Preparing a puppy for the big wide world is a very important part of the mother, and we can help by using systems like ENS to make transitions later in life less stressful.
Early neurological stimulation or ENS is a series of exercises that can be used to help enhance puppies’ neurological development in the first few weeks of life.
These exercises are designed to cause mild stress and sensory stimulation to help develop new pathways in the brain that will help them adapt to new situations with more ease and less stress. It will also improve physical condition and immune function.
It is built up of 5 exercises that can be used between 7 days and 16 days of age, before sight, smell, and hearing develop.
Each exercise should be done once a day for 3 to 5 seconds.
Remember to keep exercises gentle and if puppies become too distressed adjust to an easier variation or stop the session and try again later. This is not a play session and if puppies become too excited adjust or stop
1. Tactile stimulation
2. Head held erect
3. Head pointed down
a. Only do this exercise if you are familiar with the technique and can do it safely otherwise consult an expert before attempting
4. Supine position
5. Thermal stimulation
Tactile stimulation/ or touch therapy: Helps puppies get used to being handled and encourages physical coordination. If they show discomfort with certain techniques respect their preference and avoid that step for now.
· Can be done with a damp towel, cotton ball, fingers, or a soft toothbrush.
Tools can be alternated every day to help broaden the sensory field
· Start by stroking the body, use slow strokes, and avoid being too rough.
· Next rub the belly gently, if they become too overstimulated or excited adjust your touch accordingly.
Have a towel at hand, should they have a bowel movement gently clean them before continuing.
· Move to the paws by putting light pressure on the bottom of the paw until the toes curl slightly and release so the toes go back to their original position.
· Lastly rub their ears lightly in circular motions.
· Being held and cuddled is also part of touch therapy, avoid sudden movements
Head held erect: Helps stimulate their vestibular system, which is responsible for their balance and special orientation, promoting better coordination and awareness of their body position or proprioception
· Support the puppy’s head and slowly move them to a vertical position with its head up
Be very careful and gentle as the puppy’s neck muscles and bones are still developing.
Avoid pulling or jerking
If they show signs of distress such as crying or struggling, stop the exercise immediately
Head pointed down: Only do this exercise if you are familiar with the technique and can do it safely
Supine position:
· Place the puppy on its back, and after a few seconds allowing them to roll back around
By placing them on their back the vestibular system is used to help become aware of their body (proprioception) and their balance to help them right themselves
The movements needed to get out of the supine position helps improve coordination
Thermal stimulation: Helps with body temperature regulation, and improves the immune system as well as the nervous system as it is still developing. Discontinue thermal stimulation after they are 16 days old.
· Done in 2 parts
make sure temperatures are cold or hot enough to be differentiated between but mild enough to not cause discomfort or injury
Temperatures can be tested on the inside of the wrist, place the cold item on the inside of the wrist, and hold for 5 seconds. If you feel any discomfort, or if it is too cold, the same can be done with the warm item.
· Cold stimulation: First place the puppy on a cool surface like an ice pack, covered with a damp towel or a cold tile floor after the 3 to 5 seconds
· Move to a warm surface NOT HOT such as a heating pad or warm bath water or for 3 to 5 seconds
The mild stress these exercises cause in puppies helps them become more resilient to stressors later in life.
Being handled daily can help with temperament and reduce fear and aggression toward humans.
A printable checklist is available at www.outofthedogbox.online on resources page
By Talita Moolman
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