Let's take that nose for a walk!

As a dog owner, it’s helpful to remember that a walk for us humans is different from a walk for our dogs. While we might stop and look more closely at something that catches our eye, a dog will most likely stop whenever their nose catches an interesting scent. And professionals in the dog world say that we should let them do it because in much the same way that taking in a beautiful site can boost our mood, taking in different scents can boost a dog’s mood.

Think about it, a dog’s nose has over 200 million scent receptors while us sniff-challenged humans only have 6 million. And dogs can sniff about 5 to 10 times a second, while we are limited to 1 sniff every 1.5 seconds. It’s clear that their noses are taking in a lot more vital information than ours. For a dog, a walk is more like reading through the daily news. They might pick up the scent of friends or a rival dog, detect a female dog in heat, or realise that the elusive neighbourhood squirrel is once again nearby.

If you’re trying to get somewhere, having your dog stop every several feet to sniff something can be a little frustrating. But remember, if you take your dog out for a walk, the walk should primarily be for your dog’s enjoyment. Carve out time for your dog to enjoy the walk that he or she desires. It will be more beneficial for your dog and for you because your dog will be calmer and more satisfied.

Yes, it can feel a bit like being on a crowded bus, with someone repeatedly pulling the cord and ringing the bell every few seconds. But now you know that this sniffing tour exposes your dog to a wealth of information and brings joy to their life. Science backs this up. Studies show that sniffing can make dogs feel more optimistic, possibly because they have the freedom to choose what to sniff and can connect with the natural world around them.

Surprisingly, dogs can experience stress too. We dictate when they eat, go outside, and even when they are crated. Then we rush them through walks and rush them back indoors. All of this can contribute to anxiety, especially for sensitive or fearful dogs.

Imagine rushing through a walk in a bustling area. It might only add stress for dogs that need to de-stress. Now picture your dog on a long leash in a serene setting, free to wander and explore the natural world through their nose. This can lower their pulse rate and stimulate the release of mood-enhancing dopamine. It underscores the importance of allowing our dogs to truly revel in their walks and freely use their noses to sniff as they wish and take in their surroundings.

But dog experts do advise keeping an eye out for excessive nervous energy, which could manifest as frenzied sniffing. While dogs can be excited, their sniffing should generally be calm, and they should appear relaxed and tension-free.

Now that you recognise the vital role walks play in a dog’s health and wellbeing, let’s cover the essentials. Vets recommend allowing dogs to sniff freely during walks. Let them decide where to go and give them some time to take in the scents that intrigue them. Sniff walks are not about covering long distances. Just pick a peaceful spot and let your dog explore at their pace.

Rather than a retractable leash, consider using a well-fitting harness and a longer line measuring between 3 to 4,5 meters (10 to 15 feet). A comfortable harness greatly reduces pressure on a dog’s neck, and the longer line allows your dog to move more freely. Stay mindful of their activities to keep them safe. You may need to bring your dog closer at times, but selecting an area that is mostly grass or natural open terrain should work well.

A slower-paced walk punctuated with ample sniffing time can tire out most dogs, similar to a lengthier, more brisk walk. With sniff walks, it’s about quality over quantity. Sniffing stimulates dogs’ minds and increases their respiration rate, making it a fulfilling yet tiring activity. A good 20 to 30 minutes of sniffing should leave your dog content and elated.

So the next time you feel like taking a lengthy, fast-paced walk with your dog, remember the purpose of the walk. If it’s for your dog, you’ll likely slow your pace and allow them to immerse themselves in the enriching, information-filled scents that only they can appreciate to the fullest. By doing so, the dog you return home with is likely to be happier and more at ease.