Socializing pups has long been regarded as the responsibility of the new owner. We instruct parents to take the puppy to lessons and expose them to a wide range of people and circumstances.
However, recent studies indicate that encouraging a stable temperament can begin before puppies are born. Breeders can do a lot to help their puppies get a head start on becoming more adaptive to the many environments they will face in life.
While socialization remains crucial for new pet parents, recent studies suggest temperament development can begin even earlier. At Clearvu, we believe in giving our puppies the best possible start by incorporating Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) exercises.
What is Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)?
ENS involves gently handling puppies for five brief exercises daily, from the 3rd to the 16th day of life. These exercises do not replace normal handling, these should be used in addition to normal handling.
In order of preference, the handler begins with one pup and stimulates it with each of the five exercises. Before moving on to the next pup, the breeder/handler must go through the entire series of exercises from start to finish.Â
Each pup goes through the following exercises once a day:
Tactile Stimulation (3-5 seconds):Â Briefly stimulate the toes using a cotton swab, mimicking a tickling sensation.
Head Held Erect (3-5 seconds):Â Gently hold the puppy upright, supporting its body and head vertically.
Head Pointed Down (3-5 seconds):Â Cradling the puppy securely, then gently lowering its head towards the ground.
Supine Position (3-5 seconds):Â Holding the puppy on its back, and allowing it to rest comfortably.
Thermal Stimulation (3-5 seconds):Â Place the puppy on a cool damp towel for a brief moment.
Benefits of Early Neurological Stimulation
According to Breeding Better Dogs, when done correctly, ENS is shown to affect the neurological system by kicking it into action earlier than would typically be expected, which results in greater capacity that would later aid in making a difference in its performance. ENS is time-sensitive and must be performed between the third and 16th days of a puppy's life.
Puppies exposed to ENS showed five main benefits, which include:
Higher Cardiovascular Performance
Stronger Heartbeats
Stronger Adrenal Glands
Increased Stress ToleranceÂ
Greater Disease Resistance
To learn more we highly recommend reading the articles linked below:
Clearvu's Commitment to Puppy Wellness
At Clearvu, we're committed to providing our puppies with the foundation for a happy, healthy life. ENS is just one way we go above and beyond to ensure your furry friend gets the best possible start.
Contact us today to learn more about our breeding philosophy and our available litters!
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