, but rather a positive addition for their growth and development.
The Steps
The short-term, gentle stressors that our puppies are exposed to can be seen below. These steps were developed in the "Bio Sensor" program by the U.S. Military (discussed by Dr. Carmen Battaglia). These steps are completed on a puppy all the way through before starting the process again on the next puppy. The process starts when the puppy turns 3 days old, and ends when they are 16 days old. These steps are done once a day during this time period.
01
Tactile Stimulation
While the puppy is held in one hand, the handler takes a Q-Tip and gently strokes it between the puppies toes to create a "tickling" sensation. It is not necessary to see if the puppy does look like they are being tickled. This is done for 3-5 seconds.
03
Head Pointed Down
Using both hands, the puppy is held so that their head is pointed to the ground and below their tail. This is done for 3-5 seconds
05
Thermal Stimulation
Using a damp towel that has been chilled in a refrigerator for at least 5 minutes. Gently place the puppy on the towel, feet down. This is done for 3-5 seconds
02
Head held Erect
Using both hands, the puppy is held so that it's head is pointing up to the ceiling and their head above their tail. This is done for 3-5 seconds.
04
Supine Position
Using both hands, the puppy is held on its back so that their belly is facing the ceiling. The puppy can sleep during this process. This is done for 3-5 seconds.
Benefits
More Curious
ENS has also shown to help dogs be more exploratory and be more active in general compared tot hose not exposed to ENS within the same litter.
Heart Benefits
Studies have found that when puppies are introduced to ENS, these dogs have improved heart rates and heart beats.
Stress Relief Benefits
Dogs exposed to ENS have also been found to have a greater tolerance to stress.