Early neurological stimulation (ENS)

Early neurological stimulation (ENS) has been defined as the application of five specific brief daily manipulations to pups from birth until 2–3 weeks of age (Battaglia, 2009).
These five exercises described are:

This approach has been adopted by many kennels and promoted as a means to improve the future performance of working dogs. There is however no (scientific) evidence ENS in and of itself has any lasting effect on dog behavior. But there is also no evidence that it doesn't have any positive effect on the puppies later in life. Because of this we have adopted this method and apply to the puppies as of day three and on. Even if it is only to get the puppies used to being touched and handled.