Why Sniff Walks Are Good For Dogs.
Exercise is a really important daily activity if you’re a dog owner but, while taking a walk and having the opportunity to toilet are often the priority – how about sniffing? A brisk walk round the block on the lead, might be all we can manage in our busy schedules, but isn’t always very inspiring for our four-legged pals. Read our Holidays4Dogs article to find out why sniff walks are good for dogs.
For many dog owners, walking is one of the best bits, but sometimes it can be overwhelming for our dogs – especially if living in towns and cities. Many people think dogs shouldn’t be allowed to stop and sniff but, instead, pay attention to their owner, walk to heel and follow.
However, dogs just love exploring and they love using their noses to sniff out information about the world around them. Letting dogs have sniff walks provides them with agency and freedom that they don’t always have.
What is a sniff walk?
Sniff walks, also known as scent or decompression walks or, poetically – ‘sniffaris’ – are outings where the dog can follow his nose and explore autonomously. In other words, the dog goes at their own pace, in a direction they choose, without being chivvied along, or rushed.
Dogs are exceptionally good at smelling and being able to use their sense of smell on walks provides them with a lot of enrichment. Sniffing can tire a dog out mentally and physically – some say, more so than a walk alone can do.
How do dogs benefit from sniff walks?
Sniff walks can alleviate stress and so, allowing dogs to walk in whichever direction they choose, sniffing and stopping as they go – is a really excellent form of relaxation.
Dogs spend much of their lives being controlled. Where they walk, what they eat and when, and who, they socialise with is usually dictated to them. Sniff walks provide the opportunity for dogs to just be dogs. 
When time and space allows – incorporating sniff walks can be very beneficial for dogs.
It is also interesting for owners, watching their dog’s behaviour, as they interact with their environment. By stopping frequently, we too, may notice things we may have previously walked past.
All dogs can benefit from engaging in mental activities as well as physical exercise. In addition, sniff walks can really help high-energy dogs and dogs with anxiety to relax.
Also, dogs that cannot be let off the lead, can really enjoy sniff walks, especially on a long line which provides more freedom to explore. Mental stimulation can help with training and focus when it comes to teaching your dog new things.
Won’t sniff walks encourage my dog to ignore me?
Many people might thing that letting dogs take the lead, might encourage them to be less interested in their owner. Some believe this can lead to dogs not ‘listening’ to their owner.
However, because sniff walks encourage calmness, this actually helps when it comes to training. Sniff walks don’t have to be exclusive to every walk. Incorporating some more formal training and teaching good lead manners helps mix things up.
Besides, owners will probably find that there will be some instances where it is necessary to call the dog away from something. This might be another dog, or something the dog is trying to eat which isn’t good for them. There will still be an element of training which involves teaching your dog to ‘check in’ and respond to cues. For on this see the sniff walks and training section below.
Finding safe spaces for sniff walks.
In order to encourage dogs to relax and use their noses, find quieter spaces in which to walk. This might mean lesser used countryside footpaths, or street walking early in the morning, or later in the evening.
Ideally, anywhere where your the dog is not going to be distracted, or bothered, by other dogs, or people. Large open spaces, interspersed with long grass, trees and hedges are ideal. Quiet woodland trails, or urban parks outside of peak times.
Also, being away from too much noise, such as heavy traffic, will help dogs to stay relaxed and delve into their own little doggy worlds.
If you’re looking for somewhere which guarantees total privacy you could consider renting a secure dog field.
These spaces are ideal for sniff walks, on or off-lead and provide a fantastic opportunity for dogs to have some time just doing their own thing. It’s also an ideal spot to pop in a bit of formal training too – like practising recall.
What do I need to take on a sniff walk?
No special equipment is required. Just use your normal dog walking gear and go for a wander! However, if you really want to let your dog explore safely, long lines are an excellent choice. This gives your dog more freedom, while keeping him safe. A comfortable harness is always better than a neck collar.
If you think your dog will wander too far on his, or her, ‘sniffari’ – a long line will prevent them from running away out of sight. Some breeds can be harder to distract once they get their noses down. Hounds, terriers and sighthounds, in particular, could easily get distracted – particularly around livestock. Always keep your dog on a short lead near livestock.
Sniff walks and training.
Checking mum is following, on an evening ‘sniffari’.
Sniff walks can still be an opportunity for training. High value treats are a must. These will come in handy if you need to call your dog back to you, but also to reward them for focus on you.
You can even teach your dog a cue word, or phrase, such as – “go sniff” or, “off you go!” – so your dog knows he’s allowed to do his own thing.
Rewarding your dog for ‘checking in’, and giving you attention, is also beneficial while on a sniff walk.
Far from your dog ignoring you, you should find you can have the best of both worlds. Your dog can have more freedom to be a dog and relax, but also be happy to engage with you.
Final thoughts.
Sniffing makes dogs happy and it is a very natural behaviour for them which shouldn’t be denied. By being allowed to have time to ‘read’ the environment through their noses, dogs can become more relaxed and less vigilant. This is particularly beneficial for high-energy, or reactive dogs.
Next time you go for a walk, spend some time letting your dog take the lead. You never know where you might end up, or what you might see along the way.
