{"id":17983,"date":"2021-12-15T09:33:53","date_gmt":"2021-12-15T16:33:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/?p=17983"},"modified":"2022-10-17T08:38:58","modified_gmt":"2022-10-17T14:38:58","slug":"sniff-walks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/dogs\/sniff-walks","title":{"rendered":"Letting Your Dog Take the Lead: Sniff Walks for Relaxation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Dogs explore the world through their nose. The part of your dog\u2019s brain that analyzes smells is 40 times bigger than ours.<\/a> As such, our dogs can notice, understand and appreciate smells they encounter in ways that humans with our limited scent abilities can barely comprehend. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The act of smelling and exploring not only allows our dogs to get information about new places, but it is also very stress-relieving. Often our dog walks are quick and utilitarian — we want to get the dog some exercise, or they need to go out and potty before we leave for work. These walks are important, but dog walks can be something relaxing and mentally stimulating as well. Sniff walks give our dogs the opportunity to take the lead on their own adventures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our world can be overwhelming and overstimulating to dogs especially for those who live in large cities. The sound of traffic, crowded sidewalks every time you go outside to potty can be a lot for dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similarly, shifts in schedules as more people return to work in offices, or even a routine visit to the vet can be stressful for our dogs. In particular, dogs who are generally anxious, or who are dog- or people-reactive, can be especially sensitive to the build-up of these daily stressors. Giving your dog access to low-stress dog-led sniffing walks can be a great way to boost your dog\u2019s confidence, reduce stress, and help build your dog’s resilience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is a Sniff Walk?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Sniff walks are called a variety of different terms including dog-led walking, decompression walks, scent walks, free walks, and sniffaris. The general idea is to provide your dog with the opportunity to take the lead over where they walk, to not be pulled along, and to get to sniff and explore as much as they want. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only is this fun for dogs, but it also can be a great way for dogs to burn off stress and decompress after stressful events like a visit to the vet or groomer, or from having holiday visitors in your home<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Giving Your Dog Control<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Dogs rely on us to keep them safe, entertained, and occupied during the day. As their guardians, we control and dictate a lot about what our dogs do during the day, what time they eat when they go out for walks, what toys they have, and when and if they have access to playing with or engaging with other dogs, or exciting things in the environment like water, mud, or underbrush. Dogs thrive on structure, routine, and clear expectations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dogs are very happy to let us take the lead, but it can be fun, and enriching when time and space allow, to give your dog the opportunity to take the lead and make decisions about where and when you walk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best way I know to tire out a dog out in a healthy way is not to get it physical exercise, but to give it mental exercise. Tricks are one way to do that, but letting a dog use its nose-brain connection is another.<\/p>Patricia McConell, PhD, CAAB Emeritus<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

These “free walks” give your dog an opportunity to just be a dog. The purpose of a free walk isn\u2019t to work on training-specific skills like loose leash walking or heeling. Instead, the goal is for dogs to be able to sniff and explore anywhere and everywhere they want (so long as it\u2019s safe) and to make all the decisions about where you walk and what you do. On a free walk, your dog takes the lead instead of being hurried along and asked to stop sniffing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supplies Needed for a Free Walk<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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When taking your dog on a sniff walk it\u2019s important to be prepared with your normal dog-walking supplies. If you\u2019ll be in a quiet area, bring some extra supplies to give your dog a little more freedom. You\u2019ll want to have packed: <\/p>\n\n\n\n