At Von Baron Schnauzers, we prioritize the health and well-being of our puppies through Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) therapy, a scientifically backed program that enhances neurological development during the critical early weeks of life. ENS therapy is a structured process designed to give puppies a strong foundation for lifelong health, adaptability, and resilience.
ENS therapy is a series of gentle, controlled exercises performed on puppies from days 3 to 16 of life. This early development period is crucial for neurological growth, as it influences brain function, stress tolerance, and overall temperament. The U.S. military initially developed ENS therapy as part of their “Bio-Sensor” or “Super Dog” program, recognizing that brief exposure to mild stressors could significantly enhance a dog’s future performance and adaptability. Early socialization starts with the breeder
Research has shown that puppies who undergo ENS therapy experience a range of lifelong benefits, including:
At Von Baron Schnauzers, we specialize in raising mega-coated, health-tested miniature schnauzers, and ENS therapy plays a crucial role in shaping their calm, confident, and well-adjusted temperaments. Given their intelligent and affectionate nature, miniature schnauzers benefit significantly from early stimulation, making them even more adaptable in family environments, therapy work, and advanced training programs. https://breedingbetterdogs.com/article/early-neurological-stimulation
ENS therapy is just one component of our comprehensive puppy-raising program. We also incorporate Early Scent Introduction (ESI), socialization exercises, and structured training methods to ensure each puppy receives the best possible start in life. These early experiences contribute to a well-balanced, resilient, and affectionate companion that is ready to thrive in a loving home.
Early stimulation is very important for puppies as it helps with their physical, mental, and social development. Proper and positive early stimulation can have a significant impact on a puppy’s behavior, learning, and overall well-being.
Early neurological stimulation (ENS) is a set of exercises that are designed to stimulate the neurological development of puppies during the first few weeks of their lives. The idea behind ENS is to give puppies a better start in life by providing them with experiences that can help to increase their ability to adapt to new situations, cope with stress, and learn more easily.
The ENS exercises typically involve handling the puppies in specific ways that are designed to stimulate their neurological development. These ENS exercises may include things like holding the puppy in different positions, exposing the puppy to different surfaces and textures, and subjecting the puppy to mild stressors like a brief period of cold or an unexpected noise.
The goal of these ENS exercises is to provide the puppies with a range of experiences that will help to develop their nervous system and improve their ability to cope with stress. It is important to note that ENS should only be performed by someone who is trained to do so, as improper handling or exposure to stress can have negative effects on the puppies’ development. We start the ENS on day 3 of your puppies life.
Activities such as socialization with people and other animals, exposure to different environments, and training can help puppies develop good habits and behaviors, become well-adjusted and confident, and reduce the risk of fear, anxiety, and aggression.
Starting early stimulation and training as soon as possible, ideally between 3 and 14 weeks of age, when the puppy’s brain is most receptive to new experiences and information, is key for a successful outcome. However, it’s never too late to start and puppies of any age can still benefit from stimulation and training.
We strive to have well rounded puppies to make your life easier when they come to your home. Plus, who doesn’t love handling these darling babies as much as possible? We feel that not just touching our puppies, but introducing them to as many new situations as possible makes for a well adjusted puppy. They are introduced with sounds, different people, our dogs and cats as well.
