Your dog’s nose is one of their most powerful tools, and it can be the key to keeping them entertained when walks aren’t possible. With their incredible sense of smell, dogs can enjoy hours of mental stimulation through scent-based games.
I’m Laura Carter, a dog trainer with four unique dogs, each with a love for using their nose in different ways. Today, I’m sharing how you can engage your dog’s sense of smell to provide the mental exercise they crave.
Why Scent is So Important for Dogs
A dog’s sense of smell is extraordinary—they have up to 300 million scent receptors in their noses, compared to just 6 million in humans. This heightened sense means that dogs experience the world largely through smell, and engaging this sense can offer significant mental stimulation. Scent work taps into their natural instincts, providing a calming and fulfilling activity, especially beneficial for dogs who struggle with anxiety or reactivity.
Activity: Muffin Tin Sniff and Search
This simple scent-based game is a great way to keep your dog entertained indoors:
- Gather a Muffin Tin and Tennis Balls: You’ll need a muffin tin and some tennis balls or crumpled paper.
- Add Treats: Place small treats or kibble in a few of the muffin tin holes.
- Cover with Tennis Balls or Paper: Cover each hole with a tennis ball or crumpled paper to hide the treats.
- Encourage Exploration: Let your dog use their nose to find the treats, moving the balls or paper as they sniff around.
- Reward Success: Allow your dog to work at their own pace, and reward them with praise or an extra treat when they uncover the hidden food.
This game provides a fun mental challenge that engages your dog’s sense of smell and encourages problem-solving. It’s ideal for days when outdoor exercise isn’t possible.
The Science of Scent
Dogs’ brains are hard-wired to detect and process scents, making scent-based games incredibly satisfying. These types of activities prevent boredom and can reduce stress, as dogs find joy and fulfilment in using their natural abilities. For anxious or reactive dogs, scent work offers a calming outlet, providing essential mental stimulation that keeps them balanced and content.
Why Enrichment is Essential
Scent-based enrichment offers one of the most effective ways to stimulate your dog mentally, especially on days when walks are limited. For dogs like my Spaniel, Mungo, who thrives on using his nose, scent work isn’t just a game—it’s a fulfilling mental exercise. Engaging your dog in scent work can make them calmer, more focused, and less likely to develop problem behaviours.
Looking for More Enrichment Ideas?
For additional ideas to keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated at home, check out my Freebies Page! It’s packed with resources to enhance your dog’s enrichment and keep them engaged, happy, and healthy.
Until next time, keep those tails wagging!
Laura Carter IMDT
With over 15 years of experience in dog training, Laura Carter has dedicated her career to enhancing the bond between humans and their canine companions.
Based in Scotland, Laura lives with her twin daughters, four dogs, and a variety of other animals.
A member of the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT) and a certified Scentwork UK instructor, Laura brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her work.
Her expertise in dog care and rehabilitation is showcased in the book The Vet Says Rest, a valuable resource for pet owners navigating their dogs’ recovery.
Laura also brought her passion for dogs to a wider audience as a trainer on Channel 4’s Superstar Dogs alongside John Barrowman.
Her work continues to inspire and support dog owners everywhere, helping them build happier, healthier relationships with their pets.