At Natural Breed Kennels, every decision we make begins with one guiding belief: a great dog starts with great care—right from the start. From the moment our puppies are born, we’re focused on giving them every advantage possible for a lifetime of health, confidence, and happiness. One of the most powerful ways we do that is through Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)—a proven technique that helps puppies grow into well-adjusted, resilient dogs.
A Legacy of Love and Responsibility
Founded out of a deep love for dogs and a passion for ethical breeding, Natural Breed Kennels exists to raise the bar in canine care. We specialize in Doodle, Poodle, and Retriever breeds, all known for their intelligence, loyalty, and loving temperaments. Each breeding decision is made intentionally—guided by genetics, temperament, and health—to ensure our puppies are set up for success from day one.
Our mission goes beyond producing adorable faces. We’re building healthy, well-balanced dogs that bring lasting joy to families, while also supporting our service dog program. That means everything—from our nutrition plans and play routines to our ENS program—is designed to support stability, longevity, and emotional intelligence.
What Is ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation)?
ENS, or Early Neurological Stimulation, is a scientifically backed process that begins when a puppy is just two days old. Originally developed as part of the U.S. military’s “Super Dog” program, ENS was designed to improve the performance and adaptability of military working dogs. Over time, breeders and veterinarians have embraced ENS for its ability to help all puppies—service dogs, companions, and family pets alike—develop into healthier, more confident adults.
ENS involves gently introducing puppies to five simple exercises that create mild, positive stress during a crucial developmental window (between 2 and 16 days of age). Each exercise is performed once a day for only a few seconds, yet the results are profound and long-lasting.
The Five ENS Exercises
- Tactile Stimulation – The puppy is held while its toes are lightly tickled with a soft cotton swab.
- Head Held Erect – The puppy is gently held with its head pointing upward.
- Head Pointed Down – The puppy is held with its head pointing toward the ground.
- Supine Position – The puppy lies comfortably on its back in the palm of a hand.
- Thermal Stimulation – The puppy is briefly placed on a cool, damp towel.
Each step lasts just 3–5 seconds, yet it helps the puppy’s body and brain adapt to new sensations—building neurological connections that support long-term emotional and physical health.
How ENS Creates Stronger, Smarter, and More Resilient Dogs
The key to ENS lies in gentle, controlled stress exposure. When a puppy experiences mild challenges in a safe and nurturing environment, its nervous system learns to adapt. This “early priming” effect translates into numerous lifelong benefits, including:
- Improved cardiovascular function
- Stronger heartbeats and adrenal glands
- Better stress tolerance and emotional balance
- Enhanced immune system and disease resistance
- Sharper cognitive function and learning ability
These benefits are especially valuable for the kinds of dogs we breed at Natural Breed Kennels. Whether a puppy becomes a beloved family companion or a dedicated service animal, ENS helps them handle life’s inevitable stressors—like meeting new people, adjusting to a new home, or adapting to training—with confidence and calm.
The Science Behind the Success
Research and decades of breeder experience show that early neurological stimulation enhances a puppy’s ability to process stress and adapt to change. Just as humans benefit from early sensory experiences, puppies exposed to mild stress during this developmental phase often show stronger physical and emotional responses as adults.
In practical terms, that means ENS puppies are:
- Easier to train, because they’re more comfortable with handling and new environments.
- More social, because they’ve experienced gentle human touch from their earliest days.
- Healthier overall, thanks to the physiological benefits linked to improved heart and adrenal function.
For our clients, families who view their pets as beloved members of the household, these traits translate to happier homes, smoother transitions, and stronger bonds between dogs and their people.
ENS at Natural Breed Kennels: More Than a Routine
While ENS is an important part of our process, it’s just one piece of our comprehensive approach to ethical breeding. Each of our puppies is raised in a nurturing, hands-on environment, surrounded by human interaction, clean air, and plenty of love. Our dogs are health-tested to minimize genetic risks, fed a natural diet tailored to their individual needs, and given regular exercise to support physical and mental development.
Because we also breed for our own service dog program, every decision is driven by purpose. We’re not simply producing puppies—we’re shaping companions and working partners that demonstrate stability, intelligence, and trust. ENS helps us ensure that from the very beginning, each puppy has the foundation it needs to thrive.
ENS Is Not the Same as Socialization—But It Sets the Stage
It’s important to note that ENS isn’t a replacement for socialization. After the initial ENS period, we continue guiding our puppies through carefully structured social experiences—introducing them to new sounds, textures, people, and environments.
ENS builds the neurological groundwork; socialization builds confidence and adaptability. Together, they create dogs that are emotionally balanced, self-assured, and eager to engage with the world.
A Commitment to Doing Things the Right Way
At Natural Breed Kennels, our clients trust us not only because of the quality of our dogs but also because of our transparency, integrity, and care. We believe that ethical breeding isn’t just a standard—it’s a promise. By partnering with other like-minded breeders and focusing on practices like ENS, we’re helping put an end to unethical operations like puppy mills and instead creating a future built on compassion and responsibility.
Our families take comfort in knowing their puppies were given every advantage from the start—not just in looks or pedigree, but in heart, mind, and spirit.
The Result: Puppies That Truly Thrive
Every wagging tail, joyful bark, and calm cuddle from our dogs reflects the care invested in their earliest days. Through ENS and our holistic breeding approach, we’ve seen firsthand how small, intentional actions can lead to big, lasting differences in our puppies’ lives.
The result? Puppies who grow into healthy, adaptable, and affectionate dogs—ready to bring happiness and companionship to families across North Carolina and beyond. Whether they become service dogs or loving family members, their journey begins the same way: with a few gentle touches, a caring hand, and the science of ENS guiding their way.
Experience the Natural Breed Kennels Difference
Families across Charlotte, Midland, and throughout North Carolina trust Natural Breed Kennels for ethical breeding rooted in compassion, science, and care. Our Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) program, health testing, and personalized attention help every puppy grow into a confident, loving companion. Whether you’re welcoming a family pet or a future service dog, you’ll find more than a breeder—you’ll find a lifelong partner in your dog’s journey to health, happiness, and harmony.
Ready to meet your next best friend? Visit us or contact us today to learn more about our upcoming litters and service dog program. At Natural Breed Kennels, we don’t just breed dogs; we build families.