The Importance of Early Neurological Stimulation in Puppies at Bailey Mountain Doodles

At Bailey Mountain Doodles, our mission is to raise healthy, happy, and well-adjusted puppies that are ready to thrive in their forever homes. One of the most critical practices we implement to achieve this goal is Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS). This proven and purposeful method gives our puppies a strong foundation for both mental and physical development from the earliest stages of life.

But what exactly is Early Neurological Stimulation? Why is it so important for puppies—and why do we make it a priority here at Bailey Mountain Doodles?

What Is Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)?

Early Neurological Stimulation is a series of gentle exercises developed by the U.S. military as part of their “Bio Sensor” program for enhancing the performance of future working dogs. The technique involves handling puppies individually from days 3 to 16 of life and performing five specific exercises once daily:

1. Tactile stimulation – Gently tickling the puppy between the toes with a cotton swab.

2. Head held erect – Holding the puppy upright in a vertical position.

3. Head pointed down – Holding the puppy with its head gently pointing downward.

4. Supine position – Holding the puppy on its back.

5. Thermal stimulation – Briefly placing the puppy on a cool, damp cloth.

These exercises are done for just a few seconds each, once a day, for a short window of early development. Though simple, the benefits of this technique are far-reaching.

The Benefits of ENS

Scientific studies and years of anecdotal evidence have shown that Early Neurological Stimulation can lead to lifelong advantages for puppies. These include:

• Improved cardiovascular performanceENS helps stimulate the circulatory system, leading to stronger heartbeats and better blood flow.

• Stronger adrenal glandsENS challenges the puppy’s stress response system early on, helping them better manage stress later in life.

• Greater resistance to diseaseThe slight stress induced by ENS encourages a stronger immune system.

• Heightened stress tolerancePuppies exposed to ENS are more adaptable and less fearful of new experiences or environments.

• Enhanced learning capacity and brain developmentPuppies that experience ENS tend to be quicker learners and more resilient when facing new training or social challenges.

Why ENS Matters at Bailey Mountain Doodles

At Bailey Mountain Doodles, we don’t just raise puppies—we raise family members. That means we invest in each puppy’s physical health, emotional stability, and long-term success in a family setting. Implementing Early Neurological Stimulation is one of the first steps we take to ensure our puppies are well-prepared for life outside of our home.

We understand that the period between birth and eight weeks of age is one of the most critical stages in a puppy’s life. The experiences they have during this time will shape how they interact with the world as adults. That’s why we begin ENS at day three and continue through day sixteen—right in that golden window of neurological development.

For us, this practice aligns with our commitment to responsible, ethical breeding. It’s not just about producing cute puppies (though they certainly are!)—it’s about setting them up for a lifetime of health, confidence, and adaptability.

Real-World Results

The results speak for themselves. Families who adopt from Bailey Mountain Doodles often report that their puppies are:

• Quicker to adapt to new homes

• Easier to train

• More confident around children, other animals, and in unfamiliar settings

• Less prone to anxiety or fear-based behaviors

These traits don’t happen by accident. They’re the result of intentional early handling, socialization, and stimulation that begins right here at Bailey Mountain Doodles.

Part of a Bigger Picture

ENS is just one part of our overall approach to early puppy development. Along with Early Scent Introduction (ESI), intentional socialization, desensitization, and crate introduction, we follow a structured plan that gives each puppy the best possible start.

This holistic approach is one reason our puppies are in such high demand—and why families trust us to provide a well-rounded companion that fits beautifully into their homes and lifestyles.

Final Thoughts

Early Neurological Stimulation isn’t just a fancy buzzword—it’s a science-backed, compassion-driven practice that plays a foundational role in our program. At Bailey Mountain Doodles, we are proud to raise our puppies with intention, care, and a deep understanding of canine development.

We know that your puppy is more than just a pet—they're a new family member, and they deserve the best start in life. Through ENS and our commitment to early enrichment, we’re giving our puppies the tools they need to grow into confident, loving, and well-adjusted dogs.

When you bring home a Bailey Mountain Doodle, you’re not just getting a puppy—you’re getting a puppy who’s been loved, nurtured, and thoughtfully prepared for life with you.

Learn more about our puppies and our process at www.baileymountaindoodles.comFollow us on Instagram: @baileymountaindoodlesCall or text us anytime: 828-713-2430