The Dog's Nose Knows

Here's a little clip of Jess just sitting in our field, casually taking in her surroundings. From our perspective, it seems like a quiet moment, but for Jess, there’s so much happening. She’s soaking in all the scents left behind by people, animals, and the environment itself. Her nose is working overtime, even when she seems still and relaxed.
 

Sniffing: More Than Just a Curious Habit

When working with client dogs, I’ve seen firsthand how important a dog’s sense of smell is, not just for identifying other dogs but for understanding the world without ever needing to get too close. Dogs don’t need to sniff noses or butts to know another dog has been around – they can gather all the information they need by sniffing where a dog has been.

Many times, I’ve watched dogs sniff the air in the training field, their noses twitching as they take in new scents. I’ve seen it countless times – a dog lifts their nose, alerting us to something we can’t yet see. Moments later, someone or another dog appears. This is where we can listen to what they’re telling us. By paying attention to those early signs, we can help them feel safe by giving them space when they need it.

I have worked with dogs who seem to use sniffing as a coping mechanism, nose down, seemingly ignoring their humans. And I have worked with dog who see not to be able to pause to sniff, they just charge along, barely taking a moment to take anything in.

I’ve also worked with dogs who struggle with certain types of dogs, such as uncastrated males. By learning to watch the subtle changes in their sniifing and posture, we can intervene early, helping them disengage and manage situations before they become overwhelming.

Dogs tell us so much if we just pay attention to the way they interact with the world around them through scent. Here’s a clip of Bertie, nose whiffling and ears up, taking in his surroundings with such intensity. In just 20 seconds, he’s processing so much information, following every scent.

And this is Freddie, learning to sit back and observe from a safe distance with his Mum. Even from afar, he’s still gathering valuable information about his environment, but in a way that feels safe for him.
 

I seem to be collecting these clips of dogs sniffing! I find it fascinating.

Take a moment … how to you see your dog using their nose? What does that tell you about them, or their environment?

One of the most effective ways we use this incredible nose ability is through tracking, particularly in my Calm Down Classes. For dogs who need extra help settling around other dogs, giving them a “job” like tracking can be a game-changer. They focus their attention on following a scent, and suddenly, they’re much more relaxed around the other dogs.  Here's a couple of photos from a recent session. Each of the dogs has the option to track away and past other dogs.



We can’t even begin to grasp the complexity of what’s going through their minds, but by understanding and appreciating their amazing sense of smell, we can work with them in a way that respects their instincts and needs.

So, the next time you see your dog sniffing the air or following a scent trail, remember – there’s so much more going on than meets the eye. Celebrate that incredible nose of theirs!

Want to learn more about tracking or how to tap into your dog’s natural instincts to help them feel more confident and fulfilled? Feel free to reach out, and let’s chat about how tracking could be a great activity for you and your dog!