Early Neurological Stimulation and Early Sensory Stimulation

From Day 3 to Day 16 — How We Support Our Puppies with Early Neurological and Sensory Development

One of the questions we’re often asked is what we actually do with puppies during their earliest days, when their eyes are closed and they seem mostly to eat and sleep. The answer is: quite a lot — gently, intentionally, and always with the puppies’ wellbeing at the centre of every interaction.

From Day 3 through Day 16, we follow a structured Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) routine. Now that our current litter has reached Day 16, we’re transitioning into the next phase: Early Sensory Stimulation (ESS). Together, these stages form part of the careful foundation we lay to help each puppy grow into a confident, adaptable companion.

Early Neurological Stimulation (Days 3–16)

ENS is a series of very brief, carefully controlled exercises carried out once per day. Each session lasts only a few minutes per puppy and is designed to provide mild, safe neurological challenges during a critical developmental window when puppies’ nervous systems are rapidly forming.

The exercises include gentle positional holds, brief exposure to a cool surface, and mild tactile stimulation. They are not stressful or overwhelming — quite the opposite. They’re tiny, thoughtful experiences that help the nervous system learn how to respond to change. If a puppy reacts with duress to this before their eyes open we stop the position and reassure them with gentle touches.

• Exercise one is rotating a cotton swab between their toes and on their paw pads

• Exercise two is holding them in a vertical position

• Exercise three is holding then in a head down position

• Exercise four is holding them in a supine position

• Exercise five is placing them on a cold wet cloth

• Exercise six is massaging them with a vibrating Buzzy Bee

• Exercise seven is rubbing a vibrating beard trimmer around their chin, ears, feet and along their back. No hair cutting is done, but this gets them used to the stimulation.

• Exercise eight is gentle brushing and combing

Research and long-standing breeder experience suggest that puppies who receive ENS may develop:

• improved stress tolerance

• stronger cardiovascular performance

• greater resilience to new experiences

• enhanced adaptability later in life

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5p4ECW7uZ8

Here is Pup 5 receiving seven of the ENS exercises. I forgot to pick up the brush and comb while Susan was recording this video, but we did it later.

Just as importantly, these sessions allow us to handle each puppy individually every day, helping them become accustomed to calm human contact from their very earliest days.

Today marks the completion of ENS for this litter — a lovely little milestone.

Moving Forward: Early Sensory Stimulation

With eyes opening, ears unfolding, and wobbly legs starting to hold their weight, puppies enter a new stage of awareness. This is where Early Sensory Stimulation begins.

ESS builds on the neurological foundation already laid and gently introduces puppies to the world through carefully managed sensory experiences. These might include:

• new textures underfoot, including astroturf, which later contributes to potty training

• different safe household sounds

• mild changes in lighting

• novel but gentle scents

• supervised exploration outside the whelping area

Everything is introduced gradually, always watching each puppy’s response and ensuring they remain relaxed and curious rather than startled or overwhelmed. The goal isn’t exposure for its own sake — it’s confidence building.

Why This Matters

Early development isn’t about producing “perfect” puppies. It’s about supporting each puppy’s natural temperament so it can flourish.

Some puppies will grow into bold adventurers. Others will be thoughtful observers. Our role is not to change who they are, but to give them positive early experiences that help them feel safe, capable, and ready to engage with the world around them.

ENS and ESS are simply two of the ways we do that.

Watching Them Grow

This stage is one of our favourites. Each day brings something new — steadier steps, brighter eyes, curious noses, and the first signs of personality beginning to peek through.

It’s a quiet kind of magic, and we feel privileged to witness it.

If you’re following along with this litter’s journey, there’s much more to come.