What is ENS?
Hey there, pup parents! Are you wondering how we get our Gunmetal Labs puppies off to such a great start? One of the key ingredients is a technique called Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS). ENS is a series of exercises that we perform on each puppy during their first two weeks of life, and it's been shown to have significant benefits for puppies throughout their lives. In this article, we'll go over what ENS is, how we do it at Gunmetal Labs, and how it can lead to healthier, more well-adjusted puppies for your family.
While the term "neurological stimulation" might sound intimidating, the actual process is quite simple. During a puppy's first two weeks of life, their neurological system is rapidly developing, and they're much more open to new experiences than they will be later on. By performing a series of gentle exercises during this critical window, we can help "jump-start" their brains and bodies and prepare them for life as a happy, healthy dog.
At Gunmetal Labs, we use a specific protocol for ENS that's based on the work of canine development expert Dr. Carmen Battaglia. This protocol involves five specific exercises that we perform on each puppy once per day for a period of two weeks. These exercises include:
Tactile stimulation: Gently rubbing the puppy's feet, tail, and other body parts with a soft cloth to encourage body awareness and tactile sensitivity.
Head-held-high: Holding the puppy in a vertical position with their head pointed up for a few seconds to stimulate their vestibular system (the part of the inner ear that controls balance and spatial orientation).
Splayed-out position: Placing the puppy on their back with their legs pointing up for a few seconds to simulate the feeling of being in a vulnerable position (like a prey animal would be). This exercise helps to build resilience and reduce fearfulness in the puppy.
Thermal stimulation: Placing the puppy on a cool surface (like a wet towel) for a few seconds, then moving them to a warm surface for a few seconds. This exercise helps to improve the puppy's thermoregulation (ability to regulate their body temperature) and can have positive effects on their immune system.
Crawling: Placing the puppy on a slightly tilted surface and letting them crawl (or squirm) their way to the bottom. This exercise helps to build strength and coordination in the puppy's limbs.
By performing these exercises on each puppy every day for two weeks, we're helping to create a stronger, healthier, and more well-adjusted pup. ENS has been shown to have a number of benefits for puppies, including:
Improved cardiovascular performance
Stronger adrenal glands
More tolerance to stress
Greater resistance to disease
Improved ability to learn and adapt to new situations
Increased lifespan
Overall, we believe that ENS is a crucial part of the Gunmetal Labs puppy experience. By investing in the health and wellbeing of our puppies from the very beginning, we're setting them up for a lifetime of happiness and health. If you're interested in learning more about our ENS protocol or any of our other puppy-raising techniques, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're always happy to chat about our furry friends!