09/09/2026
First week
Daily weights
Tails docked day 2
Dew claws removed day 2
Nails clipped day 3
Early Neurological Stimulation days 3-16
Early Scent Introduction days 3-16
What is ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation)
What Is Early Neurological Stimulation for Puppies?
Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) is a series of gentle, daily exercises performed on newborn puppies between three and 16 days old to stimulate their neurological systems. Developed by the U.S. Military, these exercises include tactile stimulation, head-holding in various positions, and thermal stimulation, with the goal of improving cardiovascular performance, increasing stress tolerance, and boosting resistance to disease.
The five exercises of ENS
Tactile stimulation: Gently tickling the puppy between the toes with a Q-tip or finger for 3–5 seconds.
Head held erect: Holding the puppy upright for 3–5 seconds with its head level with its tail.
Head pointing down: Holding the puppy upside down for 3–5 seconds, with its head toward the ground.
Supine position: Cradling the puppy on its back in the palm of your hands for 3–5 seconds.
Thermal stimulation: Placing the puppy, feet down, on a cool, damp cloth for 3–5 seconds.
Benefits of ENS
Improved cardiovascular performance
Stronger heart beats
Stronger adrenal glands
Increased tolerance to stress
Greater resistance to disease
Enhanced problem-solving abilities
What Early Scent Introduction -
Early Scent Introduction (ESI) is a program where newborn puppies are exposed to a variety of novel, natural scents between days 3 and 16 of life to stimulate neurological development and improve their sense of smell. The process involves introducing a new scent for about 5 seconds each day, and it is believed to enhance cognitive function and long-term scenting ability.
Benefits of Early Scent Introduction
Stimulates brain development: Controlled exposure to scents during the critical 3-16 day period positively impacts the nervous system's growth and function.
Improves scenting ability: ESI can lead to dogs with more total scenting titles and who achieve them at a younger age.
Enhances stress tolerance: It helps neurologically prime the puppy to handle mild stressors more effectively as an adult.
Primarily for any puppy: While beneficial for future hunting or tracking dogs, the exercise is recommended for any puppy to stimulate brain development.
