How to use scent work as a natural reward for your dog

Coral Wood
Jan 28
3 min read

Have you ever noticed how your dog seems to be in their element when they're following an interesting scent? That's not just curiosity at work – it's your dog engaging in one of their most natural and rewarding behaviours!

Why scent work is the perfect reward

When we think about rewarding our dogs, most of us immediately reach for treats or toys. But there's something even more powerful that's completely free and always available – the opportunity to sniff and explore!

Did you know that just 10 minutes of focused sniffing can mentally tire your dog as much as a 30-minute walk? That's because dogs process an incredible amount of information through their nose. While we humans see the world, our dogs quite literally smell it!

The science behind the sniff

Your dog's nose is an extraordinary piece of equipment. They have up to 300 million olfactory receptors, compared to our mere 6 million. When your dog stops to sniff, they're not just idly passing time – they're reading complex stories about:

Which dogs have passed by
The emotional state of other animals
Changes in the environment
Even the passage of time!

This mental processing is incredibly satisfying for them, making scent work a natural and powerful reward.

Using scent work in training

Here's how you can incorporate sniffing as a reward in your daily routine:

1. The "Go Sniff" release

After your dog responds to a cue like "come" or "wait", use a release word like "go sniff" to let them explore an interesting area. This creates a powerful connection between following your cues and getting to do what they love!

2. Scatter feeding

Instead of using a bowl, try scattering your dog's food in the grass. This simple activity:

Slows down eating
Provides mental stimulation
Works their nose
Creates natural impulse control

3. Search games

Hide treats or toys around your garden or house and encourage your dog to "find it". Start easy and gradually make it more challenging. The search itself becomes as rewarding as the prize!

When to use scent work rewards

Scent work is particularly effective:

During training breaks to help your dog decompress
As a calm alternative to high-energy rewards
For building confidence in nervous dogs
When you want to lower arousal levels
As part of your daily enrichment routine

Getting started

You don't need any special equipment to start using scent work as a reward. Simply:

Choose designated sniffing spots on your walks
Allow your dog time to explore after they've followed a cue
Watch their body language – relaxed, focused sniffing shows they're enjoying the reward
Gradually increase the duration as their interest grows

My top tips for success

Start in low-distraction areas where your dog can focus
Be patient – some dogs need time to learn that they're "allowed" to sniff
Observe what areas your dog finds most interesting
Use a specific release word consistently
Keep training sessions short and fun

Beyond basic sniffing

Once your dog understands that sniffing can be a reward, you can progress to more structured activities like:

Tracking games
Nosework boxes
Scent trails
Hidden treats puzzles

A natural stress reliever

One of the most beautiful things about using scent work as a reward is its calming effect. Sniffing naturally lowers your dog's heart rate and can help reduce stress and anxiety. It's a bit like meditation for dogs!

Join the club to learn more

Want to explore more ways to use scent work in your training? Our 6-week enrichment classes include lots of fun exercises and games to develop your dog's natural sniffing abilities. We'll show you how to create engaging scent work activities that will not only reward your dog but also strengthen your bond.

Remember, every time your dog stops to sniff, they're processing their world in the way nature intended. By using this natural behaviour as a reward, we're working with their instincts to create positive, lasting training results.

Happy sniffing! 🐾 Sandra x