The Power of Sniffing

Sensory adventures give dogs a fun, natural way to connect with the world, and for therapy dogs, they’re especially important.

Their work is rewarding, but it can also be emotionally demanding. That’s why intentional downtime is essential, and sensory enrichment is one of the best ways to help them relax and reset.

Today, we’re partnering with Monica, therapy dog handler, certified trainer, and the dog mom behind @the.hero.dogs, to share how simple sensory activities can help therapy dogs stay grounded, calm, and ready for their next visit.

Allowing dogs to slow their pace, explore freely, and follow their noses provides a healthy outlet to unwind. A dog’s sense of smell is incredibly advanced, yet much of daily life discourages them from using it. Giving them space to sniff without limits supports both mental stimulation and emotional well-being.

Using a long line or a safe off-leash spot, dogs can meander from scent to scent, investigate different surfaces, and take in all the tiny details around them, no structure, no agenda, just exploration. If you’re not near a trail or wooded area, don’t worry. You can create a similar experience right in your backyard or living room.

Add in toys and activities that engage different senses, textures, shapes, scents, and sounds. Treat-dispensing favorites like the Monster Ball, Jolly Chew Squarble, or Jolly Dipper can be scattered around the yard to spark curiosity. Toys infused with unique scents, like the Scented Soccer Ball, add another layer of enrichment and encourage natural sniffing behaviors.

At the end of the day, it’s up to us to create opportunities that help our dogs feel fulfilled. When we tap into their senses, we give them the freedom to process the world in their own way, leaving them calmer, happier, and more prepared for the important roles they play.