It might surprise you to learn that one of the most powerful things we do for our puppies happens before they’re even two weeks old. It’s called Early Neurological Stimulation, or ENS, and though it takes just a few minutes a day, the impact lasts a lifetime.
Read on to discover how ENS helps our puppies grow into confident, well-adjusted dogs.
What Is Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)?
ENS is a short, science-backed routine developed by the U.S. military to help improve the health, temperament, and performance of their working dogs.
Today, it’s widely used by breeders and trainers around the world, from service dog programs to therapy dog foundations, and, of course, right here at Much Ado About Doodles.
In essence, ENS introduces gentle, positive challenges to newborn puppies during their first weeks of life. These small experiences help develop their nervous system, improve stress responses, and set the foundation for a balanced, confident adult dog.
Why We Do ENS at Much Ado About Doodles
We started incorporating ENS because we saw how much it could enhance not just a puppy’s physical health, but also their emotional development. Doodles are naturally social and sensitive, and ENS gives them the tools to navigate new situations with ease.
By the time our puppies are ready to go home, we want them to not only be adorable but also resilient. ENS helps them handle change, from new sounds and people to different environments, with calm curiosity instead of fear.
How ENS Works
ENS begins when puppies are just three days old and continues until day sixteen (a critical window for neurological growth). Each session is short, lasting only about one to two minutes per puppy.
The process involves five simple exercises, each held for just a few seconds:
- Head Held Upright – The puppy is supported with its head pointing upward.
- Head Pointed Down – The puppy is gently inverted, experiencing a mild shift in position.
- Supine Position – The puppy rests on its back in the handler’s hands.
- Tactile Stimulation – We softly tickle the pads of their tiny paws with a cotton swab.
- Thermal Stimulation – The puppy is briefly placed on a cool, damp towel to gently introduce temperature change.
Each movement is performed calmly, carefully, and for just a few seconds. The goal is never to stress the puppy, but to help its body learn how to recover from mild, safe challenges.
How We Keep It Safe and Gentle
Safety is always the priority. Our team is trained to recognize each puppy’s comfort level and keep every session calm and nurturing. The puppies are handled with warm hands, soft voices, and constant attention, ensuring the experience remains positive.
Because the exercises are so brief and controlled, ENS never overwhelms them; instead, it teaches their systems how to adapt and self-regulate, an essential skill for future confidence.
What We’ve Noticed
Over time, we’ve seen clear differences in puppies who have gone through ENS. They tend to be:
- More curious and confident when introduced to new environments
- Less startled by unfamiliar sounds or sensations
- Naturally more relaxed during handling, grooming, and vet visits
- Faster to recover from new or mildly stressful experiences
When compared to litters from before we implemented ENS, our newer puppies seem to approach the world with more ease. They’re quick to explore, slower to startle, and display the kind of composure that makes training smoother and bonding easier.
The Lasting Impact of ENS in Puppies
ENS doesn’t just benefit the early weeks; it sets the tone for life. These puppies often grow into dogs who are calm under pressure, adaptable in busy environments, and affectionate without being overly dependent.
In short, they’re balanced. They know how to experience something new, pause, and adjust, which makes them wonderful companions for families of all kinds.
A Small Start with Big Results
The ENS routine might take only a couple of minutes each day, but its effects last a lifetime. It’s one of the many ways we make sure each Much Ado About Doodles puppy is happy, healthy, and ready to take on the world, tail wagging and heart open.
Because at the end of the day, raising confident dogs begins with giving them the right kind of care, from day one.
Curious about adopting one of our puppies? Check out our Available Puppies page.
