It's impossible for us to appreciate how powerful a dog's sense of smell is. With about four times the number of scent receptors lining their nasal passages, though, dogs can detect infinitely smaller amounts of a scent than we can — and smells are much more important to them than they are to us. It is through scent that dogs learn much about what is around them or even the condition of people and other animals. Of course, smell also helps them find food, and being the ultimate scavengers, this is very important to dogs. Don't think that just because you've put something tasty out of sight of your pup that she won't be able to sniff it down — even if it's wrapped in flavor-sealing plastic.

There are many ways that we need to keep smells from bringing out inappropriate behavior in our pups and dogs — making sure trash cans are secured behind latches, dousing accidents on the floor or carpet with enzyme cleaners so that all traces of smell are removed, putting fresh-baked foods in another room to cool — and there are also ways that we can work with smells to bring out better behavior.

The scents of flowers, roots, and trees can promote healing and wellness when used properly. With their exquisite sense of smell, for dogs, a little goes an extra-long way. Aromatherapy should be approached cautiously, especially with a puppy, as an overbearing smell can cause more harm than good.

Aromatherapy is done with essential oils. These are produced by steaming or otherwise extracting the scents from their sources — flowers, herbs, trees, etc. The oils are bottled and sold in pharmacies, health food stores, and even some grocery stores. They can be used in many ways, including diffused through a source of heat; combined with other ingredients to make things such as soaps, insect repellents, and so on; or, if they will be applied to the skin, diluted in a base solution (typically an oil, such as sunflower or grapeseed oil).

Once you've targeted some oils that are suggested for the ailment you're working with, it is extremely important that the proper dilution is made with the essential oil before exposing it to a dog because of their sensitivity.

As you learn more about how to use the oils, you'll find advice on dilution concentrations, too. The next step is to start working with the oils and your dog. Aromatherapy practitioners who work with animals say that this is the beginning of an amazing journey of discovery for you and your dog.

Using Flower Essences

Because smell is such a strong sense for dogs, you don't want to over-whelm them. Puppies are even more sensitive, so you need to be especially careful. Another way to experience the benefit of plants on your puppy is to work with flower essences. These are formulas that contain intense concentrations of a single plant or flower essence or a combination of them. They work by being ingested in small quantities, and their effect is on the overall being of the puppy or dog.

Sharon Callahan, the founder and formulator of flower essences for Anaflora in Mt. Shasta, California, explains, “There are many single flower essences and combinations of essences that greatly benefit the beginning stages of the life of a healthy puppy. Such essences assist with weaning, bonding with the new family, adjustment to other animals, and the delicate development of a puppy's nervous system. Flower essences,” she continues, “can also help lay the groundwork for a calm, steady, yet alert emotional and mental presence which will continue through the life of the puppy.”

Sharon recommends the following single essences as beneficial. These include:

• Heart's Ease — eases the discomfort of separation from littermates and mother

• BeGone — balances the parasite/host relationship

• Catalpa — offers a feeling of protection and peace in a new environment

• Mt. Shasta Lily — offers nurturance during weaning and early stages of separation from the mother

• Mountain Ash — provides physical vitality for the growing body and psyche

• Pear — facilitates adjustment to new surroundings and routines

• Star Jasmine — helps animals adjust to indoor life