ENS dog refers to a puppy that has undergone Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS), a puppy-raising protocol that uses gentle stressors to stimulate the neurological system. Performed between 3 and 16 days of age, the process involves brief, daily exercises like holding the puppy in different positions, exposing it to a cool towel, and stimulating its paws to improve stress responses, cardiovascular and immune systems later in life.

What ENS is

A training method: ENS is a program that involves stimulating puppies' neurological systems through short, controlled stressors during their first few weeks of life.

The goal: To create more "robust" dogs with improved stress tolerance, cardiovascular performance, and a stronger immune system.

How it's done: It involves five simple exercises for 3-5 seconds each, once a day.

Head upright: Hold the puppy straight up for 3-5 seconds.

Head down: Hold the puppy head-down for 3-5 seconds.

Supine position: Hold the puppy on its back for 3-5 seconds.

Thermal stimulation: Place the puppy on a cool, damp towel for 3-5 seconds.

Tactile stimulation: Gently rub the pup's toes with a cotton swab for 3-5 seconds.

The timing: These exercises are performed daily from day 3 to day 16.

Benefits

Improved cardiovascular performance

Stronger heartbeats

Stronger adrenal glands

Greater stress tolerance

Increased resistance to disease

Improved immune and cardiovascular systems

Important considerations

It's not a replacement for socialization: While ENS helps prepare a puppy for socialization, it is not a substitute for proper socialization during the critical socialization period.

Potential downsides: Some research suggests that maternal separation, a component of some ENS protocols, could potentially lead to negative epigenetic changes and increased anxiety.

Eustress vs. Distress: ENS provides "eustress," or good stress, which is beneficial and helps build resilience, unlike "distress," which is harmful.