While walks are a relaxing time for both dog and owner, there are times when dogs can do things that put us out of their territory, and excessive smelling is one of them.
But is it really that bad? I personally would say no. This is one of the main ways dogs interact with the world around them, and they will always do so if they are in a place that is not their territory. No matter how hard you try to train it, the instinct will always be there.
And that’s not bad. This is a real advantage for dogs, especially those who cannot afford to interact with many other animals. So why are we allowed to do this?
Let’s explore.
1. It is your dog’s relationship with other dogs and the nature around him
Two dogs sniffing each other during a walk
A dog’s sense of smell is incredibly strong. They have over 100 million receptors, compared to six in humans, and their brain area is 40 times that of humans.[1]
Needless to say, they are incredibly advanced and can help us experience a lot compared to what we are used to. It is powerful enough to guess the current mood of the person who left the perfume.
Their interest in the walk may be to see if the female is in heat or how many other dogs will come into the area they are walking. They can tell if this dog is a potential rival or just a potential friend.
That’s why they urinate not only on their territory, but on almost any tree they can put their paws on to leave a scent to alert other dogs to their presence. For them, sniffing is like accessing the internet of the animal world and offers a wide range of information to search.
That’s why it takes them so long to linger around one particular area, sniffing it up for minutes at a time in some cases.
2. It Gives The Dog A More Positive Attitude
While it may sound like a ridiculous claim, allowing your pet to sniff makes him feel more independent, like the leash isn’t there and that he’s exploring on his own.[2]
So, give the leash some slack and let him lead a little. It’ll improve his mood tremendously and you’ll have a happier doggo for it.
3. It Makes Him Feel Less Restrained
Tying into the earlier two and for dogs who have no access to a proper yard, this one is very important.
Our canine companions can get a little stir crazy if they’re cooped up in the house for too long.
Those with the luxury of a yard get a place to unwind while apartment doggos don’t.
They get to be surrounded by these natural scents which are important to any pooch, whereas the indoor pupper doesn’t get the luxury of exploring new smells all too often.
That’s why sniff walks are crucial, both for their physical and mental health.
What Makes For The Ideal Sniff Walk?
It doesn’t take much, just make sure you have enough spare time for your dog to get all his sniffing done.
Other than that, you’re going to want to let him sniff at every stop to his heart’s content and to let him lead the way to where he wants to go.
All you need to do is keep him safe from any potential dangers like not letting him run into traffic or bother other people.
An extra thing that you can do is opt for a harness instead of a collar to attach your leash to.
He won’t feel as constrained and it’ll be easier for him to let loose when he doesn’t feel the pressure around his neck.
What’s The Benefit Of A Sniff-Walk As Opposed To A Regular One?
Simple, the dogs get to feel more autonomous, more in control of their own day and overall actions.
It won’t just make them feel more optimistic, as stated before, but will help relieve any potential anxiety that may form from too much time indoors.
Also, the goal of it isn’t to just let your dog do his #1s and #2s, but to allow him to flex his legs and explore rather than be taken down the same exact route every time.
They also tend to move at a steadier pace, they’re more relaxed than regular walkies, allowing both you and your dog to chill and get in the zone.
In Conclusion
While I know that your dog constantly breaking the pace of the walk to stop and sniff up every other tree may feel annoying, it’s a therapeutic experience for him.
It allows him to get in touch with other dogs in a way that only dogs know how, through the sense of smell, be it picking one up or leaving one behind.
It’s a brief period of time in the day where he gets to feel in charge which can help bolster his confidence and overall optimism.
Let him have half an hour to an hour of him-time and you’ll see just how much better behaved and friendly he’ll be back home..
Allow him to take the lead and follow along. Try and take it slow yourself too.
Who knows, you may find that it’ll end up being a positive and relaxing experience for you as well and it can become an excellent way for you to de-stress.
Until next time, pet parents.
