As Golden Retriever breeders, we care deeply about more than just the physical health of our dogs—we’re invested in their mental and emotional wellbeing too. Golden Retrievers are bright, intuitive, and eager to engage. But without enough mental stimulation, even the best-behaved pup can become bored, anxious, or destructive.
That’s why we encourage our puppy families to think beyond daily walks and include brain work as part of their dog’s routine. One of our favorite ways to do this? Scent work—and the AKC’s Virtual Scent Work titles make it easy to get started from home.
🧠 Why Mental Stimulation Matters
Just like people, dogs need challenges that engage their minds. Mental stimulation:
- Reduces boredom and destructive behavior
- Builds confidence, especially in young or shy dogs
- Improves problem-solving skills
- Enhances the bond between dog and handler
- Provides a healthy outlet for energy, especially for working breeds like Golden Retrievers
Mental exercise can be just as tiring as physical play—and sometimes even more satisfying for dogs who love to use their noses and their brains.
🐾 What Is Scent Work?
Scent work taps into a dog’s natural instinct to follow scents and search for hidden items using their nose. It’s like a game of hide-and-seek—but for smells.
The American Kennel Club’s Virtual Scent Work program allows you to train and title your dog in scent work from home, with video submissions. This makes it accessible for beginners, whether or not you have access to formal classes.
Learn more about AKC Virtual Scent Work here:
🔗 AKC Virtual Scent Work
🏡 How to Start Scent Work at Home
You don’t need fancy gear to begin. In fact, you can start with simple games using your dog’s favorite treats, toys, or even cotton balls scented with essential oils (once your dog is ready to level up). Here are a few beginner-friendly ideas:
1. Treat Towel Roll
- Lay out a towel and sprinkle a few small treats on it.
- Roll the towel up and let your dog unroll it to sniff out the rewards.
- This encourages problem-solving and nose work in one go.
2. Box Search
- Gather 3–5 cardboard boxes.
- Hide a treat or toy in one, and let your dog sniff out the correct box.
- Mix up the location each round to keep it interesting.
3. Cup Game
- Place three cups upside down.
- Hide a treat under one, shuffle them slightly, and let your dog choose.
- Praise when they get it right—and celebrate their effort every time.
4. Outdoor Sniff Walks
- Instead of a structured walk, allow your dog to follow their nose.
- Let them sniff trees, grass, mailboxes—this is mental exercise too!
As your dog gains confidence, you can start introducing scent-specific searches using a clove-scented cotton swab or essential oils.
🎖 Why We Love the AKC Virtual Scent Work Titles
These titles give your dog a goal to work toward while having fun— and they’re open to all breeds and ages. The Virtual program includes multiple levels of difficulty and categories (Containers, Interiors, Exteriors, Buried Hides, and Handler Discrimination), so you can start small and grow over time.
Plus, scent work is low-impact, making it great for puppies!
💬 Final Thoughts from Our Breeding Program
Our Goldens thrive when given outlets for both body and mind. We begin introducing enrichment and basic scent games from an early age, so that by the time they go home, they’re ready to keep learning with you.
Whether you’re looking to build your bond, boost your dog’s confidence, or just try something new, scent work is a wonderful activity. It meets your dog where they’re at—no prior experience required—and gives them something they’ll absolutely love: using their nose and making you proud.
For more information on getting started, visit AKC Virtual Scent Work.
Want help putting together a scent work starter kit or enrichment routine? Just ask—we love helping our puppy families grow and thrive!