Many factors impact the raising of a well-adjusted and resilient Sloughi. Research suggests that Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS), a series of gentle exercises performed on puppies from the third to the seventeenth day of life may improve their neurological, cardiovascular, and stress-handling capabilities.
The technique involves five simple exercises that expose puppies to mild stressors in a controlled and beneficial way. These exercises include:
Tactile Stimulation – Gently rubbing the puppy’s paws with a cotton swab.
Head Held Erect – Holding the puppy upright for a few seconds.
Head Pointed Down – Holding the puppy with its head facing downward.
Supine Position – Holding the puppy on its back.
Thermal Stimulation – Placing the puppy on a cool, damp towel for a few seconds.
Each of the exercises lasts only three to five seconds, and they are designed to introduce mild stress, encouraging the puppy’s body and brain to adapt and strengthen. Studies and our own observations have shown benefits to ENS. AKC has a good article with illustrations on ENS at this link. ENS-exposed Sloughi puppies tend to handle stress better as they grow and to decrease the likelihood that they will become overly anxious in new situations. We have observed an even greater impact on their ability to become more adaptable to changes in their environment.
Studies also show that mild stress exposure during the early stages of life can lead to improved heart rates and stronger cardiovascular function in adult dogs. Puppies who have had ENS develop stronger immune responses, making them more resilient to illness and disease.
Sloughis who have undergone ENS are often more confident and easier to train. They tend to be easier to socialize both with people and other animals.
By challenging their neurological systems early in life, ENS-exposed puppies tend to develop greater problem-solving abilities and cognitive flexibility.
Since our F litter, we have used ENS (and Puppy Culture, but more on that in a later blog) on all of our litters and we feel it has made a tremendous impact.
