Scentwork gives this amazing opportunity of dog and handler to do something that they will both enjoy.
When the dogs are asked to use their nose then simply they are the best at it.
Your dog can be the best dog out there, using his nose and channelling all his energy to do something he really loves and enjoys.
Scentwork is like mindfulness for the dog as well as the owner. It is beneficial not only for reactive dogs but for all dogs.
A study by A. Horrowitz (Let me sniff!) concluded that by letting dogs use their nose more, we help them see the world in a much more optimistic way and also we improve their welfare.
Read Article – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168159118304325
Why is a dog reactive? It could be either because of a bad previous experience which has potentially caused a bad emotion like fear, limited experiences of the dog about the world but also emotions like frustration or boredom. The dogs can become reactive to things they see or hear.
Scentwork helps the dogs to become more optimistic in these environments while they are using their nose.
Has it ever happened that you read a book and you love it and you are deeply delved into it so much that you don’t hear or notice things that happen around you? That is how it feels for dogs to use their nose.
Scentwork for dogs is:
Stimulating & Calming
An outlet to express their natural behaviour
Fun and self rewarding
Relaxing and a nice way to spend time with your dog
All dogs love using their nose as it’s their natural behaviour
Helps the owner understand the dog in general, especially when it comes to reactivity
Great fun for dog and owner- builds strong relationships
Owners see their dogs as happy well stimulated companions
Life is easier for dogs and owners.