Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) for Puppies
- Von Schaaf Haus DuPree Dobermans & Danes
- Oct 23
- 4 min read
Building Stronger, Healthier Dobermans and Great Danes
At Von Schaaf Haus DuPree Dobermans & Danes, we believe exceptional puppies start with exceptional care — long before their eyes even open. That’s why every Doberman and Great Dane puppy in our program receives Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS), a proven method that enhances health, temperament, and adaptability for life.
Developed through scientific research and trusted by top breeders and trainers worldwide, ENS is one of the most valuable early experiences we can give our puppies.
What Is Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)?
Early Neurological Stimulation (often called ENS for puppies) is a series of five gentle exercises performed on each puppy from day 3 through day 16 of life. This short but critical period is when a puppy’s neurological system is still developing and highly responsive to small challenges.
ENS introduces mild, positive stressors to help the puppy’s body and brain learn to adapt — strengthening its cardiovascular system, immune system, and stress response.
Originally created by the U.S. military for the Bio Sensor (“Super Dog”) Program, ENS has been shown to produce dogs that are:
Healthier and more resilient
Better able to handle stress
More confident and adaptable
Physically stronger with improved heart and lung function
These benefits make ENS especially valuable for large, intelligent breeds like Dobermans and Great Danes, who thrive when given a strong mental and physical foundation early in life.
The Five ENS Exercises
Each ENS session lasts about 30–60 seconds per puppy and is performed once daily during the 3–16 day period. The exercises are always gentle, calm, and controlled -
Tactile Stimulation - The puppy’s paw pads are lightly tickled with a cotton swab or fingertip for 3–5 seconds.
Benefit: Enhances neurological and tactile development.
Head Held Upright - The puppy is held securely with its head pointed upward for 3–5 seconds. Benefit: Strengthens cardiovascular and vestibular systems.
Head Pointed Down - The puppy is gently inverted so the head points downward for 3–5 seconds. Benefit: Encourages balance and coordination development.
Supine Position (On the Back) - The puppy is cradled on its back for 3–5 seconds.
Benefit: Builds trust, comfort, and calmness in vulnerable positions.
Thermal Stimulation - The puppy is placed on a cool, damp towel for 3–5 seconds. Benefit: Encourages adaptability to temperature changes and mild stress.
These exercises are brief but powerful. The goal isn’t to cause distress—it’s to gently challenge the puppy’s developing system in ways that lead to measurable long-term benefits.
The Proven Benefits of ENS
Through years of both scientific study and hands-on experience, breeders have seen that puppies exposed to ENS early in life demonstrate -
1. Better Stress Management
ENS teaches puppies how to recover quickly from mild challenges, creating calm, confident adults who can handle real-world stressors more easily.
2. Enhanced Immune System Function
The brief, controlled stress of ENS activates and strengthens the adrenal system, leading to a more balanced immune response.
3. Improved Cardiovascular Health
ENS puppies tend to develop stronger hearts and better oxygenation, which supports their stamina and long-term vitality.
4. Faster Adaptation and Confidence
ENS lays the groundwork for confident, curious behavior and easier transitions to new environments, families, or training programs.
5. Improved Learning and Focus
By boosting neurological development, ENS may enhance a puppy’s learning capacity and responsiveness later in training.
ENS in Our Doberman and Great Dane Breeding Program
At Von Schaaf Haus DuPree Dobermans & Danes, we proudly incorporate ENS into every Doberman and Great Dane litter. Each puppy is handled daily from birth, with ENS beginning on day 3 and ending on day 16. We ensure the environment is calm, temperature-controlled, and nurturing throughout the process.
After the ENS period, we continue early enrichment through Early Scent Introduction (ESI), which builds scent recognition and brain engagement. From there, we introduce age-appropriate socialization, sound desensitization, and early problem-solving play.
Our goal is to raise emotionally balanced, physically robust puppies who thrive in any setting—whether that’s as a beloved family companion, a working partner, or a therapy prospect.
Why ENS Matters for Dobermans and Great Danes
Large, intelligent breeds like Dobermans and Great Danes benefit tremendously from ENS. These breeds are known for their loyalty, protective instincts, and sensitivity—traits that require careful early development.
ENS helps them grow into:
Calm, stable adults less prone to fear-based reactions
Physically strong dogs with healthy stress responses
Emotionally balanced companions that adjust easily to new people, sounds, and experiences
By starting ENS in the first two weeks of life, we help each puppy develop a solid neurological and emotional foundation that lasts a lifetime.
Our Commitment to Responsible Breeding
Our ENS program is just one part of our commitment to responsible, science-based dog breeding. We also prioritize:
Comprehensive health testing (OFA, cardiac, thyroid, hips, elbows, etc.)
Proper nutrition for mothers and puppies
Thoughtful socialization protocols
Careful temperament evaluation before placement
