The Science of a Great Start: What ENS & ESI Mean for Your Puppy’s Development
Why the First Few Weeks Matter
Before a puppy ever learns to sit, stay, or come, their world is already shaping who they will become.
From the moment they’re born, gentle early experiences influence confidence, stress recovery, emotional balance, and overall temperament. That’s why many breeders in the Homemade Puppies network use two science-backed methods — ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation) and ESI (Early Scent Introduction) — to give puppies the strongest possible start.
At Homemade Puppies, we believe a confident dog begins with an intentional beginning.
Header image courtesy of: https://www.puppyculturestories.com/read/re-thinking-early-neurological-stimulation
What Is Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)?
ENS is a structured set of gentle handling exercises developed by the U.S. Military’s Canine Program. It’s performed during a very specific window: days 3–16 of life, when the neurological system is rapidly developing.
These exercises include:
- Holding the puppy upright
- Pointing them downward
- Placing them on their back
- Stimulating between the toes
- Introducing a mild, cool surface
Each exposure lasts only a few seconds, but the impact is long-lasting.
ENS helps puppies:
- Strengthen stress tolerance
- Improve cardiovascular and immune function
- Build neurological resilience
- Develop better recovery from startle and new stimuli
In everyday life, ENS contributes to calmer, more adaptable dogs who settle easily and handle new situations with confidence.
What Is Early Scent Introduction (ESI)?
ESI works alongside ENS and focuses on a puppy’s incredibly sensitive sense of smell. During the same early developmental window, breeders introduce one mild scent per day, such as:
- Grass
- Lavender
- Leather
- Chamomile
- Earth/soil
- Citrus peel
Each scent is offered gently and non-invasively for just a few seconds.
ESI helps puppies:
- Build curiosity and environmental engagement
- Strengthen sensory awareness
- Improve focus and problem-solving
- Develop positive associations with novelty
Photo courtesy of https://cjmpuppies.ca/early-neurological-stimulation/
ENS + ESI together help create puppies who are confident, connected, and eager to learn.
Learn more about early development research through the
American Kennel Club’s Early Neurological Stimulation overview.
Why It Matters to Families
You may not see the exercises happening, but you’ll feel the difference the moment your puppy comes home.
Puppies raised with ENS and ESI often:
- Transition more smoothly
- Settle more quickly
- Adapt to new routines easier
- Recover from surprises with confidence
- Show calmer behavior overall
That early emotional foundation reduces stress for both the puppy and the people who love them.
Why It Matters to Breeders
For breeders, ENS and ESI are simple, effective, science-backed ways to elevate your program.
They help produce:
- Stable, confident temperaments
- Stronger immune response
- Puppies who are ready for family life
- Smoother placements and customer satisfaction
- A program built on quality and intention
When paired with genetic testing, ethical breeding practices, and thoughtful early socialization, ENS and ESI become part of what defines the boutique breeder standard.
The Homemade Puppies Difference
At Homemade Puppies, we don’t just list puppies — we guide breeders in shaping confident beginnings.
Through trainer-led education and ongoing collaboration, our network encourages early development practices like ENS and ESI to support:
- Calm foundations
- Emotional balance
- Smooth transitions
- Stronger family bonds
Because when a puppy begins with purpose, everything that follows becomes easier: training, bonding, socializing, and living joyfully together.
A relaxed puppy creates a happy family — and that’s the core of what Homemade Puppies stands for.
Explore our intentionally-raised puppies at Homemade Puppies.
