Scentsational Fun: The Power of Scent Training for Every Dog

Send us a text Welcome to this episode of the Sexier than a Squirrel podcast, the podcast that brings you real-life dog training results, and sometimes human training ones too! In this episode, Lauren is joined once again by elite operational and search dog trainer, and explosive detection expert, Dave. Together, they dive nose-first into the fascinating world of scent. Listen in as they chat about why scentwork is one of the most accessible and enriching activities for dogs of all breeds, personalities, and experience levels. Whether your dog is driven by food, toys, or sheer curiosity, scentwork can tap into their natural instincts and provide an enriching and purposeful outlet for their energy. Dave shares why solid foundations are the cornerstone of success in scent training. From teaching your dog the basics of searching to ensuring consistency in your cues, these early steps build the confidence and clarity needed for both you and your dog to make a brilliant scentwork team. And don’t worry – you don’t need a professional setup to get started! Dave explains how you can begin at home with simple, everyday items. One of the standout benefits of scentwork? The incredible mental and physical enrichment it provides. It’s not just about finding objects – it’s about giving your dog a job, a purpose, and an outlet for their innate abilities. For reactive or “Naughty But Nice” dogs, scent training can be a game-changer, offering them a focus that helps reduce stress and redirect their energy in positive ways. If you’ve ever fancied trying scentwork with your own dog but weren’t sure whether it was a good fit for you and your dog, this conversation will leave you feeling empowered to give it a go. By the end of the episode you’ll be off in search of plastic cones to build your very own scent wall! Keen to learn more? Check out Scent-sational Fun-damentals now! Support the show If you’re loving the podcast, you’ll love our NEW Sexier than a Squirrel Dog Training Challenge even more! Get transformational dog training today for only £27! Want even more epic dog training fun and games and solutions to all your dog training struggles? Join us in the AbsoluteDogs Games Club ! https://absolutedogs.me/gamesclub Want to take your learning to the next level? Jump into the games-based training membership for passionate dog owners and aspiring trainers that know they want more for themselves and their dog - Pro Dog Trainer Club! https://absolutedogs.me/prodogtrainerclub And while you’re here, please leave a review for us and don’t forget to hit share and post your biggest lightbulb moment! Remember, no matter what struggles you might be facing with your dog, there is always a game for that!