Enrichment for your dog’s mind and nose!

‘Sensory Sniffari’ from Secure Paws Dog Field helps dogs feel less stressed and anxious, improves their sense of security in their environment, and offers excitement and enrichment. There are numerous scents and textures to experience in the ‘sniffari’.

Allow your dog to explore their new, intriguing, and fragrant surroundings because they love nothing more than to sniff around.

Dogs use plants to self-medicate according to their physiological and psychological needs. Did you know that?

In addition to plants for hormonal imbalance, inflammation, digestive or urinary issues, and skin irritation or upset stomach, we also have plants with calming qualities to help anxious, hyperactive, or stressed dogs.

These are some of the plants that can be found at Secure Paws Dog Field, depending on the season:

Not just for cats, catnip! This promotes playfulness in dogs and has calming effects.

Chamomile the aroma of this plant will appeal to dogs who are anxious or have stomach or skin issues.

Clary sage is beneficial for animals with hormonal imbalances and high levels of stress.

Hops are a soothing plant that many anxious and energetic dogs choose.

Lavender aids in lowering nervousness and anxiety

Dogs that are grieving or in emotional distress may frequently sniff marigolds.

Animals with sensitive stomachs are known to benefit from marshmallow.

Dogs with rheumatism, arthritis, and intestinal issues frequently choose meadowsweet.

Mimulus is a treatment for shy, timid, and anxious animals

Dogs with skin irritations frequently choose mint because of its cooling qualities.

Plantain reduces inflammation and gastrointestinal irritation

Animals with bacterial infections, skin irritations, and diarrhea choose thyme.

Because of its calming effects, stressed dogs frequently choose Valerian.

Vervain is beneficial for nourishing and treating problems of the nervous system, including depression

Violets Dogs that are anxious or have just moved may find it enjoyable to sniff this plant.

Yarrow given to animals with internal and exterior wounds, inflammation, and urinary issues.

A tunnel provides a multi-sensory experience that combines physical, tactile, auditory, and visual stimulation, acting as a form of “sensory enrichment” that challenges their mind and body.  It encourages natural exploratory behaviour while acting as a safe, enclosed, and stimulating space.

Introduce Slowly: Allow your dog to sniff and explore the tunnel on their own terms before encouraging them to pass through.

Scent Games: Hide treats, toys, or scented items inside the tunnel to encourage your dog to use their nose to track and forage.

Tunnel Fetch: Toss a favourite toy or ball through the tunnel, encouraging the dog to chase it and enter the tunnel voluntarily.

A dual-action game designed to satisfy a dog’s natural urge to forage and soothe themselves through repetitive licking.

IMPORTANT

**Please supervise your dog whilst enjoying this activity to avoid them chewing the silicone mats once they have finished the treats – thank you!**

The Snuffle Mat 

The dog uses their sniffing sense to forage and hunt for hidden kibble or dry treats within the silicone folds. This provides a heavy mental workout.

**Please only use dry treats on the snuffle mats – thank you!**

 The Licki Mat (paw prints either side of the reel)

The dog transitions to a textured silicone mat covered in spreadable treats (e.g., dog-safe peanut butter, Greek yogurt, or wet food). This triggers endorphin release, helping the dog physically relax and settle down.

**Please bring your dog’s favourite spreadable treat to your session for use on the Licki mats as they are not supplied**

In addition to offering mental and physical challenges, the wood piles inspire dogs to engage with their environment. As your dog searches for food using their bodies and noses, scatter some of their favourite treats among the logs.

Fill up one side of the scent wall with a few yummy treats or a toy while your dog is enjoying one of the other activities in the field and watch them use their nose to find all the lovely surprises in the colourful tin pots!

Cavities in the logs create hidey-holes for treats, engaging the senses of smell and touch.

Food or toy searches – hide smelly treats or your dog’s favourite toy around the field and cue them to ‘Find it!’

We appreciate you patience while our activities become established and a wider variety of plants become available in the “Sensory Sniffari” for your dogs to explore in the spring & summer months.

Please be mindful of your dog whilst they are enjoying all the scent games ‘Secure Paws Dog Field’ has to offer.

**We know it looks super fun, but dogs can get very worked up and unpredictable when they see children playing or climbing on the equipment.  To make sure all our furry visitors stay safe & relaxed during your session, we kindly ask that children don’t play on the dog activities – thank you for your understanding**

Sniffing is vital for dogs, providing essential mental stimulation, stress relief, and environmental information. It acts as a “sniffari” that tires them out mentally, lowers anxiety by releasing dopamine, boosts confidence, and improves behavioural manners by allowing them to express natural instincts. Allowing dogs to sniff during walks is crucial for their overall well-being. Key benefits of sniffing for dogs include:

• Mental Enrichment and Stimulation: Sniffing works a dog’s brain intensely, providing mental exercise that is often more tiring than physical activity. It is essentially how they “read the news” of their surroundings.
• Reduced Stress and Calming: Engaging in deep sniffing can help calm anxious or hyperactive dogs by acting as a soothing activity that lowers stress levels and releases dopamine in their brain.
• Better Behavioural Manners: Allowing your dog to sniff on walks can lead to fewer behavioural issues at home and less pulling on the lead, as they are not frustrated from being rushed.
• Bonding and Confidence Building: Scent work games like hiding treats or toys can strengthen the bond between you and your dog, while boosting confidence in nervous or shy dogs.
• Environmental Information: Sniffing helps dogs identify who has passed by (dogs or humans), their health, mood, and sex.
• Ideal for Senior/Injured Dogs: Because it requires low physical exertion, long sniffing sessions are excellent for senior dogs or those with mobility issues, offering mental stimulation without joint strain.

Licking is a natural, calming behaviour for dogs that releases endorphins, reducing stress and anxiety while providing mental stimulation. It serves as a self-soothing mechanism, helping them cope with fear or boredom. Additionally, licking aids in grooming, cleaning wounds, and bonding with owners.

Key benefits of licking for dogs include:

• Anxiety and Stress Relief: The repetitive action of licking releases endorphins and dopamine, which act as a natural, calming sedative for dogs, helping them relax during thunderstorms, fireworks, or when alone.
• Mental Stimulation and Boredom Busting: Licking provides essential mental enrichment, often through toys like licki mats, which keep dogs occupied, engaged, and mentally tired.
• Improved Dental Health: Licking textured surfaces helps scrape bacteria off the tongue, promotes saliva production, and aids in reducing plaque buildup.
• Slower Feeding and Improved Digestion: Using lick mats for treats or meals slows down fast eaters, which aids digestion and helps prevent bloat.
• Bonding and Communication: Dogs often lick to communicate affection or submission to their owners, strengthening their bond.