The Importance of Early Neurological Stimulation in Doodles
The earliest days of a puppy’s life shape who they become long before they ever meet their new family. At Fox Creek Farm, we take those early moments seriously. From day three of life, every Doodle puppy is gently guided through proven developmental exercises that support stronger bodies, steadier emotions, and lifelong resilience. One of the most powerful tools we use is early neurological stimulation, a science-backed protocol that improves neurological and physical development during the neonatal stage.
What Early Neurological Stimulation Is
Early neurological stimulation, also known as ENS, was developed by Dr. Carmen Battaglia and originally used to strengthen military working dogs. It is performed from day 3 through day 16, when puppies are highly sensitive to neurological input.
Each session includes five brief exercises:
- Tactile stimulation
- Head held upright
- Head pointed downward
- Supine position
- Thermal stimulation
These activities last only seconds, but they create long-lasting improvements in neurological and physiological health.
Why We Use Early Neurological Stimulation at Fox Creek Farm
Doodles thrive on emotional stability, adaptability, and confidence. ENS supports all three by strengthening internal systems while puppies are still developing. Research shows that puppies who receive early neurological stimulation experience:
- Improved cardiovascular performance
- Stronger, more efficient heartbeat
- Enhanced adrenal system function
- Better stress tolerance
- Increased resistance to disease
These benefits help create calm, well-rounded Doodles who can handle grooming, new environments, training, and household life with greater ease.
Behavioral Differences Seen in ENS Puppies
Puppies who receive early neurological stimulation consistently show stronger problem-solving skills and emotional resilience. Compared to non-stimulated puppies, ENS puppies tend to be:
- More curious and exploratory
- Quicker to recover from stress
- Less reactive to new environments
- More confident when faced with challenges
- Calmer during problem-solving tasks
Non-stimulated puppies often become overwhelmed during challenges, showing distress and making repeated mistakes. ENS puppies remain more composed, thoughtful, and adaptable.
How ENS Fits Into Puppy Culture at Fox Creek Farm
ENS is only the beginning. All Fox Creek Farm puppies are raised with Puppy Culture, the gold standard of early enrichment. Puppy Culture guides our daily interactions and ensures each puppy receives structured developmental support.
Puppy Culture covers:
- Prenatal care
- Understanding developmental periods
- Age-appropriate exercise
- Fear period handling
- The Enrichment Effect
- Creating stimulating environments
- Active and passive challenge
- Early socialization
- Manding and communication foundations
- Emotional resiliency work
- Soundproofing protocols
- Anti-aggression protocols
- Problem prevention strategies
The combination of early neurological stimulation and Puppy Culture helps create confident, emotionally intelligent Doodles prepared for life with their families.
Everyday Exposure at Fox Creek Farm
ENS and Puppy Culture set the foundation, but daily exposure builds on it. Our puppies experience a wide variety of environments, sensations, and sounds in a careful, positive way.
They encounter:
- Different flooring types
- Varying wall textures
- Changing lighting (bright, dim, dark
- Car rides
- Vet visit
- Cats
- Strangers
- Multiple rooms and spaces
We also gently introduce potentially “scary” noises so puppies learn recovery skills instead of fear:
- Tarps
- Wobble boards
- Unusual textured toys
- Vacuums
- Noise CDs with sirens, crying babies, traffic, trains, alarms, and barking
Everything is done gradually, with reassurance and coaching, so puppies learn confidence rather than avoidance.
Why ENS Matters for Doodle Families
Doodles are sensitive, intelligent, and deeply bonded to their people. ENS gives them a developmental advantage that supports:
- Grooming comfort
- Adaptability to new environments
- Easier training
- Emotional stability
- Healthy stress response
- Confidence with children, pets, and new activities
This early work creates puppies who thrive in family homes and adjust smoothly to everyday life.
A Strong Start Builds a Strong Companion
At Fox Creek Farm, responsible breeding means shaping the puppy’s physical and emotional development from the very beginning. Early neurological stimulation is one of the many intentional steps we take to raise healthy, confident, resilient Doodle puppies who are ready for anything life brings.
FAQs
How long does ENS last?
ENS is performed from day 3 through day 16 of a puppy’s life.
No. ENS lays the foundation for easier, more successful socialization later.
Why is ENS especially helpful for Doodles?
Doodles are intelligent and sensitive, and ENS helps them become more adaptable, confident, and emotionally steady.
Can owners continue similar exercises at home?
ENS cannot be repeated after the neonatal period, but enrichment and confidence building absolutely continue through Puppy Culture and daily experiences.
Does ENS make puppies calmer?
It improves their stress recovery, which often results in calmer, more thoughtful adult dogs.
