Promoting Puppy Potential: The Benefits of Early Neurological Stimulation at Spiegel Bird Dogs

At Spiegel Bird Dogs, we're not just passionate about breeding Brittany puppies; we're dedicated to raising them with the best start possible. A key component of our early puppy development program is Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS). This technique has shown remarkable effects on the health and capabilities of dogs, and here, we'll explore its origins, what it entails, its benefits, and its adoption among breeders.

Early Neurological Stimulation is a process that involves exposing young puppies to mild stressors in the form of tactile and environmental stimuli. This is done once a day during a critical period of neurological growth — between the third and sixteenth day of life — which is believed to impact their physiological development significantly. The ENS exercises are simple yet specific: gently handling the puppies in various positions, introducing them to different temperatures, and stimulating their body with a Q-tip.

The U.S. military developed the concept of ENS in their "Bio Sensor" program, now commonly known as the "Super Dog" program. The goal was to improve the performance of dogs used for military purposes by enhancing their physiological responses to stress. Research indicated that dogs exposed to ENS were calmer, more adaptable, and better able to handle stressful situations and problem-solving tasks.

Implementing ENS at Spiegel Bird Dogs serves multiple purposes:

• Improved Cardiovascular Performance: Puppies subjected to ENS tend to have stronger heartbeats, stronger adrenal glands, and better tolerance towards stress.

• Enhanced Immune System: These puppies often exhibit a more vigorous immune response to pathogens, which means better overall health.

• Greater Tolerance to Stress: Dogs raised with ENS adapt more easily to new environments and are generally more exploratory and less fearful in unfamiliar situations.

• Increased Learning Capacity: ENS seems to stimulate puppies' neurological systems to improve their learning capacity and success in training and tasks.

While ENS is gaining popularity among breeders, especially those focused on raising working dogs, therapy dogs, and service dogs, it is not universally practiced. The technique requires precise timing and knowledgeable handling to be effective and safe. At Spiegel Bird Dogs, we use ENS as part of our breeding protocol because we believe in its benefits and have witnessed its positive outcomes in the temperament and health of our puppies.

The 5 steps of ENS are performed once per day from day 3 through day 16. Each position is held for 3 – 5 seconds (no more or less time):

1. Tactile Stimulation

Lightly tickle (gently stimulate) the puppy between the toes on any one foot using a Q-tip. This simulates the sensation of touch and prepares the puppy for physical contact.

2. Head Held Erect

Hold the puppy in both hands and lift it carefully so that its head is directly above its tail (straight up). This position helps the puppy maintain balance and control of its head movements.

3. Head Pointed Down

Hold the puppy firmly with both hands, with its head pointing towards the ground. This is to promote the ability to recover from disorientation.

4. Supine Position

Gently place the puppy on its back in the palm of both hands. This exposure to a vulnerable position can enhance stress tolerance.

5. Thermal Stimulation

Place the puppy feet-first on a cool, damp towel (chilled in the refrigerator for a minimum of five minutes). Conditions the puppy to sudden changes in temperature.

At Spiegel Bird Dogs, Early Neurological Stimulation is an integral part of our commitment to raising well-rounded, capable Brittany puppies. By incorporating ENS, we aim to enhance each puppy's potential for a healthy, adaptive, and fulfilling life. We believe these early interventions can have lasting effects on their development, making them ideal companions for hunting, competition, or simply as a family pet.

Don't hesitate to contact us to learn more about our Brittany puppies or our approach to puppy development. We are always excited to share how we care for and prepare our puppies for their future homes.