Sniff to Soothe: Scent Work for Dog Anxiety, Reactivity, and Emotional Regulation
For Trainers, Behavior Consultants, Shelter Workers, and Veterinary Behavior Teams
If you work with dogs exhibiting aggression, reactivity, fear, anxiety, or over-arousal, Sniff to Soothe provides the missing link between behavior science and olfactory therapy.
Professionals worldwide are incorporating structured scent-based protocols to:
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Reduce arousal and restore emotional balance in reactive, aggressive, anxious, fearful, and over-aroused dogs.
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Enhance confidence and resilience through species-typical behaviors.
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Provide evidence-based, force-free, positive reinforcement interventions.
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Demonstrate measurable outcomes through data-backed tracking systems.
Get a Copy of Sniff to Soothe
Experts Praise Sniff to Soothe
From Veterinary Behaviorists, Applied Animal Behaviorists, Researchers, and Best-Selling Authors
Dr. Patricia McConnell, PhD, Emeritus CAAB
“Will Bangura has nailed the WHY and the HOW of using scent exercises to help fearful and/or reactive dogs, and his impressive book, Sniff to Soothe, belongs in the office of every trainer and behaviorist who works with “problem” dogs, and in the home of every dog lover whose dog needs help. Don’t miss this book about the importance of letting dogs use their noses to heal themselves—it’s going to be a classic, and it’s going to help thousands of dogs and the people who love them.”
~ Dr. Patricia McConnell, PhD, Emeritus CAAB,
Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist
Author of The Other End of the Leash
Dr. Ian Dunbar, PhD, BVetMed, MRCVS
“I love this book; it speaks to the heart of a dog — their nose! Sniffing is the very quintessence of being a dog, the very best reward, and the massive cognitive importance of seeing the world through a dog’s nose cannot be overstated. Sniff to Soothe’s premise is spot on; Life Rewards, such as sniffing, are the most effective means for changing brain anatomy at the neuronal level and neurotransmitters to modify temperament and behavior. This book is well-researched, very well written, and a true page-turner. I urge all dog-interested people to embrace their inner-dog and read it.”
~ Dr. Ian Dunbar, PhD, BVetMed, MRCVS
Veterinarian, Animal Behaviorist, – Author of Barking Up The Right Tree
Founder, Association for Professional Dog Training International (APDT®)
Co-Director of DunbarAcademy.com
Dr. Christopher Pachel, DVM, DACVB
“Sniff to Soothe is a remarkable contribution to the field of applied animal behavior. Will Bangura has taken what many of us have observed—that scent work offers dogs more than enrichment—and translated it into a structured, evidence-based framework for practical use.
In my own work as a veterinary behaviorist, I’ve seen firsthand how purposeful olfactory engagement can recalibrate a dog’s nervous system, shifting them from a state of hyperarousal or shutdown into one where learning, resilience, and connection become possible. This book not only validates those experiences with scientific grounding but also provides trainers, clinicians, and guardians with clear, humane methods to put that knowledge into practice.
I predict this book will become a trusted reference for professionals and an accessible lifeline for guardians alike. It reframes sniffing as a therapeutic intervention, not indulgence—and that simple shift has the potential to positively impact countless lives, both canine and human.”
~ Dr. Christopher Pachel, DVM, DACVB, CABC
Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist – Speaker | Educator
Owner – Animal Behavior Clinic, Portland, Oregon
VP of Veterinary Behavior – Instinct Dog Training®
Dr. Alexandra Horowitz, PhD (Barnard College)
“Sniff to Soothe” is a thoughtful yet practical approach to introducing your dog to the power of being allowed to follow their own noses. Your dog will thank you for reading this book!
~ Dr. Alexandra Horowitz, PhD
Head of the Dog Cognition Lab at Barnard College
Author of the NYT #1 bestseller Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know and Being a Dog: Following your Dog into a World of Smell
Pat Miller, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA
“Sniff to Soothe is an incredibly valuable resource for dog-lovers who are looking for ever-better ways to help their dogs cope with the stress of living in a world run by humans. Bangura blends the dog training world’s current well-deserved fascination with scent work with a deep, science-based understanding of how nose-related activities are not only mega-enriching for our dogs, but also serve to relieve stress, help shy dogs become more confident, aroused dogs become calmer, dogs with aggressive behaviors become less tense, and can overall immensely improve the quality of life for dogs and the humans who share their world. Step-by-step activities are clearly laid out in each chapter with increasing complexity as you work your way through the book. Trust me, whether you have a dog who needs to heal, or just want to engage with your dog in a fascinating, mutually rewarding activity, you want this book.”
~ Pat Miller, CBCC-KA, CPDT-K
Author of the best-selling book The Power of Positive Dog Training Training Editor of The Whole Dog Journal®
Recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by the
Association for Professional Dog Training International (APDT®)
Linda Michaels, M.A., Psychology
“Sniff to Soothe is an exploration of the transformative power of scent work, confirming—sniffing is an emotionally healing activity for our dogs. Bangura draws on scientifically supported evidence making this book a ‘must read’ for anyone with a reactive or anxious dog looking for a game-changer to empowerment and confidence.”
~ Linda Michaels, M.A., Psychology
Author of The Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook and Creator of The Hierarchy of Dog Needs®
Emma M. Parsons, BA, KPA-CPT, CBDC
“From the moment I read the title of this book, Sniff to Soothe, I knew it was going to be revolutionary. It immediately struck me as one of those rare ideas that feels both brilliantly simple and profoundly transformative. The central insight of this book—that sniffing is not frivolous but fundamental—carries enormous implications. For dogs struggling with anxiety, reactivity, or over-arousal, sniffing provides a natural pathway to calm.”
~ Emma M. Parsons, BA, KPA-CPT, CBDC
Author of: Click to Calm: Healing the Aggressive Dog
Dr. Eduardo J. Fernandez, PhD (University of Adelaide)
“Sniff to Soothe is an excellent adventure into canine-specific scent-based activities. It considers the importance of dogs as a species and in their capacity to learn. Above all else, it considers important ethical approaches when thinking of enriching and rewarding olfactory experiences. An excellent all-around text for those interested in the science and practice of scent work.”
~ Eduardo J Fernandez, PhD
Program Director, Animal Behaviour (BSc)
Senior Lecturer | Applied Animal Behaviour & Welfare
School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences
THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE
Dr. Katrina Ward, BVSc, MANZCVS
“What a treasure to find a book full of empathy for our dogs! Sniff to Soothe offers ethical, scientific, and empowering advice for dog guardians, behaviourists, and trainers, with clarity on why and how this powerful sensory act can be so calming. This book offers a safe landing pad for the many dogs who are often confused, misunderstood, or on an emotional rollercoaster.
Read it and be rewarded with a greatly improved understanding of dog behaviour, plus a clear and methodical pathway to help them, both emotionally and cognitively. It is a confidence and relationship booster for both the reader and the lucky dogs who will benefit.”
~ Dr Katrina Ward. BVSc, MANZCVS, BMA
Veterinary Behaviourist
Past President of the Australian Veterinary Behaviour Interest Group
Niki Tudge, M.B.A., PCBC-A, PCT-A
“Sniff to Soothe, by Will Bangura, presents a comprehensive guide on using structured scent work as a therapeutic tool for dogs struggling with aggression, anxiety, and reactivity. The central premise is that sniffing, a natural and fundamental canine behavior, can be leveraged to change a dog’s neurobehavioral patterns.
The book highlights that engaging a dog’s most significant sense—smell—can rewire their emotional response and build confidence. It draws on scientific research with cited studies showing how sniffing can shift brain activity from the emotional limbic system to the problem-solving prefrontal cortex. A core principle covered is giving dogs choice, control, and success. This is a progressive, multi-stage roadmap for pet parents and professionals that emphasizes patience, consistency, and real-world application for dogs with complex emotional profiles.”
~ Niki Tudge, M.B.A, PCBC-A, PCT-A
Founder & President, The Pet Professional Guild®; Founder & Faculty, DogNostics® Education
Kim Brophey, Applied Ethologist, CDBC, CPDT-KA
“Sniff to Soothe exemplifies both the spirit and practical application of modern animal welfare science in the interests of improving the quality of life and associated “behavior problems” in a largely overlooked population of captive animals – pet dogs. Firmly grounded in reverence for the biological integrity of the species, this book rightly identifies the paramount nature of what is so often neglected in approaching behavioral work with dogs who are struggling to cope in restrictive pet environments – that the provision of curated experiences promoting the engagement of natural canine senses and behaviors is neither optional nor simply enriching, but in fact fundamental to their welfare. This book invites us to both shoulder and celebrate our human responsibility to foster the distinct natures and meet the complete needs of our canine companions as the animals they truly are, rather than who we desire them to be as our pets.”
~ Kim Brophey, B.A., Applied Ethologist
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant – IAABC®
Certified Professional Dog Trainer – CCPDT®
Member of the International Society for Applied Ethology
Creator – L.E.G.S. Model of Integrated Canine Science
Founder – Family Dog Mediation Education Center
Author of: Meet Your Dog– The Game-Changing Guide to Understanding Your Dog’s Behavior (2018)
APDT® Outstanding Trainer of the Year 2009
“Will Bangura has nailed the WHY and the HOW of using scent exercises to help fearful and/or reactive dogs, and his impressive book, Sniff to Soothe, belongs in the office of every trainer and behaviorist who works with “problem” dogs, and in the home of every dog lover whose dog needs help. Don’t miss this book about the importance of letting dogs use their noses to heal themselves—it’s going to be a classic, and it’s going to help thousands of dogs and the people who love them.”
~ Dr. Patricia McConnell, PhD, Emeritus CAAB,Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist
Author of The Other End of the Leash
Listen to Sniff to Soothe for Free
Take a Look Inside
Download Chapter 1 Free
“From the moment I read the title of this book, Sniff to Soothe, I knew it was going to be revolutionary. It immediately struck me as one of those rare ideas that feels both brilliantly simple and profoundly transformative. The central insight of this book—that sniffing is not frivolous but fundamental—carries enormous implications. For dogs struggling with anxiety, reactivity, or over-arousal, sniffing provides a natural pathway to calm.”
~ Emma M. Parsons, BA, KPA-CPT, CBDC
Author of: Click to Calm: Healing the Aggressive Dog
Add Value to Your Practice:
Implement Sniff to Soothe as part of your private training, group therapy programs, or post-behavior-medication support plans. Trainers using this method report faster recovery of emotional stability, fewer regressions, and stronger guardian engagement.
Key Takeaways for Professionals:
Step-by-step scent work protocols integrated into behavior modification.
Emotional-state tracking templates for documenting measurable progress.
Behavior metrics to demonstrate efficacy to clients and veterinarians.
Aligns fully with Fear Free and positive reinforcement principles.
Scientifically validated and field-tested with complex cases.
Transform Scent Work Into Therapy - The Science-Based Protocol for Fear, Anxiety, and Reactivity
More About Sniff to Soothe
Sniff to Soothe is a groundbreaking book for Certified Trainers, Canine Behavior Consultants, Veterinary and Applied Behaviorists, Shelter Professionals, and Pet Guardians seeking evidence-based tools that go beyond obedience and enrichment to promote true emotional regulation. It transforms scent work from a simple enrichment activity into a structured, science-backed therapeutic intervention for fear, anxiety, and reactivity. Grounded in neuroscience, affect regulation, and olfactory cognition, the book bridges research and real-world application through detailed, step-by-step protocols that produce measurable behavioral change.
With comprehensive session frameworks, emotional-state tracking, and clearly defined success criteria, Sniff to Soothe provides professionals with an objective system for documenting progress and demonstrating efficacy to clients and veterinarians. Its humane, force-free foundation aligns with Fear Free and positive-reinforcement standards, ensuring that welfare and ethics remain central to every practice. Drawing from over thirty-five years of clinical experience with aggression, fear, and anxiety, Will Bangura’s approach empowers professionals to integrate scent-based therapy into clinical, shelter, and private-practice settings, reducing arousal, restoring emotional balance, and building canine confidence. More than a training guide, Sniff to Soothe serves as a bridge between science and compassion, equipping professionals to help dogs not just behave better, but feel safe, understood, and emotionally whole.
“Sniff to Soothe is an exploration of the transformative power of scent work, confirming—sniffing is an emotionally healing activity for our dogs. Bangura draws on scientifically supported evidence making this book a ‘must read’ for anyone with a reactive or anxious dog looking for a game-changer to empowerment and confidence.”
~ Linda Michaels, M.A., Psychology
Author of The Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook and Creator of The Hierarchy of Dog Needs®
“Sniff to Soothe” is a thoughtful yet practical approach to introducing your dog to the power of being allowed to follow their own noses. Your dog will thank you for reading this book!”
~ Dr. Alexandra Horowitz, PhD
Head of the Dog Cognition Lab at Barnard College
Author of the NYT #1 bestseller Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know and Being a Dog: Following your Dog into a World of Smell
“Sniff to Soothe is an excellent adventure into canine-specific scent-based activities. It considers the importance of dogs as a species and in their capacity to learn. Above all else, it considers important ethical approaches when thinking of enriching and rewarding olfactory experiences. An excellent all-around text for those interested in the science and practice of scent work.”
~ Dr. Eduardo J Fernandez, PhD
Program Director, Animal Behaviour (BSc) Senior Lecturer | Applied Animal Behaviour & Welfare
School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences
THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE
“What a treasure to find a book full of empathy for our dogs! Sniff to Soothe offers ethical, scientific, and empowering advice for dog guardians, behaviourists, and trainers, with clarity on why and how this powerful sensory act can be so calming. This book offers a safe landing pad for the many dogs who are often confused, misunderstood, or on an emotional rollercoaster.
Read it and be rewarded with a greatly improved understanding of dog behaviour, plus a clear and methodical pathway to help them, both emotionally and cognitively. It is a confidence and relationship booster for both the reader and the lucky dogs who will benefit.”
~ Dr Katrina Ward. BVSc, MANZCVS, BMA
Veterinary Behaviourist
Past President of the Australian Veterinary Behaviour Interest Group
“Sniff to Soothe exemplifies both the spirit and practical application of modern animal welfare science in the interests of improving the quality of life and associated “behavior problems” in a largely overlooked population of captive animals – pet dogs. Firmly grounded in reverence for the biological integrity of the species, this book rightly identifies the paramount nature of what is so often neglected in approaching behavioral work with dogs who are struggling to cope in restrictive pet environments – that the provision of curated experiences promoting the engagement of natural canine senses and behaviors is neither optional nor simply enriching, but in fact fundamental to their welfare. This book invites us to both shoulder and celebrate our human responsibility to foster the distinct natures and meet the complete needs of our canine companions as the animals they truly are, rather than who we desire them to be as our pets.”
~ Kim Brophey, Applied Ethologist, CDBC, CPDT-KA
Member – International Society for Applied Ethology
Creator – L.E.G.S. Model of Integrated Canine Science
Founder – Family Dog Mediation Education Center
Author of: Meet Your Dog– The Game-Changing Guide to Understanding Your Dog’s Behavior
APDT® Outstanding Trainer of the Year 2009
“Sniff to Soothe, by Will Bangura, presents a comprehensive guide on using structured scent work as a therapeutic tool for dogs struggling with aggression, anxiety, and reactivity. The central premise is that sniffing, a natural and fundamental canine behavior, can be leveraged to change a dog’s neurobehavioral patterns.
The book highlights that engaging a dog’s most significant sense—smell—can rewire their emotional response and build confidence. It draws on scientific research with cited studies showing how sniffing can shift brain activity from the emotional limbic system to the problem-solving prefrontal cortex. A core principle covered is giving dogs choice, control, and success. This is a progressive, multi-stage roadmap for pet parents and professionals that emphasizes patience, consistency, and real-world application for dogs with complex emotional profiles.”
~ Niki Tudge, M.B.A, PCBC-A, PCT-A
Founder & President, The Pet Professional Guild®; Founder & Faculty, DogNostics® Education
About Will Bangura
Will Bangura, M.S., CAB-ICB, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FDM, FFCP, is a Certified and Accredited Canine Behaviorist through International Canine Behaviorists (ICB). With more than thirty-five years of experience in canine behavior and applied behavior analysis, Will has become a trusted authority among veterinarians, trainers, and behavior consultants for his science-driven, humane approach to complex behavioral disorders.
He holds a master’s degree in psychology, postgraduate education in canine cognition, and dual certifications through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers as a Certified Behavior Consultant Canine and Certified Professional Dog Trainer. As the founder of Phoenix Dog Training® and Pet Scientifics®, Will has helped thousands of dogs with aggression, fears, phobias, reactivity, anxiety, isolation distress, separation-related distress, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors using evidence-based, force-free interventions.
He is also the host of the podcast Dog Training Today and the author of multiple books and more than one hundred articles on canine behavior. Through his work, Will continues to advance ethical, neuroscience-informed canine behavior modification for professionals and pet parents worldwide.