Promoting awareness and wellness through scent

How can scent help dogs cope with the stress of modern pet life? This course explores scent detection and scent engagement as meaningful ways to support awareness, confidence, and wellness. Many dogs are struggling to navigate human environments that are busy, confusing, and often mismatched to their natural needs, while many pet owners feel stuck after trying techniques that do not address the bigger picture.

This presentation looks at how taking advantage of a dog’s natural drive to sniff can support welfare in practical, accessible ways. Participants will learn how scent-based activities can provide focus, enrichment, decompression, and a better outlet for species-typical behavior. The goal is to help professionals and families use scent not as a bonus activity, but as a valuable pathway for helping dogs engage with the world more successfully.