Is scent work good for reactive dogs?

Practicing scent work with your reactive dog can oftentimes be life changing. Scent work promotes calmness, gives your dog something to focus on in the presence of a trigger and helps them to build confidence in themselves, something reactive dogs are often lacking! By introducing scent work to your reactive dog's enrichment schedule you can help them feel braver, reduce their anxiety and build on your bond together.

Firstly, let's explore what reactivity actually is

Reactivity describes behaviour seen in dogs where they respond to the sight of other dogs or people by barking, lunging and growling towards them. Dogs may display reactivity when either on or off the lead and some dogs may only display it when on the lead. This is often because their option to flee has been taken away, leaving fight as their only remaining response.

Dogs displaying reactive behaviours are very rarely doing so because they are simply aggressive. Most dogs behave this way because they are either fearful or frustrated by the sight of other dogs or humans. If a dog is fearful, their barking, growling and lunging is designed to make the trigger go away, a classic fight or flight response. If a dog is frustrated, they are wanting to get closer to their trigger, perhaps to say hello, and find it difficult when they cannot gain access. A reactive dog is not a naughty dog. They are simply struggling in their environment and do not yet have the confidence or impulse control to manage the sight of their triggers.

Why reactive dogs struggle in traditional group classes

A traditional group class can be an extremely challenging environment for a

reactive dog. Close proximity to other dogs, being on a short lead and having to remain near them whilst they move and train just metres away can all be deeply triggering. There is often time spent standing still whilst listening to instructions which can further heighten frustration and arousal, leading to more intense reactions. Add in the fact that other dogs are recalling, chasing toys and playing tug and it quickly becomes too much. Reactive dogs often go home having learned very little and feeling extremely stressed, and their humans are not far behind after spending 45 minutes clinging to the end of the lead feeling embarrassed and exhausted.

If you have been searching for help for a reactive dog and wondering whether group classes are the right fit, scent work could be the answer you have been looking for.

Why are scent work classes different?

Scent work for reactive dogs differs drastically from traditional group classes. It is a slow, calm and thoughtful activity that promotes relaxation rather than heightening arousal. Dogs take it in turns to complete searches, meaning there are natural breaks in between where arousal can drop and dogs can decompress. Dogs that really struggle can even spend time relaxing in their vehicle between searches to help them feel safer.

Because your dog is focused on searching for a scent they are far less hyper aware of the triggers around them, which in itself helps build confidence over time. Scent work releases endorphins and completing this rewarding activity in the presence of triggers they would normally find scary or exciting gradually helps them build positive associations and feel more at ease.

How does sniffing actually change my dog's reactivity?

The process of sniffing and searching does not just distract your dog from their triggers, it actually changes their brain chemistry. During searches your dog's seeking system is activated, the part of the brain responsible for curiosity and motivation. This triggers the release of dopamine, the feel good hormone, into your dog's bloodstream. In simple terms, when your dog is sniffing, they start feeling good!

When your dog experiences dopamine spikes in the presence of their triggers it helps them feel safer, more confident and motivated to seek out more of those good feelings rather than reacting.

Scent work can also help reduce your dog's heart rate by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, the rest and digest system, which is the opposite of the sympathetic fight or flight system that kicks in during a reaction. Although heart rate increases during active searching, once the search is complete your dog decompresses and settles into a genuinely calm and relaxed state.

What to expect at a UK Sniffer Dogs scent work class with your reactive dog.

Whether you are looking for reactive dog training in Southampton or across Hampshire, our scent work classes are designed to make sure every dog and owner feels comfortable from the moment they arrive.

During our scent work classes for reactive dogs in Southampton we will ask ahead of time how your dog responds to other dogs and people so we can set you both up for a stress free session. On arrival we will ask you to drive straight into our fully enclosed two acre field so your dog has a safe space to retreat to between searches. With two accredited trainers at every session there will always be someone on hand to guide you, even if you need a little extra space at certain points.

Once the group moves into taking turns searching you are welcome to let your dog relax in your vehicle or take a stroll to the far side of the field. When your turn comes around we can ask everyone else to pop their dogs away so your dog can search comfortably and calmly. Over the course of a few sessions we often find dogs need less and less distance as their confidence grows.

Will scent work cure my dog's reactivity?

The short answer is no. Scent work alone will not cure reactivity because there are so many factors involved including pain, early learning experiences, gut health, prior learning and more. However as one of the most accessible and enjoyable [activities for reactive dogs in Hampshire], scent work can provide a fun and enriching outlet that boosts confidence and helps your dog feel good in the presence of their triggers.

Once your dog has the basics, scent work can be taken out on the road and used during walks too. Giving your dog a search to complete when you spot another dog coming round the corner can make the difference between a reaction and a peaceful walk.

Join our UK Sniffer Dogs scent work class!

If you are based in Southampton, Eastleigh, Fareham or anywhere in Hampshire and would like to explore scent work with your reactive dog then click here to get in touch with us.

If you would like to go ahead and book onto our next class then click here to sign up.