It is a common sight for all dog parents, while taking them out for a walk, they will invariably stop after a few steps to sniff. It may be a patch of grass, a tree trunk, or even a random pebble. As an owner, you might find this habit time-consuming and frustrating, but do know that for the dog, sniffing is a vital part of their well-being? So, not letting them smell can prove to be a vital mistake as a dog owner, during walks.
To be more precise, dogs observe the world around them by using their sense of smell. When you let them do this, i.e., to explore scents, it can make them happier, healthier, and even well-behaved. In this blog, we will delve deeper into why sniffing or smelling everything is so crucial for your dog’s happiness and how you, as a responsible dog parent, can support their instincts.
The nose lets the dog experience the world around
Here is the most common difference between us and the dogs. We rely on our eyes to see the world, but the dogs depend on their nose for the same reason. Just to let you know the facts, a dog’s sense of smell is estimated to be 10,000 to 100,000 times stronger than a human nose. Whew! That’s a whopping figure, isn’t it? To break it down further, the dogs have around 300 million scent receptors as compared to the mere 5-6 million present in humans. So, when your dog sniffs, it is trying to gather information about the following:
- Who has passed by recently on the road they are going? It may be other dogs, cats, or even people.
- They would also carefully sniff the food or other scents present.
- Most importantly, the exceptional sniffing capabilities of dogs let them evaluate the emotional state of other animals, humans included. Dogs are naturally gifted to detect stress hormones and pheromones through their exceptional sniffing abilities.
So, as you can see, for dogs, every smell is like a bag of information that tells about their surroundings. If you deny them the chance to sniff, it is like asking us, humans, to walk blindfolded on the street.
Sniffing helps dogs to relieve stress
We are no strangers to the fact that dogs, too, can become stressed due to various circumstances. As humans require medications to overcome stress, dogs need sniffing to calm themselves. Various studies have already established the fact that when dogs are allowed to sniff longer, maybe during walks, or even indoors, their heart rates drop considerably, and their overall stress levels dip accordingly.
To put it in a nutshell, dogs that sniff freely will hardly show any signs of anxiety, they are also less likely to display destructive behaviors, and tend to be calmer during and after walks. So, now you know, if your pup or dog seems excited, anxious, or stressed, encourage them to sniff more, preferably outdoors, and you will notice they are becoming normal like before.
Sniffing is its natural instinct
Regardless of the breed, the sniffing instinct is something that dogs carry on from their predecessors. For wolves, foxes, and other wild canines, the nose happens to be the most integral part for hunting, detecting predators, and also a tool for communicating.
Of course, the pet dogs do not require hunting anymore, but those instincts, as mentioned above, are present in them. Thus, letting them use their nose to fulfill their natural instinct naturally leaves them mentally satisfied.
Sniff walks and high-intensity walks
As a dog parent, you must have done all the necessary research. You realize that it is important for dogs to perform regular activities to remain fit physically. Thus, the majority of the pet owners believe that, by exercise, dogs should only be involved in fast-paced walks and jogs. However, mental stimulation, as you know, is just as important. You can incorporate it during the walks themselves by letting them sniff while walking at their will. So, you may plan it like this: after a brisk jog or walk, leave them on their own to pick up scents and fulfill their instincts.
Sniffing encourages social behavior
As mentioned already, for dogs, it is an essential instinct, and they learn the primary lessons of life by sniffing. For example, dogs can learn about other breeds by sniffing, and that is the reason they greet each other by smelling. It lets them understand their counterpart’s age, sex, health, and mood. You might have noticed, during walks, that dogs tend to sniff areas where other dogs have marked earlier. They are trying to catch up on the happenings in the dog community by this. You can call this the social connection of dogs, and since it boosts their brain, and can be regarded as a part of the brain game for them. it also prevents them from feeling isolated from the other dogs.
Sniffing enhances training and focus
Many dog owners might find this strange, but it is true: when you give your dog more time to sniff, it can actually make them more attentive. Thus, they will grasp your commands better and execute them appropriately. For better results, you can also make their nose work by introducing nose work games. For instance, hiding treats or toys for your dog to find by sniffing. Undoubtedly, they will love this exercise, and it will also help to make the bond with you more trustworthy.
Encouraging the dogs to sniff more
Now that you know how important sniffing is an important aspect for your dog, you might be wondering if you can do something to encourage them to sniff better and guarantee their good health. Here is what you can do:
- Dedicated sniff walks: Make sure to set some time aside where the walking sessions involve enough sniffing time and not speeding.
- Choose places that carry a lot of scents: Consider places such as parks, trails, or even new neighborhoods, and they will offer your dog the much-needed variety.
- Interactive toys: Make good use of toys like puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, and, as mentioned earlier, hide treats under the mat or cardboard boxes.
You need to be patient
Right at the start, it was mentioned that many dog owners feel frustrated when the dog stops at a place for sniffing, and it seems they would do it for an eternity. Indeed, it can test your patience, but do keep in mind that this is the way they are trying to rejuvenate, so you must let them explore the world as they please. Whenever possible, allow them this time, and you will notice that the dog will remain calmer and content.
Busting some popular myths about dog sniffing
Now, it is time to dump some of the myths that you must have heard as a dog parent:
- Sniffing slows down the walking exercises: The truth is, sniffing enhances mental stimulation and is just as necessary as the physical exercises.
- Specific breed benefits from sniffing: Irrespective of the breed, all dogs benefit from sniffing.
- Letting the dog smell all the areas can be dangerous for the dog: Unless the area is hazardous, like trash, chemicals, or feces, most natural scents are harmless for the dog.
Final words
To sum it up, you should never consider sniffing to be a distraction for your pet dog. Reading thus far, it should be evident that sniffing is an integral part leading to your pet dog’s well-being and happiness. So, think twice the next time you think to hold the leash firmly when your four-legged friend is trying to pick up a trail.