Beyond the Pool: How Our Scent Work Sessions Help Every Dog Thrive

By Nikita Golab, Canine Hydrotherapist

At Northern Canine Therapy Centre, we know that every dog is different. Some love splashing through our warm pools and come alive in the water – others would rather keep all four paws firmly on dry land!

For dogs who can't (or don't want to) take part in hydrotherapy, that doesn't mean they have to miss out on the fun, focus and wellbeing benefits we love to promote. That's where our scent work activity sessions come in – an engaging, low-impact way to exercise your dog's body and brain, without a drop of water in sight.

What Is Scent Work?

Scent work is all about letting your dog do what they do best – use their nose!

A dog's sense of smell is extraordinary – up to 100,000 times stronger than ours. While humans have around 5 million scent receptors, dogs can have over 220 million, and the part of their brain devoted to analysing smells is 40 times larger than a human's.

That means when your dog is sniffing, they're not just smelling – they're processing, problem-solving and engaging their entire mind.

It's not just "sniffing for fun" – it's a purposeful, confidence-building exercise that gives dogs a chance to think, focus and achieve. Every successful find triggers a rush of happy hormones that boost mood and satisfaction – just like the relaxation dogs feel after a hydrotherapy session.

Did you know? Just 15 minutes of scent work can tire a dog out as much as a one-hour walk! It's that mentally stimulating and rewarding.

Who Is It For?

Scent work is perfect for:

• Dogs who dislike water or become anxious around the pool

• Dogs with health conditions or contraindications (e.g. open wounds, ear infections or heart conditions) that make hydrotherapy unsuitable

• Senior dogs or those with mobility challenges who still need safe enrichment

• Hydrotherapy clients between sessions who benefit from calm, focused activity on land

Every dog can take part – from lively youngsters to gentle older souls. Because it's mentally stimulating but physically gentle, scent work can be tailored to your dog's age, fitness and comfort level.

Why Scent Work Matters

Engaging a dog's nose taps into their deepest natural instincts. It encourages curiosity, boosts confidence and provides a wonderful sense of achievement.

Physiologically, sniffing lowers heart rate and helps reduce stress hormones – which is why you'll often see dogs visibly relax after a session. For dogs who can't go in the water, it offers that same post-hydro calm in a different form.

We often say: where hydrotherapy relaxes the body, scent work relaxes the mind!

What To Expect from Our Sessions

Our scent work activity sessions are calm, structured and fun. Under the guidance of our experienced team, your dog will:

• Learn to recognise and search for specific scents

• Work through confidence-building challenges

• Move at their own pace – no pressure, no rush

• Enjoy a positive, rewarding experience in a safe indoor space

Every success is celebrated, and every session is designed to leave dogs feeling proud, balanced and happy.

The Perfect Complement to Hydrotherapy

Even if your dog is an active hydrotherapy client, scent work can be a fantastic cross-training activity between water sessions. It builds focus, strengthens the bond between dog and owner and supports emotional resilience – skills that carry over beautifully to the pool.

Why Combine Both?

Builds Mental Focus – Whilst hydrotherapy strengthens muscles and improves mobility, scent work sharpens concentration and problem-solving skills.

Strengthens Your Bond – Scent work is a collaborative activity. As your dog searches and succeeds, you're there to guide, encourage and celebrate with them.

Supports Emotional Resilience – Just like physical exercise, mental stimulation helps dogs manage stress and anxiety. The calm, purposeful nature of scent work provides emotional balance.

Offers Variety and Enrichment – Dogs thrive on variety! Mixing hydrotherapy sessions with scent work keeps things interesting and ensures your dog stays engaged throughout their wellness journey.

A Holistic Approach to Canine Care

At Northern Canine Therapy Centre, our mission has always been simple: to help dogs feel their best – in mind, body and spirit.

We understand that every dog is unique, with different needs, preferences and abilities. That's why we offer a range of therapies designed to work together, creating a personalised wellness plan that suits your dog perfectly.

And for dogs who can't take the plunge, scent work is a gentle reminder that wellness comes in many forms – movement, stimulation, connection and joy.

Final Thought

Whether your dog thrives in the water, excels on the scent trail or benefits from both, we're here to provide a calm, caring environment where every dog can enjoy meaningful, confidence-boosting activity.

Because every dog deserves to thrive – in or out of the water!

Interested in scent work for your dog? Contact us to learn more about our activity sessions and how they can support your dog's wellbeing.