Behavior and Training, Breeding, Newborn Care Tips, Puppy and Kitten Care

Make Puppies “Super Dogs”: Early Neurological Stimulation for Dogs

Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS), also known as the “Super Dog Program”, has been used for decades and benefits puppy and kitten development in five ways:

  1. Improved cardiovascular performance (heart rate)
  2. Stronger heart beats
  3. Stronger adrenal glands
  4. More tolerance to stress
  5. Greater resistance to disease

The 5 Steps of Early Neurological Stimulation for Puppies

To perform ENS for puppies and kittens, there are five steps. From day three to day 16 after birth, do each of these steps once a day for five seconds.

The five steps are:

  1. Hold the puppy’s head up
  2. Hold the puppy’s head down, gently, no swinging
  3. Hold the puppy on his back
  4. Put the puppy’s belly down on a cool towel
  5. Stimulate the bottom of the foot with a cotton swab

ENS can also be used on kittens.

ENS for Puppies

If you have any questions about early neurological stimulation for puppies and kittens, call us at 800.786.4751.

Written by: Marty Greer, DVM

Director of Veterinary Services

Marty Greer, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, has 40+ years’ experience in veterinary medicine, with special interests in canine reproduction and pediatrics. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University in 1981. She’s served as Revival’s Director of Veterinary Services since 2019. In 2023, Dr. Greer was named the Westminster Kennel Club Veterinarian of the Year.

If you need help, call us at 800.786.4751.