How to boost your dog’s sense of smell: games and exercises to stimulate its keenest sense of smell

Dogs’ sense of smell is their superpower: they can detect smells that are imperceptible to us. By training and enhancing this sense, you not only help them develop skills that are part of their instinct, but you also contribute to their mental and physical well-being. Find out how to stimulate your dog’s sense of smell through games, exercises and simple tricks that will make him happier and more relaxed.

Why is it important to strengthen your dog’s sense of smell?

Dogs’ sense of smell is their main tool for exploring the world. It allows them to detect traces of other animals, locate food or water, and even recognise if a female dog is in heat. Many dogs use their ability to smell for specialised work, such as searching for trapped people, detecting drugs or even anticipating epileptic seizures in humans.

Enhancing this sense not only improves their natural abilities, but also stimulates their mind, reduces stress and strengthens their connection with you. A dog that can smell freely is a happier dog!

Scent games that stimulate your dog

A great way to exercise your dog’s sense of smell is through scent games. Here are a few ideas:

1. Olfactory carpet or search games
   You can use a tracking mat or even an ordinary carpet at home. Hide small treats in the fibres for your dog to find using his sense of smell. This type of play allows him to activate his natural tracking instinct, as well as keeping him entertained and mentally active.
2. Food spread around the house
   Another option is to hide small portions of food in different areas of the house. This will not only keep your dog sniffing and searching for his food in a fun way, but will also help keep him on the move, ideal for when he spends time alone in the house.

How to use toys and rewards to train their sense of smell

Scent training can also include everyday objects. Here are some ways to incorporate toys and treats into their exercise:

1. Special ride-on toy
   Choose a specific toy or ball that you only use on walks. By showing it to your dog, he will associate that object with going outside. He may even use it to communicate with you when he wants to go out.
2. Prize hiding
   You can hide treats in the house without your dog noticing and let him discover them, or let him know that you have hidden something so that he activates his sense of smell in a kind of ‘treasure hunt’. This type of exercise will help him to develop and refine his scenting skills.

Let him explore: the importance of the smell walk

Sometimes the best way to stimulate your dog is to let him explore at his own pace. Walks are not only times for physical exercise, but also opportunities for him to sniff his surroundings and discover new smells. Dogs get a lot of information through their sense of smell: they identify other dogs, people and objects, and memorise their surroundings. So don’t hesitate to let him calmly sniff everything that is new to him.

A dog that sniffs is a happy dog.

It has been proven that a dog that can sniff freely is happier, as he receives mental stimulation and has a better understanding of his environment. By including scent play and giving him the opportunity to explore, you will improve his overall well-being and strengthen the bond you share with him.