At Sniff and Wiggles, we believe that sniffing is not just a habit—it is a superpower! For dogs, the world is a scent-filled adventure, and every blade of grass, breeze, or trail holds a story just waiting to be sniffed out. Watching a pup put their nose to work is like seeing them unlock a secret universe we humans can only imagine. Nosework and scent games give dogs purpose, stimulation, and pure tail-wagging joy. Whether you have a curious pup who sniffs everything on walks or a senior dog who needs gentle enrichment, scent play is one of the most rewarding ways to engage your best friend.

What Is Nosework?

Nosework is a fun activity based on professional scent detection (like search-and-rescue or drug detection), but made accessible and positive for any dog. It teaches your dog to locate specific scents—usually essential oils like birch, clove, or anise—and alert you when they find it. Think of it as a dog’s version of hide and seek with their nose!

Why Dogs Love Scent Games

  • Mental Stimulation: It gives their brain a workout and keeps boredom at bay.
  • Confidence Boost: Especially great for shy or nervous pups—success builds trust and joy.
  • Natural Instincts: Dogs are wired to sniff. Letting them do what they love is deeply fulfilling.
  • Any Age, Any Breed: Puppies, seniors, and all sizes can enjoy scent-based enrichment.

Easy Scent Games to Try at Home

  • Treat Hide and Seek: Hide small treats around the house or yard and encourage your dog to “find it.”
  • Box Game: Place a treat under one of several boxes and let your dog sniff it out.
  • Scented Toy Hunt: Add a dab of dog-safe essential oil to a toy and hide it for your pup to find.
  • Snuffle Mats: These textured mats are designed for dogs to root through and sniff out hidden treats.

Scent Play at Sniff and Wiggles

At our Petaluma dog daycare, we include gentle scent enrichment as part of our enrichment-based activities. Whether it is scent trails in the yard, treat puzzles, or calming aromatherapy, we make sniff time safe, fun, and perfectly pup-approved. Our goal is to honor your dog’s natural abilities and keep their minds as active as their paws.

Follow Your Nose to Fun

When dogs sniff, they are not just exploring—they are learning, relaxing, and expressing themselves. From boosting confidence to reducing stress, scent play is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your dog’s well-being. Plus, it is incredibly fun to watch them solve sniffing puzzles with that adorable look of determination!

Curious about how we include nosework in our daycare programs? Contact Sniff and Wiggles today and let us help your pup sniff their way to happiness!

Why do dogs sniff? Why do dogs sniff?