Introducing ENS and ESI puppy stimulation exercises

Early socialisation is crucial to the development of your puppies. Outside of the usual puppy socialisation protocols, there are two early puppy stimulation exercises that I’d like to introduce you to.  Let’s talk about ENS and ESI for newborn puppies

Benefits of introducing early puppy stimulation exercises

• Boost brain development

• Improves circulation and immune system

• Stimulates the neurological system

• Improves stress responses in later life 

• Encourages a daily physical check of each puppy

What are ENS and ESI for puppies?

Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and Early Scent Introduction (ESI) are straightforward exercises introduced to puppies between days 3 - 16 to support their development, resilience, and coping skills. These early stimulation exercises for puppies are quick to perform but can yield significant benefits over time. 

ENS Tutorial for newborn puppies

Early Neurological Stimulation is a concept introduced by Dr. Carmen Battaglia, who is a breeder, AKC judge, researcher, and author. This concept includes tactile and thermal stimulation, as well as exposure to mild stressors, all of which enhance your puppies' ability to respond to stress.

When?

Perform these exercises once a day from days 3-16.

What you need

• Cotton buds

• Cool towel

How? 

Five exercises which last 3-5 seconds each. 

1. HEAD DOWN

2. HEAD UP

3. SUPINE POSITION (ON BACK) 

4. ON COOL TOWEL

5. TACTILE STIMULATION

Hold each puppy in the ENS positions for 3-5 seconds. 

For the tactile stimulation exercise, rub the cotton bud on the puppy’s toes for 3-5 seconds, then return the puppy to their litter.

Why?

Performing ENS exercises each day during this early developmental phase:

• Introduces puppies to mild stresses in a controlled way.

• Improves stress responses in later life.

• Stimulates the neurological system.

• Improves puppies’ growth, immune and cardiovascular systems.

ESI Tutorial for newborn puppies

Early Scent Introduction is a concept created by Dr. Gayle Watkins, who is a Golden Retriever breeder, scientist, researcher, and participant in various dog sports. 

When?

Perform these exercises once a day from days 3-16.

What you need

• 13 scents

• Pen and paper

How? 

Use a selection of 13 natural scents, no chemicals or meat products. You can use herbs and spices, things from your garden, or training items to make up your collection of scents to introduce. 

Hold the scent in front of the puppy’s nose for 5 seconds per day.

Make a note of the responses to each scent;

+ is a positive response when the puppy actively tries to sniff the scent.

0 is a neutral response when the puppy does not respond in any way.

– is a negative response when the puppy turns its head away from the scent.

ESI should be performed at a different time of day to ENS. If the puppies are feeling mild stress from the ENS, you do not want them to associate that stress with the novel scents you are introducing.

Why?

Scent is the way puppies experience the world. Introducing natural scents early on can help:

• Introduce puppies to new scents in a controlled way.

• Improves scenting ability in later life.

• Enhances confidence and stability as adults.

• Reduce behavioural issues in the long term 

Studies indicate that puppies exposed to scents at a young age develop an association and recognition for those particular scents. If your puppy is expected to serve in a service, detection, or working gun dog role, you can introduce them to "job-specific" scents to strengthen their recognition of these scents, even at this early stage.

TOP TIP:

It’s important not to overdo these exercises. They work so well because puppies of this age are extremely sensitive to stimulation, but overexposure can have detrimental effects. Stick to once a day to ensure you get the balance right. 

This doesn’t replace alternative puppy socialisation methods

These exercises are not a substitute for the normal play, handling and socialisation activities you undertake with your litters. They are intended as an additional boost to help aid your puppy’s development. Including socialisation protocols in the raising of your puppies can significantly increase their confidence, adaptability and resilience, meaning a happier life ahead!