Noses In Motion

13/05/2025

07/05/2025

Our dogs do need more special care and loving as they enter their senior years, but they can still have fun, enjoy life and their sport. Well done to Lexie and Donna, a huge achievement.

24/04/2025

When your dog is nose-down in the grass, tracking the scent of a critter or investigating a hidden snack, they’re not just “playing”—they’re 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 system—an ancient, dopamine-fueled pathway responsible for exploration, investigation, and goal-directed behavior.

What’s especially fascinating is that dopamine peaks during the seeking itself, not just at the moment of reward.

In other words, it’s the search that lights up the brain—not just the find.
So when you give your dog the opportunity to forage—whether that’s adventuring off-leash in nature, sniffing out squirrels at the park, or discovering hidden food in the yard—you’re meeting a core biological need. You’re 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.

💡 The L.E.G.S.® Perspective:

Learning: Curating experiences to meet your dog’s 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 “seek” 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 things—vermin, 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.

21/12/2024

🎄 Noses In Motion Wishes You a Merry Christmas! 🎄

To all our past and present Nosework teams, we extend our warmest wishes for a very Merry Christmas! 🌟

2024 has been a remarkable year filled with incredible trial successes and personal achievements. Each team’s hard work and dedication have been truly inspiring, and we couldn’t be prouder of your accomplishments. 🎉

This year, it has been a joy to watch our amazing dogs grow in confidence, focus, and enthusiasm for Nosework. Their happiness and drive to solve each search challenge are a testament to their incredible instincts and love for the game. Equally rewarding has been seeing handlers develop a deeper understanding of their dogs, strengthening their bonds and building a partnership grounded in trust and teamwork. These moments remind us why Nosework is such a special journey. 🐾

Here’s to even more sniffing success in the year ahead! 🐕✨

Warm wishes,
Amanda & The Noses In Motion Team 🎅🐾

20/10/2024

A big Thankyou to the Noarlunga City Obedience Dog Club who hosted a Scentwork Trial yesterday.
The Noses In Motion Teams had an exceptional day with passes in Novice, Advanced and Excellent as well as 1st, 2nd and 3rd placings with very fast times.
Well done teams, very proud of you all.

13/10/2024

There are a few spaces available for Introduction to Nosework course starting Thursday 17th October, 6.30pm.

24/09/2024

My Winston is now part of the study.

We are recruiting for our next study! If you have an older dog please consider completing this survey. If not, please share to someone who does! https://redcap.link/anticipatorygriefandseniordogs

22/09/2024

10/09/2024

😲😲

11/08/2024

Dog owners from around the country have caught wind of a new sport harnessing the power of our pups'

28/07/2024

It's time to reshare this. This is the magic of Nose Work ♥