Stop and Sniff the Roses: Why Sniffing Is A Game-changer For Your Dog

We’re all guilty of it – you’re running late, you have no time, but you have to make sure your beloved dog gets their morning walk. Your dog keeps trying to stop and sniff that patch of grass – but you’re late, so you pull them along and keep going. Your dog gives you ‘that’ look and grudgingly follows along.

We’ve all been there at some point. However, letting your dog stop and sniff is a crucial part of their day – and it’s not something that we should rush through or ignore.

Sniffing for dogs is one of the most crucial mental exercises that your dog can engage in. While humans are visual creatures, dogs learn about their world through their sense of scent, which is literally tens of thousands of times more powerful than ours. Imagine if someone put you in a car and wouldn’t let you look outside – you’d get frustrated too!

These are just a few benefits of letting your dog sniff on their walks:

1. It works their brain. Experts estimate 20 minutes of sniffing can be just as tiring for your dog as an hour of exercise. You’ll see a more calm dog as a result!
2. Sniffing can help your dog calm down. It can help a dog suffering from anxiety and stress be in a more relaxed mental state.
3. Sniffing is like reading a newspaper for your dog. It’s how they learn about their environment and is a basic natural instinct to help them determine what’s going on around them. A more informed dog = less reactive dog.
4. Sniffing makes them feel good. Sniffing activates a part of your dog’s brain that is responsible for the release of the ‘feel-good’ chemical dopamine. Your dog will be happier and in a better mood!
5. It strengthens your bond. Letting your dog be a dog and give in to their innate instincts will strengthen your dog’s trust in you, and over time, strengthen your bond.

We know there isn’t always time to let your dog sniff every little thing – so check out our other blog post here on indoor sniffing options you can do to help get the same results. Happy Sniffing!