Early Neurological Stimulation

Early Neurological Stimulation is a term used to describe 5 specific exercises performed with puppies from day 3 to 16 or until the eyes are open. ENS is easy to do and while I can not claim that it is beneficial, it certainly is not harmful. The idea is that from day 3 to 16 is a period of rapid neurological growth and development in puppies and therefore ENS is of great importance. All exercises are done once a day and last 3 to 5 seconds each.

1. Tactical stimulation (tickling puppy’s toes with a Q-tip)

2. Head held erect

3. Head pointed down

4. Supine position

5. Thermal stimulation- placing a puppy on a cold surface

Dr. Battaglia linked it to several benefits:

•  Improved cardiovascular performance

• Stronger heart beats

• Stronger adrenal glands

• More tolerance to stress

• Greater resistance to disease