At Natural Breed Kennels, our mission has always been rooted in one simple belief: every dog deserves the best possible start in life. Ethical breeding is more than producing beautiful puppies; it’s about shaping healthy, confident, emotionally resilient dogs who can thrive as service companions or beloved family pets. That’s why Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) is a cornerstone of our breeding program.
While we proudly specialize in Doodle, Poodle, and Retriever breeds, what truly sets our program apart is the commitment behind the scenes, including health testing every breeding dog, selecting only stable temperaments, prioritizing proper nutrition, and creating a nurturing environment built on trust and compassion. ENS is one of the most powerful tools we use to elevate both physical and emotional well-being from the very beginning.
For dog owners who value ethical practices, transparency, and long-term wellness, ENS represents an important step forward in responsible breeding. Here is what ENS is, why it matters, and how it is performed the right way.
What Is Early Neurological Stimulation?
Early Neurological Stimulation is a scientifically backed method originally developed through the U.S. military’s “Super Dog” program to strengthen the performance of working dogs. Researchers found that very mild, controlled stressors during a narrow early window of life, between 2 and 16 days of age, can positively influence a puppy’s neurological and physiological development.
ENS is not harsh or overwhelming. It is gentle, brief, and deliberate. These tiny stressors help “prime” a puppy’s nervous system, leading to lifelong benefits such as:
- Improved cardiovascular function
- Stronger heartbeats
- Enhanced stress tolerance
- Better disease resistance
- More stable adrenal responses
For families seeking dogs that are calm, adaptable, and emotionally balanced, qualities prized in both service and companion animals, ENS is an invaluable advantage.
Why ENS Matters at Natural Breed Kennels
Because we breed specifically for our own service dog program, the qualities we focus on, stable temperaments, sound health, and long life, must be developed intentionally from day one. ENS supports this goal in several important ways:
1. Building Emotional Resilience
Dogs who undergo ENS typically handle new environments, loud noises, unfamiliar people, and stressful situations with greater ease. For families with children, active lifestyles, or busy homes, this resilience translates into a calmer, more adaptable dog.
2. Supporting Long-Term Health
A strong cardiovascular system and stable adrenal function contribute to overall wellness. ENS helps create a foundation for healthier adult dogs by encouraging stronger physiological responses early in life.
3. Preparing Puppies for Service Work
Service dogs require exceptional mental clarity, emotional stability, and stress tolerance. ENS is one of the earliest and most effective tools for shaping these traits.
4. Promoting Trust and Bonding
Because ENS is gentle and carefully performed, puppies begin associating human handling with positive outcomes. This builds confidence and deepens their early relationship with people.
Our families often tell us that their puppies grow into unusually easygoing, attentive, and connected dogs, and ENS is a major contributor to that experience.
The ENS Protocol: How It’s Done Correctly
To perform ENS safely and effectively, breeders must follow a specific five-step protocol. Each exercise is repeated once per day, with each step lasting about three to five seconds. The entire session takes less than a minute but delivers long-lasting results.
Here’s what the proper ENS sequence looks like:
1. Tactile Stimulation
The puppy is held securely while a cotton swab gently stimulates the toes.
Purpose: Introduces mild, non-threatening tactile sensation.
2. Head Held Erect
The puppy is held upright with its head pointing toward the ceiling.
Purpose: Encourages balance and stimulates the vestibular system.
3. Head Pointed Down
Next, the puppy is gently turned so the head points downward.
Purpose: Helps the puppy adapt to positional changes.
4. Supine Position
The puppy is lying on its back in the handler’s hand.
Purpose: Builds tolerance to temporary vulnerability, key to emotional resilience.
5. Thermal Stimulation
Finally, the puppy is placed on a cool, damp towel.
Purpose: Introduces mild temperature contrast to support adaptive responses.
Each step is brief, gentle, and intentional, never rushed, never repeated excessively, and always performed in the correct order.
What ENS Is Not
There are a few common misconceptions that responsible breeders and new puppy owners should understand:
It’s Not Socialization
ENS prepares a puppy’s nervous system, but it does not replace exposure to the outside world. Socialization begins around 3 weeks of age and should include sights, sounds, surfaces, people, safe animals, and gentle experiences.
It’s Not Rough Handling
ENS is not about overwhelming puppies. Too much stress, or improper technique, can be counterproductive. When performed correctly, ENS is calm, controlled, and safe.
It Doesn’t Replace Good Genetics or Care
ENS enhances natural potential; it does not fix poor breeding practices. That is why at Natural Breed Kennels, ENS works hand in hand with genetic health testing, proper nutrition, meaningful human interaction, and intentional pairing of breeding dogs.
Why ENS Aligns With Ethical, High-Quality Breeding
Our families care deeply about where their puppies come from. They want ethical practices, transparency, and a commitment to long-term well-being, not shortcuts or mass-production mindsets.
ENS supports all of these values:
- It reflects thoughtful, hands-on care from day one.
- It ensures each puppy receives individualized attention.
- It emphasizes quality over quantity.
- It complements our efforts to eliminate unethical breeding practices.
For owners who see their dogs as true family members, ENS is a meaningful assurance that their puppy’s development has been nurtured, not left to chance.
How ENS Helps Your Puppy Thrive at Home
Whether your puppy will someday serve a family with special needs or simply become a loving companion, ENS contributes to traits you’ll appreciate throughout their life:
- Easier adaptation to new homes and environments
- Better emotional regulation during vet visits, grooming, or travel
- Improved learning capacity and responsiveness during training
- Greater confidence when meeting children, guests, or other dogs
In everyday life, these benefits translate to a smoother transition, fewer stress-related behaviors, and a happier relationship between you and your dog.
A Better Beginning Leads to a Better Life
At Natural Breed Kennels, ENS is part of our promise to provide every puppy with a strong, healthy, and emotionally sound start. By combining ethical breeding practices, intentional genetic selection, a natural diet, and early stimulation, we are shaping dogs who are prepared not just to live, but to thrive.
Our goal has never been to produce dogs that are simply beautiful. Our purpose is to raise dogs with heart, intelligence, and remarkable temperament, dogs you can depend on, bond deeply with, and love for years to come.
If you’re searching for trusted Bernedoodle breeders in North Carolina or want to learn more about our grooming, dog day camp, and puppy boarding services, contact Natural Breed Kennels today and reserve your spot.