Early neurological stimulation (ENS) for puppies is a method that has gained popularity in recent years, with many breeders incorporating it into their puppy-rearing programs. The purpose of ENS is to provide puppies with a series of gentle exercises that help to stimulate their neurological development during the critical first few weeks of life.
The concept of ENS was originally developed by the US military in the 1970s as a way of improving the performance of working dogs. The program was designed to give puppies a head start in life by exposing them to a range of different stimuli that would help to improve their physical and mental capabilities.
The exercises used in ENS are relatively simple. They involve gently touching and handling the puppies in a variety of different ways.
There are 5 steps, performed from day 3 to day 16 after birth, once daily for 5 seconds each step.
The 5 steps are:
1. Head up
2. Head down, gently, no swinging
3. On the puppy’s back
4. Foot Tickle Tactile Stimulation
5. Cold Towel Thermal Stimulation
The aim of these exercises is to promote the development of the puppies' neurological pathways. The benefits of exposing the puppies to a range of different stimuli include,
A . Improved cardio vascular performance (heart rate)
B. Stronger heart beats
C. Stronger adrenal glands
D. More tolerance to stress
E. Greater resistance to disease.
ENS is typically carried out during the first two weeks of a puppy's life, when their neurological development is at its most rapid. Research has shown that puppies who undergo ENS tend to be more resilient and better able to cope with stress than those who do not. They also tend to have better problem-solving skills and are more adaptable to new situations.
Early neurological stimulation is a valuable tool for improving the development of puppies. By exposing them to a range of different stimuli during the critical first few weeks of life, we can help to promote their neurological development and set them on the path to becoming happy, healthy, and well-adjusted dogs.
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