Snuffle Spot FAQs

What actually happens at a Snuffle Spot?

Your dog gets their own private space filled with things to sniff, search, investigate and explore. There’s no set route and nothing they have to do – they can explore in whatever way suits them.

You can join in, help them explore or simply sit back with a complimentary tea or coffee and watch them get busy.

The aim is for Snuffle Spot to be stress-free for both ends of the lead. I’m there to help if you need me, not to judge you or your dog.

Will there be other dogs there?

No. Your Snuffle Spot session is private for your household, so you won’t be sharing the space with other dogs.

If you have more than one dog from the same household, they can attend together if they’re comfortable sharing the space and activities.

Does my dog need any training?

Not at all!

There are no obedience requirements and your dog doesn’t need to know any particular cues. They don’t need to sit nicely, walk beautifully on a lead or demonstrate their best manners.

Snuffle Spot isn’t about showing me how well trained your dog is. It’s about giving them time to sniff, explore and enjoy being a dog.

What if my dog isn’t very well behaved?

Please don’t worry.

I’ve been working with dogs and their owners for many years and I’ve met an enormous variety of dogs. Barking, pulling, overexcitement, nervousness, selective hearing and general doggy chaos aren’t going to shock me.

I’m there to help you, not judge you.

I want Snuffle Spot to be an enjoyable, stress-free experience for you as well as your dog.

My dog doesn’t like new people. Can they still come?

Absolutely.

I won’t approach, fuss or touch your dog unless they choose to interact with me. I’m perfectly happy to give them space and let them concentrate on exploring.

Your dog never has to say hello to me.

My dog is reactive to other dogs. Can they come?

Yes. Snuffle Spot can be particularly useful for dogs who need their own space because sessions are private and you won’t be sharing the room with another dog.

If there’s anything you’re concerned about before your visit, just message me and we can work out how to make their arrival and session as easy as possible.

My dog gets very excited. Is that a problem?

Not at all.

Some dogs wander in and quietly investigate. Others arrive as though they’ve just been invited onto the greatest game show ever invented!

Both are welcome.

There’s no expectation for your dog to arrive calm or behave in a particular way. We can adapt the session and help them explore at their own pace.

What if my dog barks?

That’s okay too.

Dogs bark for all sorts of reasons. Your dog doesn’t need to be silent, calm or perfectly behaved to come to Snuffle Spot.

What if my dog wees or has a toileting accident?

Please don’t worry – it happens!

I have cleaning equipment on hand, so we can quickly clean it up and carry on. There’s no embarrassment and it certainly won’t ruin your dog’s session.

What if my dog tries to destroy the toys or equipment?

Some dogs investigate things rather more enthusiastically than others!

You and I will be supervising your dog throughout the session, so if something looks as though it might not survive their particular style of investigation, we can simply remove it and find something more suitable.

Does my dog have to try everything?

Definitely not.

Some dogs want to investigate everything immediately. Others might spend ages fascinated by one particular thing.

There’s no checklist to complete and no pressure to get your dog to use every activity. They get to choose.

Watching what your dog chooses to investigate – and what they decide isn’t worth bothering with – can actually be one of the most interesting parts of the experience.

What if my dog doesn’t know what to do?

That’s completely fine, especially on their first visit.

Some dogs dive straight in while others prefer to stand back, sniff and take everything in before they start exploring.

I can help you encourage your dog to investigate without putting them under pressure. There’s no rush and no right or wrong way for them to enjoy Snuffle Spot.

Does Snuffle Spot use food?

Many of the activities can involve treats hidden for your dog to sniff out, forage for or discover, but Snuffle Spot isn’t just about finding food.

We also use interesting scents and other things for dogs to investigate, so dogs who aren’t particularly interested in food can still have plenty to sniff, explore and enjoy.

Some dogs are passionate food hunters. Others would much rather investigate an interesting smell. We can adapt the experience to what your dog finds rewarding.

My dog has food allergies or intolerances. Can they still come?

Absolutely.

Please let me know about any allergies, intolerances or dietary restrictions and I can cater for these. You’re also very welcome to bring your dog’s own food or favourite treats if you’d prefer.

If your dog can’t have treats at all, that’s fine too. We can use non-food scents and activities so they can still enjoy using their nose and exploring Snuffle Spot.

My dog isn’t interested in treats. Will they still enjoy it?

They certainly can!

Dogs experience the world through their noses and Snuffle Spot is about much more than food. There are interesting scents, objects, textures and areas to investigate.

We can concentrate less on food-based activities and give your dog opportunities to sniff and explore simply because they enjoy doing it.

Can puppies come?

Absolutely.

Snuffle Spot gives puppies an opportunity to explore a new environment at their own pace without having other dogs rushing up to them.

It’s also a lovely opportunity for you to spend some relaxed time together – and you’re very welcome to ask me about any puppy questions that have cropped up while you’re here.

Are older dogs welcome?

Definitely.

There’s no age limit on enjoying a good sniff!

Older dogs can take their time and explore at whatever pace is comfortable for them. We can also remove or adapt activities if there are things they would find difficult.

Can my dog come if they’re on restricted exercise or vet rest?

Potentially, yes.

Sniffing and other low-impact activities can provide something interesting for dogs whose normal exercise is restricted, and activities can be adapted according to what your dog is allowed to do.

However, every dog’s restrictions are different. You’ll need to follow the advice you’ve been given by your vet or veterinary professional.

If you’re unsure whether Snuffle Spot is appropriate for your dog’s particular restrictions, message me before booking and we can have a chat.

My dog has mobility problems. Can they come?

In many cases, yes.

We can adapt which activities your dog has access to and allow them to explore at whatever pace is comfortable for them.

If your dog has specific physical restrictions, please let me know so we can make the session as suitable for them as possible.

I have mobility difficulties myself. Can I still come?

Please do.

You don’t need to walk around constantly or get down on the floor with your dog to enjoy Snuffle Spot. We can adapt how you take part to suit you.

If there’s anything that would make your visit easier, please tell me. Snuffle Spot should be stress-free for the owner as well as the dog.

I might struggle getting my dog from the car at Damside. Can you help?

Yes.

If getting your dog between the car and the bothy could be difficult, just let me know and I’m happy to help.

Perhaps your dog is particularly strong on the lead, you have an injury, you’re recovering from surgery, have limited mobility or you’d simply feel more comfortable with an extra pair of hands.

Please don’t worry about asking. I’m there to make the experience easier for both of you.

Can I bring more than one dog?

Yes. Dogs from the same household can attend together if they’re comfortable sharing the space and activities.

If you think your dogs would enjoy the experience more individually, you’re also very welcome to bring them separately.

Can children come?

Yes, children are welcome to come along.

However, children shouldn’t play with or interact with the Snuffle Spot equipment. The equipment and activities are there for the dog, and children will need to be supervised throughout the session.

They’re very welcome to watch your dog exploring and enjoy the experience with you.

Do I need to bring anything?

You don’t need any special equipment. Just bring your dog on their usual lead and anything you would normally need when you’re out together.

If your dog has dietary requirements or favourite treats, you’re very welcome to bring those too.

How long are the sessions?

Montrose sessions last 30 minutes.

Damside sessions last 45 minutes.

Your dog doesn’t need to spend the whole session constantly doing activities. They’re free to stop, rest, watch, sniff or simply take everything in.

How much does Snuffle Spot cost?

At both Montrose and Damside, sessions cost:

£20 for one dog
£25 for two dogs

If you’d like to make Snuffle Spot a regular part of your dog’s routine, you can save by booking a block of six sessions.

Is there parking?

Yes. There’s free parking near both Snuffle Spots.

For Snuffle Spot Montrose, free public parking is available nearby in Murray Lane car park.

For Snuffle Spot Damside there is free private parking right next to the bothy. 

Where is Snuffle Spot Montrose?

You’ll find Snuffle Spot Montrose at 56 Murray Street, in the old pet shop.

It’s now a dedicated Snuffle Spot, which means we can have permanent larger features including our boat ball pit and playhouse, alongside lots of other things for dogs to sniff, search and investigate.

Where is Snuffle Spot Damside?

Snuffle Spot Damside is held at Damside House near Johnshaven DD10 0HY

It’s surrounded by the sights, smells and sounds of the countryside and the bothy is also used for dog training, so the Snuffle Spot setup changes regularly.

What’s the difference between Montrose and Damside?

Both give your dog private time to sniff, explore and investigate, but they have quite different characters.

Montrose is our dedicated Snuffle Spot inside the old pet shop. Because it’s permanently set up, we can have larger features including our boat ball pit and playhouse. There will be some familiarity when your dog returns, alongside different things to discover.

Damside is our countryside Snuffle Spot inside an old stone bothy. Because the space is also used for dog training, the setup regularly changes – so there’s often something new for your dog to investigate.

What if I’m not sure which Snuffle Spot would suit my dog?

Just ask me!

Tell me a little about your dog, what they enjoy and anything you’re concerned about and I’ll happily help you decide whether Montrose or Damside might be the best place to start.

There’s no wrong choice, though – they simply offer two different Snuffle Spot experiences.

Can I book a Snuffle Spot for the same day?

Possibly!

Online bookings close at 10pm the day before, but that doesn’t necessarily mean there isn’t space.

For a same-day booking, message me on 07548 880298 to check availability. If I can fit you in, I will.

Can I ask you questions about my dog while I’m there?

Of course!

I’m an experienced dog trainer and I’m very happy to chat while your dog explores.

You might have a little training question, something your dog does that you’ve always wondered about, or something you’d simply like another opinion on.

It doesn’t have to turn into a dog training consultation either. Sometimes we talk dogs… and sometimes we just chat about life!

What if my dog doesn’t enjoy it?

Every dog is different and there’s no expectation that they have to react to Snuffle Spot in a particular way.

Some dogs race in and start exploring. Others need time to stand back, watch and sniff before they feel ready to investigate.

We won’t force them to interact with anything. We can change activities, make things easier, give them more space or simply let them take their time.

The aim isn’t for your dog to perform or achieve anything.

I’m worried my dog might embarrass me!

Please don’t be.

Your dog doesn’t have to be perfectly trained, sociable, confident, quiet or impeccably behaved to come to Snuffle Spot.

And you don’t need to know what you’re doing either.

I’ll show you around, explain everything and help you and your dog get settled. If something doesn’t go quite to plan, we’ll deal with it.

Snuffle Spot is a relaxed, enjoyable outing for both ends of the lead.

Come as you are. Bring your dog as they are.

I’m here to help – never to judge.