Have you ever noticed your dog suddenly start to twitch their nose even though there’s nothing in sight? Something interesting is coming to them on the breeze! It’s amazing really. They are finding out information about things in the surrounding area that we have no idea is there. They’re air scenting.

They might do this if you open a window and the air brings in something noteworthy, or on a walk when something is in the distance.

I have head it be said that dogs sniff the air when they are anxious. And certainly dogs who are anxious may try to gain as much information about their surroundings as possible. However, dogs sniff for a variety of reasons. This isn’t necessarily different because the scent has come to them. My own dogs love to go outside, stand at the top of the steps and sniff. I can only imagine what they’re finding out! Has the neighbour’s dog just walked past? Has the cat down the road just been let out into their garden? And what about what all the neighbours are cooking!?

Yes! Encouraging scenting is generally a great form of enrichment, so providing more opportunities is a lovely thing to do for your dog.

You could plant dog-friendly, scented plants like lavender.

Or collect items when you’re out and about to bring home and set out in your garden, such as piles of leaves, wool, stones, twigs/branches etc. You could also have pots with scent holes in, with dog-friendly essential oil cloths inside. Hiding these around the garden will likely get your dog air scenting when they detect a different scent than usual in the environment.

I am a Clinical Animal Behaviourist based in the Worcestershire area. However, with successful online training procedures, training can be anywhere in the world. You just need your dogs, and a device with an internet connection!

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