“Scent work is incorporated in almost everything I do”: Investigating dog trainers’ perceptions of scent-based activities for companion dogs

Scent-based activities are a popular activity to provide dogs an outlet centred on their natural abilities and dogs of any physical ability can participate. We aimed to investigate how professional dog trainers are using scent-based activities and explore perceptions around the impact of olfactory enrichment and exercises on behaviour in companion dogs. The online survey contained 29 questions across four sections, with a total of 566 responses analysed from trainers from around the world. The most commonly practiced scent-based training activity was scent work, training companion dogs to locate odours for a reward. Further, the most commonly used scent enrichment activity was sniff-based walks (sniffaris; 85 %), providing sensory garden spaces (46 %) or offering food via scatter feeding (92 %) or snuffle mats (87 %). Trainers have a belief that trained scent work tasks are good for dogs and that scent enrichment activities can be effective in reducing general fearfulness, anxiety, and addressing overexcitement. As evidence is currently limited in this area, future work should investigate which dog-centered scent-based activities may enhance their wellbeing. • Dog trainers most commonly offered scent work as a form of scent-based activity. • Sniffing-oriented walks (sniffaris) were the most practiced enrichment activity. • Trainers believe scent work improves behaviour outcomes for dogs. • Trainers believe scent-based activities positively influence dog welfare.