About Sniffly Dogs
Some people come to us for scentwork. Others come because something with their dog doesn’t feel quite right
Different starting points. Same way of working.
How we work
We don’t simply start with a plan and fit dogs into it.
We look at what’s in front of us.
The dog. The person. What’s actually happening in that moment.
And we build from there.
Helping Dogs Feel Able to Learn
We're not just interested in teaching dogs new skills.
We're interested in helping dogs feel able to learn in the first place.
Whether we're working through dog training, puppy foundations or scentwork, we pay attention to what the dog is experiencing, what the human is noticing, and what happens when both start to understand each other a little better.
That's where lasting change comes from.
What makes the difference
In our experience, things start to shift when:
Dogs aren’t being rushed. People aren’t second-guessing every step and feel under pressure. There’s space to pause, notice, and adjust.
It’s not about doing more. It’s about making what you’re doing make sense to you and your dog.
What this means when you come to us
You and your dog do not need to arrive perfectly prepared.
Your dog does not need to settle straight away. You do not need to know exactly what to ask for. And neither of you need to prove anything before we can begin.
We take time to notice what is happening, what your dog is showing us, and what feels realistic for you. We might slow things down, make the environment easier, adapt the task, or step back and look at things differently.
The aim is not to push through. It is to help your dog feel able to think, learn and make choices, while helping you feel clearer about what you are seeing and what to do next.
Why scentwork became such a big part of our lives
Scentwork has been part of our journey for more than eight years. Like many people, we started because we were looking for something our own dogs would enjoy. What we discovered was far more than an activity.
We saw them become more confident. More relaxed in the world. More themselves. And somewhere along the way, it changed us too.
We love watching dogs solve problems, make decisions and use their natural abilities. There is something special about being alongside a dog while they search. The rest of the world fades away and you become fully present with them.
It's just you, them, and the joy of doing something together.
Behind that passion sits a commitment to staying curious and continuing to deepen our understanding of dogs, people, and relationships. Because whilst teaching new skills is important, what really interests us is helping both ends of the lead learn, grow, and enjoy life together a little more.
Ruth and Louise
Sniffly Dogs is run by Ruth and Louise.
Ruth focuses on scentwork and brings a coaching background into how she works with people, helping things click rather than simply telling people what to do.
Louise specialises in 1:1 dog training and scentwork, bringing the practical, everyday reality of living with dogs into the space. Her focus is helping owners build skills, confidence and understanding that work beyond the training session itself.
Between us, we live with dogs who challenge us, surprise us and keep us honest.
They have shaped Sniffly Dogs just as much as any course, qualification or training programme.
The Kennels
The Kennels is our home on Nostell Estate near Wakefield in West Yorkshire.
It's not a village hall. It's not a busy training field.
It's a quieter space where dogs can arrive, settle and learn without unnecessary pressure.
For many of the dogs and people we work with, that makes all the difference.
If You're Here
You don't need to have all the answers.
You don't need a perfect plan.
You don't even need to know exactly where you're heading.
You just need somewhere to start.
And that's what we're here for.