12/05/2025
When your dog is nose-down in the grass, tracking the scent of a critter or investigating a hidden snack, theyโre not just โplayingโโtheyโre engaging in a deeply satisfying neurobiological experience
The Science Behind the Sniff
In 2005, neuroscientist Jaak Panksepp identified a core emotional system in mammals called the SEEKING systemโan ancient, dopamine-fueled pathway responsible for exploration, investigation, and goal-directed behavior.
Whatโs especially fascinating is that dopamine peaks during the seeking itself, not just at the moment of reward.
In other words, itโs the search that lights up the brainโnot just the find.
So when you give your dog the opportunity to forageโwhether thatโs adventuring off-leash in nature, sniffing out squirrels at the park, or discovering hidden food in the yardโyouโre meeting a core biological need. Youโre literally activating the part of their brain that drives motivation, curiosity, and engagement with their world (& meeting their welfare needs as a result).
Reference: Panksepp, J. (2005). Affective neuroscience: The foundations of human and animal emotions. Oxford University Press.
๐ก The L.E.G.S.ยฎ Perspective:
Learning: Curating experiences to meet your dogโs natural foraging propensities provides opportunities to develop motor, cognitive, & even emotional regulation skills.
Environment: An indoor, sterile environment offers few opportunities for our dogs to readily โseekโ like the unique animals they are - get them outside or bring other discoverable goods in to improve welfare.
Genetics: From terriers to scent hounds, many dogs were bred to find thingsโvermin, birds, game. Foraging lets them do what they were born to do, giving dogs a taste of the good life.
Self: Some dogs are highly motivated by sniffing, others by searching or manipulating objects. Tailor your foraging games to their unique preferences.
