Scentwork is not only a fun and rewarding activity for dogs—it’s also a highly effective tool for addressing behavioural challenges. By harnessing a dog’s natural instincts, scentwork offers a unique combination of mental stimulation, stress reduction, and confidence-building. Let’s explore how scentwork works and why it’s such a powerful tool for improving behaviour.
The Science Behind Scentwork
Dogs experience the world primarily through their noses. They have up to 300 million olfactory receptors, compared to just 6 million in humans (Horowitz, 2016). This incredible sense of smell activates a dog’s “seeking system,” a part of their brain responsible for motivation and curiosity (Panksepp, 1998).
Engaging this system through scentwork releases dopamine, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, which helps to reduce stress and promote a sense of calm (Horowitz, 2016). This makes scentwork particularly beneficial for dogs dealing with behavioural issues such as anxiety, reactivity, or lack of confidence.
Key Benefits of Scentwork for Behavioural Training
1. Stress Reduction
Scentwork helps dogs channel nervous energy into a calming activity. The act of sniffing itself is therapeutic and helps reduce anxiety. For reactive or easily excitable dogs, engaging their seeking system can shift their focus away from triggers and towards a positive, rewarding task (Panksepp, 1998).
2. Mental Stimulation Without Overstimulation
Dogs often misbehave because they’re bored or under-stimulated. However, activities like high-energy play can sometimes increase arousal, leading to unwanted behaviours like jumping, barking, or mouthing. Scentwork, on the other hand, provides intense mental stimulation without raising arousal levels, making it ideal for high-energy or adolescent dogs.
3. Confidence Building
Successfully completing a scentwork task gives dogs a sense of achievement, boosting their confidence. For shy or nervous dogs, this positive reinforcement can help them become more optimistic and willing to explore the world. Research has shown that problem-solving activities, like scentwork, can improve emotional stability in dogs (McGowan et al., 2014).
4. Improved Focus and Impulse Control
Scentwork teaches dogs to concentrate on a single task, even in distracting environments. This improved focus can translate to better behaviour in everyday situations. Additionally, scentwork helps dogs practice impulse control as they learn to resist distractions and follow the scent trail deliberately (Diverio et al., 2016).
5. Strengthened Dog-Owner Bond
Scentwork is a team activity. As the handler, you guide your dog while allowing them the independence to problem-solve. This balance of trust and cooperation strengthens the bond between you and your dog, improving overall responsiveness and communication.
Scentwork can be adapted to almost any environment, from a quiet garden to a bustling park. This makes it a valuable tool for helping dogs cope with stressful situations or environments they find overwhelming.
Scentwork in Behavioural Training Plans
At ClickStart Dog Training, we often incorporate scentwork into our behavioural training plans. It’s especially effective for:
Reactive dogs who need a focus shift away from triggers.
Nervous or anxious dogs requiring confidence-building.
High-energy dogs in need of structured, calming activities.
For example, during a scentwork session, a reactive dog might focus on locating a hidden scent rather than reacting to other dogs or people in the environment. This redirection not only keeps them calm but also builds their ability to focus and cope in challenging situations.
How to Get Started with Scentwork
Starting scentwork doesn’t require fancy equipment. Everyday items like a Kong toy, tins, or even a scent-infused cloth can be used to introduce your dog to the activity. However, structured classes with a trainer can help you refine your approach and maximise the benefits.
The Research Behind the Benefits
Stress Reduction: Scentwork activates the seeking system, releasing dopamine and calming the dog (Panksepp, 1998).
Confidence Building: Problem-solving activities like scentwork improve emotional stability (McGowan et al., 2014).
Focus and Impulse Control: Scentwork helps dogs resist distractions and develop inhibitory control (Diverio et al., 2016).
Join Our Scentwork Classes
At ClickStart Dog Training, we offer specialised scent detection classes designed for all levels, from beginners to advanced handlers. Whether your goal is to address behavioural challenges or simply provide your dog with an engaging, rewarding activity, scentwork is a great option.
Get in touch to learn more or book your spot today. Let’s unlock your dog’s full potential, one sniff at a time!
References:
Diverio, S., et al. (2016). "Effects of Working Dogs’ Training on Their Behavioural Patterns." Journal of Veterinary Behaviour.
Horowitz, A. (2016). Being a Dog: Following the Dog into a World of Smell.
McGowan, R.T.S., et al. (2014). "Canine Behaviour and Positive Problem-Solving." Applied Animal Behaviour Science.
Panksepp, J. (1998). Affective Neuroscience: The Foundations of Human and Animal Emotions.
Written by Cath Vincent
Co-owner of ClickStart Dog Training, passionate about creating confident dogs and happy owners.
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