Dog owners know the importance of enriching their dog’s mental and physical health. It is better for your dog’s overall well-being and can help reduce problem behaviors that may arise from frustration.

You can offer your dog a variety of puzzle toys, but owners often overlook the most basic and enriching behavior – sniffing.

Your dog will enjoy walking more if you give them more opportunities to use your powerful sense of smell. You will see a dog become more active, free, and ultimately more tired.

Do not underestimate the power of your dog’s nose.

We must remember how sensitive our dogs’ noses can be. Their noses could be 100,000 times more sensitive than ours. One common statement is that dogs can smell blood even in large areas like an Olympic-sized swimming area.

It is essential for communication, exploration, and evaluation that their sense of smell is there.

Slow Dog Walking Down and Giving Your Dog Choices

Dog owners often assume that a fast, longer walk will be the best way to tire their dogs. The dog may be walking along streets and pavements on a short traffic leash. They might then be taken to the dog park, where they can play for a while with many other dogs.

Walking with dogs can be boring and stressful.

You can make your dog’s experience more enjoyable by choosing a peaceful route with grass or other non-road surfaces.

You are giving your dog very few options. By allowing them to choose what they would like to explore and how long they will spend exploring it on a walk or in another environment that suits them, you positively support them.

Sniffing can make your dog feel better.

Dogs can become hyper-stimulated if they engage in high-energy activities. However, harnessing your dog’s natural sniffing behavior can help you relax and keep your dog calm.

One study published in the Applied Animal Behavior Science Journal in 2019 suggests that dogs can sniff their surroundings can feel more positive. 1

You can make your dog feel more tired by sniffing.

A slow, leisurely walk that allows for plenty of sniffing can provide your dog with mental enrichment far greater than a quick-paced walk. A shorter walk with lots of sniffing can tire them out. They will also be less likely to display destructive or mischievous behavior at home.

Communication with your dog is important through sniffing.

Remember that your dog’s communication is based on its ability to sniff. Although it can be frustrating for your dog to want to sniff every lamppost on the block, they are just looking at the scents of other dogs in the area. They will be able to identify if the dog they are sniffing is male or female, whether they know, and if they are within the immediate vicinity.

It can be embarrassing for owners if their dog instinctively gravitates towards sniffing the butt of another dog when they first meet. This is almost like a handshake for a dog. They are learning to recognize the distinctive smell of each other dogs.

Sniffing can sometimes be an appeasement behavior. Your dog may sniff the ground to communicate that they are not a threat to another dog if they try to calm down another dog. It can be a great way to calm both dogs by allowing them to do this, rather than trying to pull them away.

You can also do other sniffing activities with your dog.

If your dog loves to use their nose, you might consider other enriching activities.

Foraging for food

It is easy and inexpensive to give your dog enrichment by allowing him to eat dry kibble and treats in a non-distracting environment.

This activity is great for dogs who are less mobile or may not exercise. It can also help anxious dogs feel more confident and relaxed.

You can still enjoy this activity indoors even if it is raining. These mats are made of rubber and have felt “grass” strands through them. You can also bury treats or food in them for your dog to find.

Classes in Scent Work

A nose work class is a great way to help your dog learn scenting skills. This will not only improve your dog’s abilities but can also strengthen your relationship.

Dogs will be trained to recognize a specific scent and alert their handler to its location.

You might find your dog happier if you allow them to sniff you out while you’re on walks.