Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) in Puppies – Why It Matters 🐾

The first weeks of a puppy’s life are more important than many people realize. During this early period, breeders can make a lasting difference in a puppy’s development through Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS). This program was first developed by the U.S. military (known as the “Bio Sensor” program) and is now widely used by responsible breeders around the world.

ENS involves a series of gentle exercises performed daily from days 3 to 16 of a puppy’s life. These short, carefully timed activities expose puppies to mild forms of stress that help strengthen their developing nervous systems.

The routine includes:

✔️ Head up – holding the puppy upright

✔️ Head down – gently pointing the head toward the ground

✔️ Tactile stimulation – tickling between the toes

✔️ Belly up – holding the puppy on its back

✔️ Thermal stimulation – placing the puppy on a cool, damp cloth

Each exercise lasts only 3–5 seconds, but the benefits are long-term. Research has shown that puppies exposed to ENS often grow up to have:

✨ Better stress tolerance

✨ Stronger cardiovascular health

✨ Enhanced problem-solving skills

✨ Increased resistance to disease

As breeders, our goal isn’t just to produce beautiful, healthy dogs—it’s to give them the very best start in life. ENS is a simple but powerful way to set puppies up for success, helping them grow into confident, resilient companions.

Have a look at the video below where I demonstrate ENS with my puppies—you’ll see how quick and easy the routine is, yet how valuable it becomes for their future development. 💕