If you're a dog parent, you know this scene all too well—you're on a walk with your pup and they suddenly stop to sniff something. Those in a rush may find it annoying, but there's much more to it than your dog being easily distracted—it's vital for their wellbeing. Not only does sniffing help your dog learn about their environment, but it also keeps them happy and sharp.
The canine sense of smell is much more powerful than ours. Dogs' noses have up to 300 million scent receptors, an incredible fifty times more than the six million humans possess. On top of that, dogs sniff five to 10 times per second, something we only do once every 1.5 seconds. As such, dogs’ noses are the primary way in which they navigate their environment, making it critical for them to take their time to sniff around.
“Imagine someone taking you to an art gallery, then blindfolding you. You wouldn’t get much out of it, would you? I imagine that’s how it is for dogs that are rushed along on walks without the opportunity to stop and sniff,” professional dog trainer and veterinary technician Staci Lemke tells American Kennel Club. That's why she recommends “sniff-centric walks” where dogs can gather and process information about their surroundings.
Making smell the main element of a walk—rather than exercise or potty time—has some benefits. First, it's great for putting their brain to work and fighting boredom, as they put effort in processing the information they've gathered. This will actually tire them more than a walk where sniffing is kept to a minimum. Also, since smell is one of the main ways dogs acquire knowledge, they are being updated about what's going on around them while sniffing. As their curiosity is eased by checking out everything through smell, they'll feel fulfilled and more relaxed.
Sniff walks are especially important for city dogs without yards and anxious pups who may benefit from making sure an area is safe. As pets are usually subject to their human's schedule and space, Lemke sees a “sniff-centric walk” as a calming opportunity for dogs to unwind. Letting your pet set the rhythm may release mood-boosting dopamine in their brains. “If we can find a safe place where these dogs can let their guard down and explore using their noses, it can greatly reduce the amount of stress in their lives,” says Lemke.
While not all walks have to be dictated by a sniff-loving pooch, they can greatly benefit from them. Should you and your dog give it a try, Lemke recommends fitting them with a harness and long line (rather than a retractable leash) and looking for a location with a lot of grass, trees, and bushes to pique their interest. Ultimately, the most important thing is to remind yourself who the walk is for, and to be patient while your pet examines the area. After all, this is the way they make sense of the world, and by letting them sniff, you're truly letting your dog be a dog.
Does your dog love to stop and sniff around during walks? Experts think you should let them, as it has many benefits for their wellbeing.
Not only does sniffing help your dog learn about their environment, but it also calms them and gets their brain working.
You can go on “sniff-centric walks,” where your dog can gather and process information about their surroundings on their own time.
Source: Do Dogs Sniff to Get Their ‘Social Media’ Fix?
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