Dogs perceive the world primarily through their sense of smell. Not only does smelling help them gain information about their environment, it also has a positive effect on their emotional state and behavior.

How sniffing helps dogs relax and why it's worth encouraging this behavior every day

Dogs experience the world primarily through their nose - their sense of smell is not only impressively sensitive (by some estimates, up to 100,000 times more sensitive than a human's), but also closely linked to their emotions and behavior. For a dog, sniffing is not just an instinct. It is one of the main ways to learn about the environment, process information, and calm down.

What does science say?

Scientists are increasingly interested in dogs' emotions and how their natural behaviors help them regulate stress. In a 2019 study by Claire Duranton and Alexandra Horowitz , “ Let me sniff! Nosework induces positive judgment bias in pet dogs, ” published in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science , The behavior of dogs during scent-finding tasks was examined.

The study found that dogs that were given the opportunity to search for treats by smell exhibited a positive judgment bias . This means that they were more relaxed, less stressed, and tended to evaluate situations that were unclear to them more positively. This behavior is a strong indicator of emotional well-being .

The study authors concluded that scent-searching games – where a dog actively uses its sense of smell to search for hidden treats or objects – can be a simple and effective way to improve a dog's emotional state and daily life.

Source: Duranton, C., & Horowitz, A. (2019). Let me sniff! Nosework induces positive judgment bias in pet dogs . Applied Animal Behavior Science, 211, 61–66.

How to apply this at home?

Scent-finding games require no special preparation or training – all your dog needs is the opportunity to use their nose. You can easily incorporate these games into your daily routine, for example, using the Vinaya Sniffing Basket .

Vinaya Sniffing Baskets - An Easy Way to Incorporate Smelly Play into Your Dog's Day

For a dog to benefit from all the benefits of sniffing, there is no need for extensive training or professional sports. A sniffing basket is a home-made tool that allows your dog to explore smells, find treats, and calm down.

What makes these baskets special?

• Made in Lithuania, by hand, with love - created for dogs, based on both scientific knowledge and personal experience with different dogs.
• Develops thinking – searching for scents encourages problem-solving and helps the dog stay focused.
• Promotes peace - helps you relax after a walk, guests, or an eventful day.
• Suitable for dogs of all ages and levels of activity - from curious puppies to older, less active dogs.
• Helps in challenging environments – if your dog has trouble calming down in a cafe, on the train, in a vet waiting room, or in another new place, a sniffing basket can help them focus and feel safer through familiar scent activity.

Try it with your dog

If you want to give your dog a chance to relax, use their natural instincts, and enrich their daily routine, the Vinaya Sniffing Basket can be a great place to start. It's not only a way for your dog to calm down, it's also an opportunity to strengthen your bond through shared activities.

Check out the sniffing bags and find the one that best suits your dog.

Do you have any questions? You can always write to me - I will be happy to help you choose and advise you on what to put in your cart.