The Benefits of Scentwork for Your Pet Dog

Dogs experience the world largely through their noses, the way us humans use our eyesight! Their sense of smell is thousands of times stronger than humans’, making scentwork a natural and rewarding activity for them. A dog sees the world through olfaction - they smell their way through the world! They can smell the time of day, tell get all the information about an animal just from a bit of urine.. I call this pee-mail :-)

Engaging your dog in scentwork not only taps into their natural instincts but also offers a range of physical and mental benefits.

This post explores how scentwork can improve your dog’s well-being, strengthen your bond, and provide fun challenges for both of you.

Hugo practicing his freeze indication on an industrial skip

What Is Scentwork?

Scentwork is a training activity where dogs use their noses to locate specific scents. It mimics the natural behaviour of tracking and hunting, but in a controlled and safe environment. Dogs can be trained to find a variety of odours, in the UK the main ones being Gun oil, Clove, Kong and Truffle oil.

This activity is accessible to all breeds and ages, making it an excellent way to engage your dog’s mind and body. Its all about finding the right motivation for your dog and they style in which they learn. There is no one way is the correct way, for me its all about adjusting to the individual dog. Some dogs take to scentwork instantly, others may take a bit longer and a bit more effort... sometimes this is even more rewarding once they get the game!

Mental Stimulation and Confidence Building

Dogs need mental exercise as much as physical activity. Scentwork challenges their brain by requiring focus, problem-solving, and memory skills. When a dog successfully finds a scent, it gains a sense of accomplishment, boosting confidence. This is especially helpful for shy or anxious dogs who may struggle with social interactions or new environments.

• Improves focus: Dogs learn to ignore distractions and concentrate on the scent.

• Builds problem-solving skills: They figure out where the scent is hidden and how to reach it.

• Enhances confidence: Success in scentwork encourages dogs to trust their abilities.

  
  

Physical Exercise Without High Impact

Scentwork can be adapted to suit dogs with different physical abilities. Unlike running or jumping, scentwork involves walking, sniffing, and searching, which is low impact but still physically engaging. This makes it ideal for older dogs or those recovering from injury.

• Encourages gentle movement: Walking and sniffing keep dogs active without strain.

• Supports weight management: Regular scentwork sessions burn calories.

• Promotes healthy aging: Mental and physical activity helps maintain mobility and alertness.

I have several dog with multiple ailments such as; spinal injuries, arthritis, hip or elbow dysplasia and much more! Because scentwork can be adapted to the individual dogs needs it makes it the perfect sport for all dogs to take part in!

Strengthening the bond between dog and human

Working together on scentwork builds communication and trust between you and your dog. You become a team, sharing goals and celebrating successes. This shared activity deepens your relationship and improves obedience and responsiveness.

• Enhances communication: Dogs learn to read your cues and signals.

• Builds trust: Dogs rely on your guidance and praise.

• Creates positive experiences: Fun training sessions strengthen your connection.

  
  

Practical Uses of Scentwork

Beyond fun and exercise, scentwork has practical applications. Many working dogs use scent detection for search and rescue, medical alert, or pest control. Even as a pet owner, you can use scentwork skills for everyday benefits.

• Lost item recovery: Train your dog to find keys or toys.

• Safety alerts: Some dogs can detect allergens or medical changes.

• Behavioural improvement: Scentwork can reduce boredom and destructive behaviour.

  
  

Hugo searching a quad bike for his competition

Getting Started with Scentwork at Home

You don’t need special equipment or a large space to start scentwork. Simple household items and treats can turn any room or yard into a scent training area. Here are some tips to begin:

• Choose a scent: Start with a strong-smelling treat or essential oil.

• Hide the scent: Place it in easy-to-find spots, gradually increasing difficulty.

• Use positive reinforcement: Reward your dog with praise or treats when they find the scent.

• Keep sessions short: Five to ten minutes per session keeps your dog engaged without fatigue.

• Be patient: Every dog learns at its own pace.

  
  

Advanced Scentwork Activities

Once your dog masters the basics of scent detection, you can then start to introduce more complex games and challenges:

• Multiple scent discrimination: Teach your dog to find one scent among several. Add in decoy odours such as tea, coffee and herbs.

• Outdoor searches: Use parks or buildings to add distractions and variety. Proof the behaviour

• Tracking trails: Lay a scent trail for your dog to follow step by step. This can be done for Mantrailing (human odour) or for Trail hunts (aniseed scent)

• Scent puzzles: Hide scents inside cardboard boxes or containers to increase difficulty. This takes aways all visual clues.

  
  

These activities keep your dog mentally sharp and physically active while providing ongoing enrichment.

Scentwork for Dog that may have Special Needs or requirements.

Dogs with anxiety, hyperactivity, or physical limitations benefit greatly from scentwork. It offers a calming focus and a way to expend energy without stress. For example:

• Anxious dogs: Scentwork provides a structured task that reduces nervous energy.

• Hyperactive dogs: Searching tires them out mentally and physically.

• Senior dogs: Low-impact scentwork maintains engagement without strain.