Sniffing and scent-based activity provides rich cognitive enrichment for dogs, with research showing that nose work improves welfare indicators including reduced frustration and increased optimism.
The welfare importance of sniffing for dogs is undervalued relative to physical exercise. A dog that cannot sniff freely is deprived of its primary mode of environmental engagement - equivalent to a human being prevented from looking at their surroundings. Research demonstrating that sniffing opportunities improve welfare indicators should change how owners think about walks: a shorter walk with free sniffing may provide more welfare benefit than a longer walk on a tight lead. Nose work classes and sniff gardens provide structured opportunities for this cognitive enrichment that benefit welfare across all life stages.