At Ruff Stuff

We know that dogs explore the world with their noses! That's why we're thrilled to introduce the Nosey Nook, a dedicated scent space where the dogs in our care can dive into the world of smells, stimulating their natural instincts while promoting their well-being.

Why Scent Enrichment Matters

A dog’s sense of smell is their most powerful tool for understanding their environment. Engaging their noses provides more than just fun—it has real benefits:

• Mental Stimulation: Dogs are thinkers, and using their noses to investigate different scents is like solving puzzles. It helps to keep their brains sharp, reduces boredom, and prevents destructive behaviours.
• Calming & Stress Relief: Sniffing activates parts of a dog’s brain associated with relaxation. The act of smelling can help reduce anxiety and calm even the most energetic pups.
• Natural Behaviour: Sniffing and scent exploration are instinctive behaviours for dogs. By giving them the space to follow their noses, we help them engage in their natural tendencies, leading to a happier, more fulfilled pup.
• Physical Exercise: Scent work isn't just mental - dogs use their bodies as they follow trails or investigate new aromas. This adds an element of physical activity that complements their mental workout.

The Nosey Nook Experience

In our specially designed Nosey Nook, we carefully curate a variety of safe, stimulating scents to pique each dog’s curiosity. Dogs get the opportunity to explore at their own pace, discovering new smells and engaging with their environment in a whole new way. Whether it's sniffing out hidden treats or simply following scent trails, dogs love the adventure of it all. As their sniffing skills improve, we'll continue to challenge them by offering new scents and challenges.

Other Enrichment Items We Offer

• Stuffed Frozen Kongs: These keep dogs occupied as their tongues work to get all the tasty goodness out, encouraging problem-solving and providing a soothing activity.
• Licky Mats: Licking helps calm dogs while they enjoy tasty spreads, such as peanut butter, yogurt, Cheez Wiz or GO! pate (pollock, duck, chicken or turkey) providing both mental and sensory stimulation.
• Chew Treats: We offer a range of chews such as pigs ears, cow ears, beef tracheas & bully sticks so your dogs can enjoy long-lasting chews that not only satisfy their natural urge to chew but also keep them mentally engaged.

Other Enrichment Activities We Offer

We have a variety of play structures, agility equipment, sand pits, etc., for your pup to engage with in our play yards. Stay tuned because in the near future we'll be offering them plenty of other enriching activities to keep them mentally and physically engaged and stimulated.

At Ruff Stuff, we believe in providing a rich, stimulating environment for your dog to thrive in. Whether it’s through our Nosey Nook scent space or other enrichment activities or items, we’re committed to making each day exciting, calming, and rewarding for every dog in our care.