WHAT IS ENS?
WHAT IS EARLY NEUROLOGICAL STIMULATION (ENS)?
Early neurological stimulation (ENS) is a process that was developed to introduce mild stresses to young puppies. These stresses are thought to help improve the growth and development of the puppies immune system and stress tolerance by stimulating the neurologic system.
For ENS, puppies are handled individually from days 3-16 for 3-5 seconds and put through the following 5 steps:
Tactical Stimulation: The puppy is held in one hand and is gently "tickled" with a cotton swab between their toes.
Head Held Erect: Using both hands, the puppy is held straight up so that it's head is directly above it's tail.
Head Pointed Down: The puppy is held with both hands and is held directly downwards.
Surpine Position: The puppy is held firmly in both hands on it's back.
Thermal Stimulation: The puppy is placed feet first on a damp towel that has been refrigerated or 5 minutes. The puppy is not restrained from moving.
what are the benefits of ens?
Improved cardiovascular performance
Stronger heartbeats
Stronger adrenal glands
Improved tolerance to stress
Greater resistance to disease