What is ENS?
Homemade Puppies, LLC strives to be your trusted source for not only connecting with your new fur-baby, but also answering the dog related questions you may have to enhance your experience with your dog/puppy. Each week our in house dog expert, Katie, answers your puppy and dog questions. Submit your canine questions to info@homemadepuppies.com.
As always puppies advertised with Homemade Puppies, LLC are always 100% raised in-home by responsible family breeders...never raised outside or in a barn, etc. No Puppy Mills, ever. We promise. www.homemadepuppies.com
Here is this week's blog from Katie!
Some of the puppies you see advertised with Homemade Puppies, LLC say that they have had ENS, or Early Neurological Stimulation. But what is that?
It is becoming more widely known, that breeders can do a lot in helping puppies, during their early stages of life, become more well rounded, easily adaptable dogs. It used to be up to the new puppy owner to do all the socialization once they acquired their puppy. But studies show that the first 8 weeks of life include crucial socialization milestones.
The first 3 weeks of life the mamma dog usually takes care of all the puppies needs. Puppies are virtually helpless and cannot see until about day 10 and cannot hear for the first 14 days of life. Keeping the puppies and mom warm, clean and safe is the most important task at this phase. Gentle touching and stroking of the puppies twice a day can start to show them that human touch is pleasant. Early Neurological Stimulation is another step a breeder can do to ensure future success for their puppies.
Earl Neurological Stimulation ( ENS) is a method developed for the US Military to improve the performance of future military working dogs. It starts when the puppies are only 3 days old, and continues until they reach day 16. Each of the puppies in a litter is handled one at a time. There are a series of five exercises, all completed before moving onto the next puppy. These exercises are to be performed once a day only. Research shows that tiny struggles and stresses in appropriate small doses are actually good for puppies and will help them grow into strong, healthy, well adjusted adults. The five exercises are:
Exercise 1. TACTILE STIMULATION
Holding the puppy in one hand, the breeder gently tickles the puppy between the toes of any one foot using a q-tip for 3-5 seconds.
Exercise 2. HEAD HELD ERECT
Using both hands, the puppy is held perpendicular to the ground ( straight up), so that it's head is directly above its tail, for 3-5 seconds.
Exercise 3. HEAD POINTED DOWN
Holding the puppy firmly with both hands, the head is reversed and pointed downward so that it's pointing towards the ground. This position is held for 3-5 seconds.
Exercise 4. SUPINE POSITION
The breeder holds the puppy so that it's back is resting in the palm of both hands with its muzzle facing the ceiling. The puppy can sleep during this exercise. The puppy is held this way for 3-5 seconds.
Exercise 5. THERMAL STIMULATION
A damp towel is placed in the refrigerator for at least 5 minutes. The puppy is then placed on the towel, feet down. The puppy is allowed to move off the towel if it desires. It is to removed from the towel after 3-5 seconds.
These exercises, performed ONLY once a day, and each exercise for no more than 3-5 seconds, help to kick the neurological system into action earlier than normally expected. ENS is time sensitive and MUST be performed in the 3-16 day timeframe of the puppy's life. These exercises are in addition to daily handling and gentle petting of the young puppies. ENS has been shown to improve cardio vascular performance ( heart rate), stronger heartbeats; stronger adrenal glands; more tolerance to stress; and greater resistance to disease. ENS stimulated puppies were more active and explored their environment more than non-stimulated puppies.
This is a gift the breeder can give their puppies that can last a lifetime.
Do you have a question for Katie? Submit your question(s) to info@homemadepuppies.com.
Don't forget to catch Katie's blog from last week: https://www.homemadepuppies.com/5-must-visit-websites-for-dog-owners
