Sniffing provides both mental and physical stimulation for your dog, improving their well-being and helping them slow down and enter a state of calm. This activity is beneficial for every dog, particularly for geriatric dogs or those with arthritis and joint issues who may struggle with longer walks.

Why Its Important To Let Your Dogs Sniff

We've all been there. It's dark, cold, and windy, and we thought the dog just needed a quick potty break before heading back inside. So what's with all the sniffing?

Instead of checking out the sights or enjoying the view, a dog's primary way of experiencing and finding joy in their world comes by way of their nose. To a dog, smell is everything.

So why should you let your dog sniff during walks?

Just as people enjoy scrolling through social media or the news on their phones, dogs activate a similar "seeking system" in their brains. "They are literally sniffing out new discoveries and important insights, which is their equivalent of 'checking their pee-mail.

Your Dog's Sense of Smell Is Extraordinary

Dogs' sense of smell is estimated to be 10,000 to 100,000 times more powerful than that of humans. To illustrate, some scientists claim that dogs can detect a teaspoon of sugar diluted in a million gallons of water, which is equivalent to two Olympic-sized swimming pools. This incredible sensory ability is utilized in various critical situations, such as search and rescue operations and disease detection. However, even the average couch-loving pup possesses these remarkable sniffing superpowers.

Dogs have around 220 million scent receptors, distributed among approximately 900 different varieties, though this varies by breed. For instance, Beagles and German Shepherds possess about 225 million scent receptors, while Bloodhounds, renowned for their exceptional sense of smell, have around 300 million. In comparison, Fox Terriers have roughly 147 million, and Dachshunds about 125 million.

In contrast, humans have only about 6 million scent receptors. Additionally, dogs' olfactory centres are much larger than ours. They can move their nostrils independently and detect scents both when inhaling and exhaling, abilities that humans lack. There's truly no comparison between a dog's sense of smell and that of a human.

Should You Let Your Dog Sniff on Walks?

Absolutely! Allowing dogs to sniff during walks greatly enhances their mental health by providing their brains with endless data to process.

They create 'maps' that let them determine the past, such as who has been in the area before and what might be decaying underground. They also predict the future, sniffing the wind to anticipate who or what might be approaching, and gather information about their next destination before they even arrive. A dog's perception of 'now' is likely very different from the present moment as experienced by humans.

Dogs' sense of smell decodes a multitude of messages. While humans detect general scents, dogs (and cats) can separate the individual elements that make up an aroma. This includes identifying the sex, age, and health status of other animals that have left markings or scent trails on various surfaces.

Animals leave "serene" and "stress" messages through their eliminations, and dogs categorize this information accordingly. They tend to avoid the eliminations of stressed animals of their species and gravitate towards those left by more relaxed, happy individuals, investigating these markings further.

How Long Should You Let Your Dog Sniff on Walks?

As long as he wants! There's no specific guideline, but if 30–60 minutes is manageable then perfect. If that isn't manageable with your daily schedule, even 10–15 minute increments twice a day can make a difference. For instance, after your dog finishes his business during a bathroom break, stay a few extra minutes to let him explore as many scents as possible.

Ample sniffing time not only engages your dog's mind but also makes them more emotionally and physically satisfied.

Dogs have an innate desire to move their bodies and explore their world. Sniff walks provide both opportunities, allowing them to follow their noses and learn. This leads to a happier, more content, and fulfilled dog."

Planning a Sniff Walk

A sniff walk exercises and engages both the body and brain. The process is similar to a normal walk, but with the added benefit of allowing your dog to slow down and smell the roses—or bush, grass patch, or telecoms box.

While many of us tend to hurry through dog walks, cultivating patience to let your pup sniff at his leisure is important.

Instead of pulling your dog along, allow them to move at a comfortable pace. If they stop to sniff, let them. If they're interested in investigating an area, let them do so. Consider taking walks in more interesting areas with inviting scents, such as parks with bush lines, lakesides, or places where wildlife like squirrels and birds have been, leaving intriguing scents for your dog to discover.

You can also try leisurely hikes in wooded areas, visiting dog parks before they get too crowded, or exploring open fields with your pup on a long leash for safety. Distance doesn't matter, but stay engaged and watch for distractions like other approaching dogs.

In dog training terms, these activities are often called "sniffaris." They not only improve your dog's well-being but also enhance bonding time as you both learn more about scent work.

At Happy Hound Haven, we take great pride in understanding and applying all of the principles outlined below.