When’s the last time you took your dog for a walk and instinctively tugged them along when they tried to stop and sniff a patch of grass? It’s okay, you’re not alone. A lot of dog parents do it at some point, especially when they’re short on time.
But the next time you and your pup head out the door, turn it into a sniffari instead. A sniffari is a scent-filled adventure that allows your pup to explore. A dog’s sense of smell investigates surroundings, people, other animals, and more, so a sniff walk can be a far richer experience than your standard stroll.
Are Sniff Walks Better for Dogs?
Compared to a regular walk, sniff walks offer many additional benefits. Of course, assuming your pup is in good health, even a quick walk is better than no walk at all. But think of a sniffari as the premium version of walking your dog around the block.
Why Is Sniffing Such a Workout for Dogs?
It’s suggested that when your dog enjoys sniffing during a 15 to 20-minute stroll, it’s equivalent to an hour-long walk. Now, imagine someone told you that you could get the benefits of an hour of exercise with just a 15-minute workout? Wouldn’t you take that deal?
The idea behind this comparison is that during your pup’s sniffari, they’re putting forth a lot of mental effort, which can be just as tiring as physical exercise. It’s sort of similar to the idea that a person’s mental load can be physically draining.
Dogs can have over 100 million sensory receptors in their nasal cavity, far more than humans do. Some breeds, like Bloodhounds, can have 300 million scent receptors! In other words, your pup is processing all sorts of information with their sniffer, and it’s sparking a bunch of activity in their brain.
The Benefits of Going on a Sniffari With Your Dog
If you let your dog take their time and sniff around on your next walk, you’re going to make them one happy pup. But there are a lot of other benefits of a sniffari than making your dog smile.
Provides Mental Enrichment
Sniffing is how your dog figures out things, activating the brain and providing essential mental stimulation. Consequently, going on a sniffari is a great boredom buster for your pup, and it could also help their cognitive function.
Reduces Stress
Taking your time when walking your dog and letting them sniff creates a relaxed atmosphere. This slower pace could help calm an anxious dog. For comparison, think about how you feel after a peaceful stroll, with no one rushing you.
Satisfies Natural Instincts
Dogs are hardwired to use their noses for all sorts of things, especially to explore their surroundings. Going on a sniffari allows your pup to express this instinct to sniff and investigate.
Improves Behavior
A lot of times, when dogs get into mischief, it’s because they’re bored or have too much pent-up energy. However, provide these pups with adequate exercise and mental stimulation, and they’re much less likely to engage in undesirable behaviors.
Furthermore, a sniffari allows your dog to expend mental effort during the walk, which could help minimize reactivity. Hence, your pup may not be as reactive to a nearby dog or to someone crossing your path.
Of course, this doesn’t mean a sniffari takes the place of proper leash training. But it can help minimize your dog’s heightened responses to stimuli.
Six Tips for Going on a Sniff Walk With Your Dog
You’re all about the benefits of letting your dog sniff on a walk. But how exactly do you embark on a sniffari with your furry friend? Luckily, there’s no complicated formula to follow. You just need to pay attention to a few key points to make your sniffari a success.
Prioritize Scent Over Distance
Don’t focus on how far you’re going to walk. You don’t measure a sniffari’s success in miles. Therefore, instead of aiming to take your pup on a two-mile walk, focus on allowing them to sniff for at least 10 minutes. Depending on your dog, your sniff walk could last a mile or simply to your street corner.
Use a Long Leash When Able
Some sniffari aficionados recommend using a 20 to 30-foot leash to really let your dog sniff and explore to their heart’s content. This generous lead could be a great option, but it’s important to be smart about where you’re walking.
A super long leash might not be ideal if you’re going down a busy street or going to be somewhere with a lot of other people. You need to think about the environment and how well-trained your dog is on a leash.
Also, consider their ability to respond to your commands. If 20 to 30 feet is too long, at least use a 6-foot leash to give your pup some freedom to roam.
Remain Patient
Patience is one of the biggest factors that determines how well a sniffari goes. The primary focus during a sniff walk is to let your dog explore, which means avoiding the temptation to pull your pup along when they stop.
Mix It Up
New places mean different smells. Mix up your walk routine to give your dog new places to explore. It could be as simple as walking down the other side of your street or going in a different direction. You could also take them to a park or go for a walk in a different neighborhood.
Also, vary the pace of your walk. The whole thing doesn’t have to be a slow-moving stroll. Switch between short bursts of brisk walking and then leisurely sniffing at your dog’s discretion.
Let Your Dog Lead
Let your dog set the pace when it comes to sniffing. If they find something interesting they want to check out, stop and let them sniff until they’re satisfied. When they decide to pick up the pace for a bit, go with it.
Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
Stopping to sniff and investigate means you need to stay extra vigilant about what’s on the ground. Make sure your dog doesn’t pick up anything or try to sneak a taste of something that could be hazardous.
If you haven’t already, teach your dog the “Drop It” command to keep them extra safe during your sniffaris. If you suspect your dog swallowed something they shouldn’t have, contact your vet immediately.
Also, since you’re lingering more during a scent walk, stay aware of your surroundings. Always be observant of what is around you, including other animals, people, cars, etc., so you and your pup remain safe.
Who Knew a Dog Walk Could Smell So Good?
Taking your dog on a scent walk is an adventure. Your pup feels like they’re exploring exciting territories and reaps so many benefits, like mental stimulation, reduced stress, and improved behavior. Let your dog set the pace for your sniffari, and stay patient and aware of your surroundings to make sure you and your pup get the most from your sniff-focused excursion.
To find out more ways to spend quality time with your furry friend, take time to check out the rest of the Neater Pets blog.