Why Do Dogs Sniff?

Sniffing is incredibly important to our companions! A dog's sense of smell is anywhere between 1,000 to 100,000 times more sensitive than a human's, depending on breed. For dogs, their noses are complex organs that they use to gather information - just like humans rely on their eyes. Engaging their olfactory senses gives them a lot of information about their environment, is naturally calming to the central nervous system, makes them emotionally happy, enriches their brain, offers physical exercise, and can even tire them out and help them sleep better! Sniffing is a natural behavior for companions, so ensure that when you take your companion for a walk you allow for meaningful time to sniff and do not keep them on a short leash or in a heel the entire time. Your walk should be beneficial and fulfilling for you AND your companion!

Here are ways to ensure your dog is using their nose:

• ALLOW THEM TO SNIFF ON WALKS. A slow and short walk offers much more enrichment than a fast and long walk. Take your dog out on a long lead in areas with non-road surfaces and allow them to make choices and follow their nose. Interacting with their environment also has the benefit of promoting independence, gaining better problem-solving skills, and boosting their confidence in novel situations.

• DISCONTINUE FEEDING FROM A BOWL. Provide meals in puzzle toys and other enriching items where they need to forage for their food. When it is warm out, simply scatter-feeding your companion's entire meal in the grass works extremely well. It has the added benefit of offering counter conditioning to triggers!

• NOSE WORK EXERCISES. Enroll in a class or play beginner-friendly games at home such as the ones in this article.

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Since sniffing offers natural relief from stress and anxiety, you may notice your companion sniffs more during periods of high activity and/or when triggers are near. This is a healthy and normal response and should not be discouraged too much. Sniffing is one of our companion's primary modes of communicating through their body language and can also signal to other dogs that they are non-threatening and non-confrontational. However, if you notice your dog obsessively sniffing during various times of the day and at varying intensities, or that it is very hard to redirect your companion towards other coping skills, this can be a sign of chronic anxiety and a conversation with a veterinarian may be needed.

Don't forget to stop and smell the flowers! Your companion will thank you!