The Importance of Early Neurological Stimulation in Miniature Aussiedoodles

Welcome to NIMA (North Idaho Mini Aussiedoodles), where we are passionate about raising healthy and well-adjusted miniature Aussiedoodles. We believe in giving our puppies the best start in life, and one way we do this is through Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS). This blog will explain what ENS is, why it’s important, and how it benefits our puppies and their future families.

What Is Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)?

Early Neurological Stimulation, or ENS, is a set of gentle handling exercises performed on puppies during their early developmental stage. This critical period occurs between 3 and 16 days after birth and is when puppies are most receptive to mild stressors that can positively impact their growth and nervous system development.

At NIMA, we use a process derived from the U.S. military's Bio Sensor program developed in the 1970s to create high-performing working dogs. The exercises are simple and quick, taking only a few seconds each, but they can benefit our miniature Aussiedoodles significantly.

The ENS Exercises

ENS involves five specific exercises:

1. Tactile Stimulation: We gently rub the puppy's paw pads with a cotton swab to stimulate their sense of touch.

2. Head Held Erect: We hold the puppy with its head pointing upward to promote balance and coordination.

3. Head Pointed Down: We hold the puppy with its head pointing downward, providing a mild stressor that encourages adaptability.

4. Supine Position: We lay the puppy on its back to encourage comfort and relaxation in a vulnerable position.

5. Thermal Stimulation: We place the puppy on a cool towel to introduce a mild thermal change, helping them adjust to different environments.

These exercises are designed to be safe and stress-free for the puppiesbut provide valuable stimulation supporting their development.

Why ENS Matters for Miniature Aussiedoodles

At NIMA, we believe that ENS offers several key benefits for our miniature Aussiedoodles:

- Improved Stress Tolerance: Puppies exposed to ENS are better able to handle stress, which helps them stay calm in new or challenging situations.

- Enhanced Health: ENS has been shown to improve heart health and boost the immune system, contributing to the overall well-being of our puppies.

- Greater Adaptability: ENS-exposed puppies are more adaptable to new environments, sounds, and people, making them better companions and easier to train.

Choosing a Breeder Who Uses ENS

When you choose NIMA, you’re choosing a breeder committed to their puppies' health and happiness. We understand that bringing a new puppy into your home is a significant decision, and we want to ensure that our miniature Aussiedoodles are well-prepared for their new families.

By incorporating ENS into our breeding program, we are taking steps to provide our puppies with the best possible foundation. This commitment to quality means that when you bring home a puppy from NIMA, you can be confident that they have been given every opportunity to thrive.

Thank you for visiting NIMA! We look forward to helping you find the perfect miniature Aussiedoodle to join your family. If you have any questions about our ENS program or our breeding practices, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help you on your journey to finding your new best friend providing families with a solid foundation for a lifetime of companionship.