09/23/2026
One of the things we are doing with our Woods puppies and all of our litters from the very beginning is Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS).
ENS is a short, structured series of gentle exercises performed during a very specific window of early puppy development. Each puppy is handled individually and introduced to different positions, gentle tactile stimulation, and a brief change in sensation.
Why do we do it?
The first few weeks of a puppy’s life are an important period for neurological development. When performed correctly, ENS may help support a puppy’s ability to cope with stress and can encourage curiosity and exploration as they grow. It is just one small piece of raising well-rounded puppies and does not replace genetics, proper nutrition, daily handling, socialization, training, or a positive environment.
We take these early days seriously because our job doesn’t start when our puppies go home — it starts from the moment they are born.
The Woods litter is getting lots of love, gentle handling, and age-appropriate experiences as they grow!
If you’d like to learn more about ENS and why breeders use it, the AKC has a great article explaining the process and its potential benefits:
Read the AKC article on ENS:
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/breeder-puppy-socialization-early-neurological-stimulation/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Some breeders conduct the Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) as puppy socialization exercises, once daily from the third to the 16th days.