The value of sniffing: A scoping review of scent activities for canines

Abstract

Extensive literature exists on the performance and abilities of the canine nose when trained to detect odours and the effectiveness of dogs in their scent detection roles. However, little is known about how engaging in scent-based activities may impact the behaviour and physiology or be of benefit to dogs themselves. This is relevant as there has been rising interest in the use of recreational scent activities for companion dogs, modelled on working detection dogs, requiring dogs to search, locate and indicate on a trained odour. The purpose of this scoping review is to determine what behavioural and physiological changes occur during scent-based activities for dogs. We aimed to identify the existing scientific literature on the topic of scent-based activities for dogs, and to determine the behavioural and physiological changes occurring when dogs are exposed to environmental odours or trained to locate scents. We identified 27 studies for inclusion in this review, according to PRISMA guidelines. The 27 studies investigated responses in three populations of dogs: shelter dogs, working dogs and owned companion dogs. Studies of working dogs focused on changes in physiology and seldom on behaviour during trained search scent detection exercises, while in shelter and companion dogs, the research emphasis was on changes occurring in response to different odours introduced to the environment. Research into scent detection in working dogs currently explores many aspects of performance and sensitivity to odour. There is a notable research gap investigating the impact of participation in scent detection tasks on the behaviour and physiology and hence the welfare of dogs.