What is ENS and ESI Puppy Culture?

ENS stands for Early Neurological Stimulation while ESI stands for Early Scent Introduction. Both ENS and ESI are comprehensive protocols completed by our neonatal staff starting when puppies are just three days of age. The purpose of ENS & ESI is to have a focused socialization structure to strengthen the puppy's nervous system,  immune system, and overall cardiovascular health. Benefits of ENS & ESI also include but are not limited to the following; build stress tolerance, adaptability, versatility, and problem-solving abilities. Helps puppies become more confident, resilient, and emotionally balanced companions. Creating a more stable and safe temperament in your new puppy. These programs we implicate help to give enrichment and socialization starting when the puppies are newborns. 



Why does ENS matter?

In the first two weeks of a puppy's life the neurological and endocrine systems are very malleable. Meaning, when ENS is preformed correctly, we can literally optimize each puppy's stress response and shape there temperaments long term. Creating puppies with high quality dispositions. While preforming ENS is it most important our puppies stay in safe low stress environments for the best outcomes. We can positively affect our puppies from a very young age to help them mature into confident resilient adults.



Puppy socialization starts with your breeder!

Research is now showing that socialization can be encouraged when puppies are just a few days old rather than the old thought process that it should be up to the new owner to socialize there puppy. Which, don't get us wrong, it is still going to be extremely important to continue to socialize puppy after eight weeks of age when they join their new families. Here at Kimberlee's kennels we pride ourselves on the mental well-being of every single puppy. We have implicated protocols like ENS and ESI to ensure each puppy is set up for success. We have a wide variety of staff from neonatal staff, a full time photographer / videographer, office staff, kennel attendees. Kimberlee also has seven children who love to play with the puppies and have there friends visit and play as well. We always welcome visitors and will often bring our adult dogs and puppies to events in public for additional socialization. We have 212 acres here in Decorah Iowa for our adult dogs to roam and endless grass for puppies to play in.



AKC's recommended protocols for ENS:

The handling of each pup once per day involves the following exercises:

Tactile stimulation: Holding the pup in one hand, the handler gently stimulates (tickles) the pup between the toes on any one foot using a Q-tip. It is not necessary to see that the pup is feeling the tickle. Time of stimulation 3-5 seconds.

Head held erect: Using both hands, the pup is held perpendicular to the ground (straight up), so that its head is directly above its tail. This is an upwards position. Time of stimulation 3-5 seconds.

Head pointed down: Holding the pup firmly with both hands the head is reversed and is pointed downward so that it is pointing towards the ground. Time of stimulation 3-5 seconds.

Supine position: Hold the pup so that its back is resting in the palm of both hands with its muzzle facing the ceiling. The pup while on its back is allowed to sleep. Time of stimulation 3-5 seconds.

Thermal stimulation: Use a damp towel that has been cooled in a refrigerator for at least five minutes. Place the pup on the towel, feet down. Do not restrain it from moving. Time of stimulation 3-5 seconds.

Puppy should never show signs of stress or overstimulation which is why this is only preformed once a day!