why it's important to let your dog sniff during walks
Keep it all in the family… or should you? If your dog is among them, you’re probably wondering should you let them do it in the first place. As much good long and regular walks do for your dog’s physical health, they have as much benefits- if not more so- for their mental health and wellbeing. googletag.pubads().setTargeting("filename", "index_html");//base path var src = (useSSL ? If you do plan to allow your dog to enjoy more free sniffing time when out on a walk, it is important to consider what equipment you are using. var useSSL = 'https:' == document.location.protocol; Leashed dogs during walks should have the freedom to use their noses while also having an owner that will compromise. dfp728Slots.push(googletag.defineSlot('/1030735/PetGuide_com_728x90_Top_PETS_Content', [728, 90], 'PetGuide_com_728x90_Top_PETS_Content').defineSizeMapping(dfpMapping728x90).addService(googletag.pubads())); Hopefully, by now, your dog is well on his way to not pulling during walks. if (typeof(dfp728Slots) !== 'undefined' && dfp728Slots.length > 0) { (function() { Finding Free Peace of Mind Can Help You Save Your Dog’s Life, An Easy Trick for Your Dog’s Water Bowl to Greatly Improve Their Dental Health, RECALL: Pet Food Has 36 Cases Of Aflatoxin Poisoning And Counting, Monitor Your Pet’s Health From The Comfort Of Your Home, Fursure Gives You Free Pet Insurance Advice, A Tale of Two “Pitties” – Georgie’s Total Transformation, ‘Beast & Buckle’ Was Co-Founded By A Man And The Dog Who Saved Him. It’s tempting to tug on the leash to keep them moving in a forward direction, but a worthwhile dog walk isn’t always measured in miles or minutes. Before answering that, let’s see why dogs are obsessed with sniffing everything in the first place. Not only that, they can tell the dog’s gender, what they like to eat, and what kind of mood they were in. deployads.push(function () { deployads.gpt.enableServices() }); Sniffing is NOT the only way your dog will be stimulated on their walks. If your dog wants to sniff something for a few seconds, let him! If you allow your dog to walk in front of you while on a lead you are reinforcing in the dog's mind that the dog is alpha over you because the leader always goes first. You don’t necessarily have to indulge him every time, but you should remember that the walk is for his benefit. Going on walks is especially important for high-energy dogs. This means a shorter sniffy walk can tire them out and they will generally be more relaxed and less likely to exhibit destructive or … e.async = 1; Deciding when to let your dog sniff and when to walk comes down to a number of factors, she says, including your dog’s age, the level of training your dog has mastered and what you need in a given situation. They won’t be running miles or building up muscles, but being mentally engaged is equally important. We have five or six million scent receptors in our noses, but … So give your dog time to stop and sniff the bushes. Let Dogs Sniff To Their Hearts’ Content It can be a lot to ask of a pet parent – to let their dog sniff and sniff some more while on a walk. 'https:' : 'http:') + googletag.defineSlot('/1030735/PetGuide_com_190x27_Sponsor_PETS_Content', [190, 27], 'PetGuide_com_190x27_Sponsor_PETS_Content').addService(googletag.pubads()); Remember that sniffing is a very positive habit. // mobile ads Getting your dog to exercise their brain will stave off cognitive decline once they reach old age and keep them from chewing up your shoes when they’re young and eager for entertainment. It’s okay to hurry them along sometimes, and running is better when you’re not stopping every five feet, but don’t underestimate the benefits of a good “sniff walk.”. This can lead to many behavioral issues that some regard as a "breed trait" or "personality," when actually it is your dog being in charge of its humans. googletag.defineSlot('/1030735/PetGuide_com_300x250_Top1_PETS_Content', [300,250], 'PetGuide_com_300x250_Top1_PETS_Content').defineSizeMapping(googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([1024, 10], [300, 250]).addSize([642, 10], [300, 250]).addSize([0, 0], [99999, 99999]).build()).addService(googletag.pubads()); Let your dog navigate the world and enjoy being outside. As much good long and regular walks do for your dog’s physical health, they have as much benefits- if not more so- for their mental health and wellbeing. })(); When you go for a walk with your pet, pay attention to the time and amount of sniffing, not the actual distance you covered. If your dog is sniffing you or other people he greets inappropriately, you're going to need to set up some of these situations to train your dog during … Or maybe your dog doesn’t stop to sniff, but rather to leave a scent marker to tell all his doggy friends (or enemies…) that he was there. !function (e, f, u) { It’s a small decision in the grand scheme of things, but the chance to choose will do a great deal of good for their mental health. Her nose is always to the ground, and it is close to impossible to readily call her off a scent. Your four-legged family member has almost no control over their life, and that feeling of constantly being constrained can play its toll on their mental health. You don’t necessarily have to indulge him every time, but you should remember that the walk is for his benefit. dfp728Slots[i].set('adsense_url_color','0983B6'); Expecting – or wanting – a dog to walk without sniffing isn't practical. A daily walk is your chance to give your dog some slack and let them make decisions on their own. "); googletag.cmd.push(function () { Not to mention that sniffing on walks can impact your dog’s leash manners, making him pull and tug to reach the object that piqued his interest. Forcing your dog to stay when it wants to sniff around can also add to its stress. Sniffing allows dogs to alleviate stress. if ( gfchelper.isAdProviderAllowed("taboola") ) { Your dog’s strutting and sniffing will keep them happy and healthy throughout their life- don’t underestimate the importance of “walkies”. Remember, walking the dog is supposed to be about the dog, not you. So, not only is it your job to make sure your dog gets a daily walk, but it is also your job to keep your dog safe on that walk – here are some dos and don’ts to follow: What you need to know before a new dog enters your pack According to American Pet Products Association’s (APPA) ... Socialization is important - your dog needs to get out there, meet new people, and experience new places. Depending on your dog’s abilities, a 15-minute walk won’t do much to tire them out physically, but that same amount of time spent sniffing and processing scents will satisfy their need for mental enrichment. .addSize([320, 400], [320, 50]) e.src = u; Dogs are made to sniff. dfp728Slots[i].set('adsense_text_color','000000'); ` Along with physical exercise, dogs require mental stimulation, and a daily walk can satisfy both these needs. If you deny them sniffing, it’s the same as you having to … Sniffing a particular scent and then interpreting the accompanying information is the canine version of a mental work out. When we go on a walk with our dog, sometimes we try to pull our dog along when they stop to sniff. It is known that of all five senses dogs possess, the smell is a Husky’s dominant sense. Seeing a leash or hearing the magic words gets doggos excited with good reason, as “walkies” are a favorite activity for most pets. Taking your dog for a walk is about more than just giving him some exercise – it’s also an opportunity for socialization and a chance for him to explore his world and expand his mind. It is not just the dog’s walk, it is a pack walk being lead by the packleader, which is the owner. A walk is the highlight of their day and they are content to go anywhere as long as they get to be outside and with you. If you only have time for a quick trip down the road and back, do your dog a favor and focus on mental enrichment instead of distance traveled. Dogs are big on sniffing- that’s something every dog owner can confirm. However, as long as it’s a P-mail that the dog is investigating with its snout, sniff away we say! Before answering that, let’s see why dogs are obsessed with sniffing everything in the first place. } It may take some extra patience on your part, but it could help keep your dog from depression, anxiety, and stress. When us humans go out on a walk, we mostly pay attention to the world around us by looking around. And isn't that why you're walking the dog in the first place? A Good Time For A Sniff “When in a new territory, a dog can sniff a tree and determine what other dogs live in the neighborhood. googletag.defineSlot('/1030735/PetGuide_com_300x90_Spotlight_PETS_Content', [300,125], 'PetGuide_com_300x90_Spotlight_PETS_Content').defineSizeMapping(googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([1024, 10], [300, 125]).addSize([642, 10], [300, 125]).addSize([0, 0], [99999, 99999]).build()).addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.defineSlot('/1030735/PetGuide_com_160X600_RightBottom_PETS_Content', [160,600], 'PetGuide_com_160X600_RightBottom_PETS_Content').defineSizeMapping(googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([1024, 10], [160, 600]).addSize([642, 10], [160, 600]).addSize([0, 0], [99999, 99999]).build()).addService(googletag.pubads()); If they want to spend five whole minutes sniffing every inch of a fire hydrant, let them. T. heir nose has 60 times more receptors, clocking in at a whopping 300 million scent receptors in your dog’s honker. According to Pet Dog Trainers of Europe, “Being able to make choices gives a dog self-confidence and a feeling of self-reliance. Sniffing is Rewarding If your dog keeps sniffing on walks, before approaching the problem, it’s important to realize how rewarding it is for a dog to sniff in the first place. if (typeof googlefc == "object") { Should you let your dog sniff during his walk- and if so, how much is too much? Fresh air, their best friend by their side, and soooo many birds, squirrels, and other pooches to check out- what’s not to like? This ensures that they get more mental stimulation and are generally happier. If your dog is sniffing anything and everything he comes across while you are walking, you are going to want to do this training on walks. A daily walk is your chance to give your dog some slack and let them make decisions on their own. The third of the 10 reasons why you should walk your dog is … Their long snouts are ideal for reading “scent mail,” and they learn about the world by putting their nose to anything that seems interesting. It’s perfectly understandable, though. When your dog looks like she’s just about done sniffing, say, “Let’s Go” and start walking again. }(document.createElement('script'), document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0], '//cdn.taboola.com/libtrc/verticalscope-network/loader.js'); Dogs are dependent on their owners, and along with regular meals and a place to call home, that arrangement comes with a good deal of confinement. console.log("cf: taboola googlefc not found. .addSize([480, 200], [320, 50]) The reason why your pet is so keen on sniffing? From the awkward crotch sniffers to mutts that act like their great-grandad was a certified bloodhound, every pooch has different sniffing habits. 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