What is ENS & ESI??
ENS- Early Neurological Stimulation
Early Scent Introduction is done here From 3 days old - 16 days old. This is where we introduce new smells every day. We give the puppies 5 seconds to engage with each new scent and record if the puppy gives a positive, negative or neutral response. This test can be very beneficial in the dogs entire life. Dogs who participate in ESI have a more optimistic approach to new things, more confidence, fewer behavioral problems and stability
ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation) and ESI (Early Scent Introduction) are gentle exercises we do with our puppies during their first few weeks of life.
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ENS helps support healthy brain development and strengthens their nervous and immune systems by exposing puppies to mild stressors in a safe, controlled way.
​Puppies start the Early Neurological Stimulation program when they are three days old. The ENS program involves five different exercises done with each puppy once a day. Puppies are tickled on the bottom of their paws and between their toes. They’re held straight with their tails down, held upside down with their tails up, laid on their backs, and placed on a cold washcloth. The program recommends staying in each position for 3-5 seconds. This is so the brief changes are enough to stimulate the puppies’ brains but not enough to stress them out too much. We want to produce enough eustress so that their neurological development is stimulated. But we don’t want to overdo it and cross into creating distress for the puppies.
ESI- Early Scent Introduction
Early Scent Introduction is done here From 3 days old - 16 days old. This is where we introduce new smells every day. We give the puppies 5 seconds to engage with each new scent and record if the puppy gives a positive, negative or neutral response. This test can be very beneficial in the dogs entire life. Dogs who participate in ESI have a more optimistic approach to new things, more confidence, fewer behavioral problems and stability.
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ESI introduces puppies to new scents daily, helping boost their confidence and scenting ability—especially helpful for service, therapy, or working dogs.
These early experiences lay the foundation for well-rounded, adaptable puppies.
We use a ESI kit from Lovely Breeder Supply on Etsy, SCENTS INCLUDED: soil, pine chips, cinnamon chips, star anise, lavender, black tea, tennis ball, coconut, leather, rabbit (scent) , chamomile, alpaca fiber, cloves, and lemongrass.
Exposure Activities
We prioritize the socialization of our puppies. Each day they encounter a range of new experiences, from different environments and textures to sounds, children, and other animals. By providing age-appropriate mental and physical challenges, we help our puppies develop the confidence and adaptability necessary for thriving in any setting. This early exposure ensures they become well-rounded, resilient companions ready to embrace the world.
Daily Handling
We prioritize daily interactions with our puppies, incorporating gentle exercises to help them feel at ease with being touched, held, and picked up. This consistent handling fosters a strong bond of trust and comfort with humans from the start. By focusing on early experiences, we raise affectionate and confident puppies that are eager to become beloved members of your family.
Potty Training
Our puppies are introduced to litter box potty training from 2 weeks of age. Each puppy pen includes a shallow litter tray in a designated potty area, helping them naturally learn to keep their sleeping and play spaces clean.
As they grow, we also begin crate training & outdoor potty training, giving them a smooth transition to housebreaking in their new homes.
Grooming Exposure
Our puppies receive regular grooming exposure to help them become comfortable with handling and care routines. We start grooming exposure at 4 weeks of age! Throughout their time with us, they experience weekly nail trims, baths, blow drying with a high-velocity dryer, and gentle brushing with a soft brush.
By the time they go home, they’re already familiar with basic grooming—making future vet visits and spa days a breeze!