ENS, or Early Neurological Stimulation is believed to impact the neurological system by starting it earlier than it would naturally, resulting in increased benefits to an adult dog. Environmental enrichment such as the toys you provide to play with, walks, outdoor play and social interaction with people are important factors as well, but Early Neurological Stimulation may increase the dogs ability to learn and to cope with stress later in life.

The link between stress and the activation of the endocrine system is well known and has been studied for years. The release of glucocorticoids, which are a class of stress hormones from the adrenal cortex, affects many processes in the body. These changes are the basis for the flight or fight response. By artificially stressing a pup early it causes the pup to develop a better ability to deal with stressful events later in life.

After a while they love to lie on their backs!

SUPINE POSITION

Early Neurological Stimulation was developed by the United States Military and was called MWD ……..Military Working Dog. They developed the program to improve performance in working military canines. The MWD was called the BIO Sensor program.

There are 5 exercise done once per day from day 3 - day 16 to enable the benefits of the program. It is important to only perform these once per day as too much stress can be detrimental and have the opposite effect desired.

1. TACTILE STIMULATION 3-5 seconds
Holding pup tickle or manipulate
between the toes with a Q-tip.

2. HOLD HEAD AND BODY ERECT 3-5
seconds.
Hold pup firmly perpendicular to floor.

3. OPPOSITE - HOLD HEAD AND BODY
UPSIDE DOWN 3-5 seconds
Hold pup firmly with head down.

4. SUPINE 3-5 seconds
Hold pup in your hands on its back.

5. THERMAL STIMULATION 3-5 seconds
Set pup on cold cloth that has been in
the refrigerator.