WHY IS SNIFFING ON A WALK SO IMPORTANT FOR YOUR DOG?
It is spring time and it is time to enjoy the flowers. Everywhere you go you see fruit trees making pink flowers, you see plenty of different colour flowers next to the road, new leaves growing and this making you stop and enjoy the moment. Makes you feel you want to smell the roses as they say. One of my favourite seasons of the year.
As you may notice, I asked why is it important for a dog to sniff on a walk? Here is a couple of reasons:
- They learn their world through their noses, almost ‘seeing’ through their noses.
- By sniffing on walks, your dog absorbs and process all the smells.
- By smelling on their walks, it is mentally and physically stimulating for them.
- Sniffing calm their heart rate as well as their stress levels.
- By smelling, it improves their behavior.
Remember, sniffing is a natural behavior for a dog and it should be allowed. It is very stimulating for your dog to take him or her every day to a different walk where they can have new smells. Like we do we stop and smell the roses, dogs also need to smell their environment.
You will notice, your dog will be better behaved if they go on ‘sniffaries’ on their walks, as oppose to a straight fast walk just to get the energy out of them.
Keep in mind, not all sniffing areas are safe, so know your area and keep those eyes peeled for bones, poison etc. that may be along the route.
If you see something dangerous, rather don’t let your dog sniff there.
(Article Reference: https://www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org/let-them-sniff/ ).
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