Introduction - What is Scentwork?
Scentwork is organised sniffing, and if you are looking for beginner scentwork for dogs , you are in the right place! Scent detection is simply teaching your dog to use their extraordinary nose to search and find. Think of it as hide-and-seek, but powered by your dog’s incredible nose.
Every dog, from tiny terriers to giant Newfoundlands, comes with a superpower built right into their nose. Dogs have around 300 million scent receptors ( we have a paltry 6 million - pfffft! ), and the part of their brain dedicated to smell is huge! Rougly 40 times larger than ours. It is like upgrading from a pocket torch to a floodlight.
The brilliant part is that scentwork is less about obedience and more about “nose joy” celebrating your dog’s natural abilities. Here are just a few of the benefits of Scentwork..
🐾 Builds confidence
🐾 Grounds anxious or excitable dogs
🐾 Enhances problem-solving skills
🐾 Boosts optimism: dogs engaged in scent-based activities make more positive decisions when faced with new challenges
Best of all, scentwork is accessible to every dog. From bouncy puppies to slower seniors, high-energy working breeds to laid-back companions, every dog can enjoy it.
🐶Did you know?
Research from the University of Lincoln found that dogs who regularly take part in scentwork make more optimistic choices when faced with challenges . In other words, scentwork does not just entertain - it can actually boost your dog’s confidence and change how they view the world. So engaging in Scentwork based activiites can really ignite that superpower!
4 Fun Beginner Scentwork Games for Dogs
1. The Epic Treat Hunt Adventure
Pop your dog in another room while you carefully place a few treats around one room. Don’t let them see you hide them! Start with treats on the floor, then progress to sneakier spots under furniture. Release with “FIND IT!” and watch the joy unfold. If your dog has creaky joints, or is very small, be mindful that you place the food comfortably in reach. If food doesn't float their boat, you can always hide a small toy or their favourite ball.
Level Up: Instead of scattering multiple treats, hide just one. When your dog finds it, say “yes!” and hand them an extra reward right at the hiding spot. This teaches them that the prize comes from where the odour is located, building a stronger indication. This is a way that scent detection dogs signal they have found the odour..clever aren't they!
2. The Muffin Tin Game
You will need: a muffin tin or large baking tray, and around a dozen tennis balls.
Hide treats under two or three of the balls. Put the tray on the floor and let your dog figure it out. Use smelly treats for best results!
This game was always a favourite of Casper, a much-loved rescue Labrador. As he got older and his joints made some activities a bit tricky, the Muffin Tin became one of his favourite games. Watching him sniff, nudge, and problem-solve his way through the tray was a reminder that scentwork really is for every dog, no matter their age or ability. You can watch Casper in the video below.
Level Up: Reduce the number of treats to just one teeny one, so your dog has to concentrate harder and persist with sniffing rather than guessing.
Step 3. The Sneaky “Which Hand?”
Hide a treat in one closed fist. Present both hands at your dog’s nose level. Wait for them to sniff, focus, or stare at the correct hand. Open it and celebrate their success.
Level Up: Reward only when your dog gives a clear indication such as a pause or a steady stare at the correct hand. Mark with “yes!” and give them the reward. This starts to shape the kind of precise indication (a signal or communicaton of odour recognition) used in more advanced scentwork.
4. The Box Line-Up
Collect five cardboard boxes and place them in a line, roughly 8 inches apart. For small dogs, such as Chihuahuas or other toy breeds, use smaller boxes so the game is easy and fun to play.
Start simple by putting a couple of treats in box one, let your dog find them, then move to box two, then three, until they understand the aim is to investigate each box in turn. This teaches them to work systematically rather than diving in at random. Although at first they are likely to dive in until they work out the rules of the game, so be prepared for a fiesta of cardboard in the meantime! 😁
Level Up: Randomise which box contains the treat so your dog has to check each one carefully. You can also partially close the flaps of the boxes to make the scent a little trickier to access. This develops focus, persistence, and accuracy, the hallmarks of a true canine detective.
🐶Top Tips for Nosejoy..
Keep sessions short (3 to 5 minutes)
Always finish on a win
Use irresistible, smelly treats or a treaured toy
Level up by rewarding close to the hidden food source, so the dog learns the prize comes from the scent itself
Celebrate every find with genuine enthusiasm!
At this stage of beginner scentwork for dogs, your dog is simply searching for yummy treats or even a favourite toy. As you progress, you will move on to specific target scents such as Kong, clove, gun oil, or truffle.
Where Next? Beginner Scentwork for Dogs and Beyond..
Once your dog has mastered these beginner scentwork for dogs games, there is a whole world of progression to explore. Exciting scentwork games such as mantrailing, tracking to name just a few!
You can build confidence at home through an online scentwork course , develop teamwork in scentwork training classes , or move on to scent detection trials and competitions . Whether you want to keep it fun or step into a structured sport, there is a pathway for every dog and handler.
Ready to progress? These UK based scentwork organisations offer courses, trials, and communities to help you and your dog grow. If your dog would be more comfortable learning at home, there are also excellent online courses you can follow at your own pace.
Have a Nose at UK Scentwork Organisations
Scentwork UK
Your gateway to the fascinating world of scent detection. Scentwork UK offers structured progression with up to 16 trial levels that test and celebrate teamwork between dog and handler. From your first search to national-level competitions, it provides a benchmark for progression and a supportive community.
Scentwork Academy
Unlock your dog’s superpower from home with the Sniff It Out online scentwork programme. Designed for dogs of all ages and breeds, it combines easy-to-follow lessons, fascinating theory, and practical exercises. A perfect way to build strong foundations and progress at your own pace, with expert support along the way. A great option if your dog is uncomfortable in a group setting. Want to learn more? Have a nose at their website Scentwork Academy
Nosework Games
Nosework Games was created to provide a skill-based competition format where dogs and handlers can be tested on foundation skills. It allows organisers the freedom to design creative challenges so competitions do not become predictable “set pieces”. Explore Nosework Games
UK Scent Scent Sport
At UK Scent Sport , dogs can take part in four different types of scent detection activities. At the lower levels, there is Searching for Kong , where dogs learn to find and identify the source of a hidden Kong in different scenarios, and Retrieve on Catnip , where they locate and bring back a catnip-scented item to their handler.
More advanced options include Mantrailing , where dogs follow a scent trail to locate a person, and Scent Matching , where they are tasked with matching scents to specific objects. Together, these activities provide an exciting mix of enrichment, teamwork, and progression for every dog and handler.
UK Sniffer Dogs
With the motto “Any dog can do it”, UK Sniffer Dogs are passionate about inclusivity and accessibility for every dog, regardless of breed, age, or background. Their Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels provide a clear pathway into odour training, and their philosophy is that scentwork is for everyone.
Ready to Begin Your Dog’s Detective Journey?
Starting with beginner scentwork for dogs is more than just a fun game. It is a way to build confidence, optimism, and a deeper bond with your dog while letting them enjoy their natural talents. Whether you stay with home games or progress to trials and competitions, you will both benefit from the joy of sniffing.
Below Casper, one of our dogs, sadly no longer with us, happily bashing tennis balls to find those hidden treats! 😍
Kate Hart
Kate is an award winning Gold Level UK Sniffer Dog Instructor , IMDT accredited trainer and the founder of The Sniffer Shop . She juggles a busy life teaching scentwork, running the shop, and keeping six enthusiastic Labradors mostly out of mischief! Her passion is making scentwork simple, fun, and accessible for all dogs. 🐶
