Nose Work is one of my very favorite sports to participate in and to teach. Also known as Scent Work and K9 Nose Work, this sport teaches your dog to search for and find target odors such as Birch, Anise, and Clove essential oils. Dogs hone in and show you where the source of the odor is located by displaying an “alert” behavior. It sounds simple but with the variation available in search areas, the myriad of challenges, and the endless opportunities to improve, nose work can keep you and your pup busy and improving for a lifetime.
The challenges however aren’t the only reason we love scent work. Outside of participating in the sport itself, taking part in nose work can benefit your dog in ways that may have never occurred to you!
The Benefits of Participating in Nose Work.
Independence
Think about how structured our dog’s lives are. We control almost every aspect of their days, from their meal times to their walks, even when they go out to the bathroom. Nose work puts the power into their paws, or should I say nose. They decide how they search. They are in charge and it’s our job only to support them when they need it. This sense of independence will help them live a more fulfilled life. They will feel empowered to be themselves and that helps in more ways than one!
Confidence
Time after time a dog has walked into my class, shy, nervous, tail tucked, not wanting to be approached. They get into the search area and they aren’t sure of themselves, tip-toeing around. When they find the hide, everyone cheers them on and the next time they come their tail is up just a little higher. After that each time they come they are a little more comfortable until they are bounding in, tail wagging, ready to play! Successfully solving the odor problems presented in a nose work class helps your dog build on each of their successes until, before they know it, they can identify a hide under a chair behind a pile of boxes!
Stress Relief
Decompression is essential for all of us. After a stressful week, I know that setting aside time for mountain biking, hiking, or a trip to the skatepark helps me reset and handle future challenges more effectively. It also makes me happier and easier to be around (just ask Louise!). Dogs need the same opportunity. A study published in Behavioural Processes found that dogs who regularly engage in sniffing activities show significantly lower stress levels and reduced cortisol. This means that participating in this sport can help your dog navigate tough situations, settle more quickly afterward, and give you a reliable way to help them relax whenever needed.
Those are only three of the many benefits of this wonderful sport. Believe me when I say I could keep going forever talking about the many benefits. From relationship building, exercise, frustration reduction and so much more. But I feel like at this point you are thinking, “Well okay, nose work sounds amazing but will it be something that my dog will like?” Maybe you have a reactive dog and the thought of trying something new is scary, maybe they are a little older and you are worried about competing in sports, or maybe you just adopted a puppy and you don’t think they will have the attention span to learn a new sport.
Well, I’m here to tell you that there isn’t a breed, age, fitness level, or personality type that won’t enjoy some type of scent work in their life. I remember the first nose work trial I went to there was every breed, every age and every energy level. There was even a Corgi scooting around in a wheelchair having the time of their life! This is one of the most inclusive dog sports there is. As I always tell my students, your dog is going to sniff, and if you start paying them to do so they are going to have the time of their lives!
Now just because nose work can be enjoyed by every dog, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s for every team and that’s okay! If any of these sound like you, we suggest you go for it!
If you are looking for a way to build your dog’s confidence.
If you feel like your dog needs help with frustration or stress relief.
If other sports like agility or flyball leave you exhausted trying to keep up or your dog’s body is having trouble with keeping up.
If you are looking for a way to bond with your dog.
If your dog obsessively sniffs on walks and you want to turn hunting into a team sport.
If you are looking to get your sensitive dog into a sport that will help them slowly explore the world more.
If you have a dog that needs a job to be happy.
K9 nose work is so much more than just a sport—it’s a journey of discovery, connection, and empowerment for both you and your dog. Whether your goal is to build confidence, provide stress relief, or simply enjoy a new way to bond with your pup, nose work offers an inclusive, engaging, and endlessly rewarding experience. No matter your dog’s breed, age, or personality, there’s a place for them in this sport. So, if you’re ready to see your dog light up with joy, confidence, and a sense of purpose, it might be time to dive nose-first into the wonderful world of scent work. Your dog’s next big adventure could be just a sniff away!
Ready to tap into your dog’s natural sniffing superpowers? Join our Virtual Scent Work Class and discover how scent work can help your reactive dog feel more confident, engaged, and relaxed. This three-week online course includes new sniffing skills, live training sessions, Q&As, and a supportive community to help you and your dog succeed—all from the comfort of home!
Sign up today and start unlocking the magic of your dog’s nose. Click Here to learn more.
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