Meet Your Dog’s Need To Sniff
Preventing your dog from experiencing the world through scent is like putting a blindfold on a human. The chance to smell provides your dog with important information and essential mental stimulation. So, now that you appreciate your dog’s need to sniff, how can you better meet your pet’s needs and positively channel those urges?
First, make your dog’s walks enjoyable by allowing ample chances to sniff. Hydrants and tree trunks aren’t something to rush past or avoid. They are important sources of information for your dog. However, you don’t want to spend your entire walk sniffing the same tree. Use your “leave it” cue to tell your dog when it’s time to move on. Better yet, reward short stretches of loose-leash walking or heeling with frequent sniff breaks. Teach a “go sniff” cue when it’s time for the break, so your dog knows it’s okay to relax and catch some odors.
Another great way to foster your dog’s love of smells is to take up a dog sport that uses the nose. AKC Scent Work is a great choice. Dogs hunt for hidden cotton swabs scented with essential oils and must tell their handler when they have made the discovery. As the handler has no idea where the swab is located, the dog takes the lead and lets their nose lead the way.
The key thing to remember is that sniffing is one of the most important things to a pup and is part of what keeps them happy in life. So let them sniff away! https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php Get Your Free AKC eBook
Is Your Dog Sniffing Ground Nonstop During Walks Or At Home? The Interesting Reason Why
The canine nose is fascinating. It’s basically your dog’s way of understanding their environment. Humans do this using their eyes. When you take in your surroundings, you typically do it visually. But your dog does this through their sense of smell.
A dog’s nose contains up to a billion scent receptors – humans only have about 6 million. The main reason your dog sniffs so much on a walk is that they’re gathering information about other dogs that have been in the same area.1
Dogs are incredibly curious about their surroundings. That’s why they spend so much time smelling the air and – as gross as this may be – even the urine and feces of other pooches. They want to gather as much “intel” as they can on the other dogs in the neighborhood.
Sniffing – The Universal Doggy Hobby
But sniffing is not just our dog’s greatest talent. It also is one of their most universally enjoyed past-times.
Different breeds of dogs like or dislike different activities. A Saint Bernard may not be thrilled about daily sessions of playing frisbee and an Italian Greyhound may not like to come swimming with you. An Anatolian Shepherd probably doesn’t need to go to the farmers market and greet dozens of people every weekend and a Belgian Malinois is not a lap dog.
(This is why it is so important to make sure your dog fits your lifestyle before you acquire him, whether through a rescue or from a breeder. Picking a dog that similar ideas of fun as you have will make your life together so much easier and more joyful.)
All breeds however, no matter how big, active or aloof, have one thing in common:
They love to sniff.
This is the Reason Why You Should Let Your Dog Sniff on Their Walk |
Remember, your dog’s manners are a reflection of you. And your manners may well influence how others see your furry baby. From dog park disagreements to rifts with your roommate to defending your decision to dress up your pup, Dear Labby’s got the solution. So don’t let pet etiquette problems destroy your dog’s reputation or your own. Trust a professional–Dear Labby to the rescue!