Posted on July 27th, 2026

Puppies are growing up so quickly, and the first few weeks are super important for how they turn out. That’s why many breeders are using tried-and-true methods to help puppies get off to a great start. Two of the most important are Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and Early Scent Introduction (ESI). These are just a few quick exercises that help build strong bodies, sharp minds, and more confidence.

Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) is a straightforward exercise program created by the U.S. military to help working dogs get a jumpstart in life. It involves gently interacting with young puppies, about 3 to 16 days old, in particular ways, like holding them up, putting them on their backs, and giving their paws a gentle tickle. Each exercise is just a few seconds long, but when you combine them, they expose the puppy to mild, controlled challenges that help their brain and nervous system develop stronger. The good news is that these benefits stick around! Research indicates that ENS puppies often end up with stronger immune systems, better stress management, and sharper problem-solving abilities than those who don’t get it. So, while ENS was initially designed to create more resilient military and service dogs, the same advantages apply to our furry companions. It can help family pets grow into well-adjusted, confident adults.

Here are the 5 ENS Exercises:

• Tactile stimulation: Give the bottom of one paw a gentle tickle with a cotton swab for 3–5 seconds.
• Head held erect: Hold the puppy up straight, with its head looking up at the ceiling, for 3–5 seconds.
• Head pointed down: Hold the puppy firmly with its head facing the floor for 3–5 seconds.
• Supine position: Put the puppy on its back in your hand for 3–5 seconds.
• Thermal stimulation: Lay the puppy on its belly on a cool, damp cloth for 3–5 seconds.

Early Scent Introduction (ESI) is a training technique that pairs well with Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) by highlighting a puppy’s nose. Since puppies can’t see or hear for the first couple of weeks, their sense of smell is their main way of exploring the world. From about 3 to 16 days old, they get a quick taste of a new scent each day. You can gently hold herbs, different materials, or natural items close to their nose for a few seconds, letting them sniff around. The idea is to give them a gentle nudge into exploring, not to push them. Studies have shown that puppies who do ESI often develop better scenting skills, are more adaptable to new places, and feel more confident—which is great for both working and service dogs and for family pets too!

At Midwest Cane Corso In Action, we think it’s important to start our puppies off right with both Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and Early Scent Introduction (ESI). We believe that small, thoughtful actions can really make a difference. These quick, easy exercises help our puppies grow strong, smart, and calm, which is the key to a happy, confident dog for life. Whether they become wonderful family pets or amazing working dogs, we want to give every puppy the best possible start so they can reach their full potential.

Thanks for reading! We hope this post brought you closer to finding your perfect puppy.