... also known as "E.N.S.". This is a well-researched and documented method of introducing TINY, and very well controlled amounts of stress to neonate puppies. This has been researched for 20+ years, and has been demonstrated to result in adults who tolerate stress better, and have healthier immune systems, etc.
The process is very well standardized. Starting at 3 days of age, and progressing until Day 16, the following 5 things are done to the puppies. Each of these things subject the puppy to a small amount of stress, since they are not experiences a puppy would normally have. Each stressor is applied for 3 to 5 seconds, and if a puppy becomes distressed the stimulus is cut short, and the puppy is soothed. The purpose is NOT to frighten the pups, in fact lots of the time they barely react. More is not better - the amount of stress applied is very small. And if a puppy is ill, or is under some other kind of stress the ENS is not done. Again, more is not better!
With this litter, we started the ENS on Day 3 as planned, but then when they all began developing diarrhea a few days later (see the "Challenges" post) we stopped until the diarrhea was cleared up. Not only is diarrhea hard on baby puppies, but they were also getting a lot of extra, unusual handling during this time anyway (being dosed with Clavamox, getting baths pretty much daily, etc).
But then we were able to resume the ENS and proceeded until they were 16 days old.
This is what it looks like:
1) Tactile stimulation. A cotton swab is rubbed gently between the toes of one foot for 3 - 5 seconds.
2) Head up. The puppy is held in an upright position for 3 - 5 seconds.
3) Head down. The puppy is well supported in a head down position for 3 - 5 seconds.
4) Supine. The puppy is held on its back for 3-5 seconds.
5) Thermal stimulation. The puppy is placed on a damp, cold washcloth for 3 - 5 seconds.
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