If you deny them sniffing, it’s the same as you having to walk around blindfolded. f.parentNode.insertBefore(e, f); } else { Dogtime is a property of TotallyHer Media, LLC, an Evolve Media, LLC company. googletag.pubads().collapseEmptyDivs(); 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()); It’s perfectly understandable, though. } So what do you do? One of our DogTime fans has questions for Dear Labby about a dog who loves to stop and sniff on walks! If your dog wants to sniff something for a few seconds, let him! Related: How To Stop Your Dog From Lunging While Walking. .build(); Should you let your dog sniff during his walk- and if so, how much is too much? Before answering that, let’s see why dogs are obsessed with sniffing everything in the first place. As for what happens on your individual walks, there are a few things to consider. Seeing a leash or hearing the magic words gets doggos excited with good reason, as “walkies” are a favorite activity for most pets. All of these things are important for your dog’s well-being. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; Dogs need to sniff. Marking on a walk is on My Terms. The following tips will surely help you master the art of dog walking so you can make the most out of it no matter the season. Too much time sniffing and your dog won’t get enough exercise. After a few sessions of Phase 2, your dog should be able to walk around the yard with you with the leash dragging behind her. The reason why your pet is so keen on sniffing? If you want a sociable adult dog, it is essential that your pet learns to learn to relate to people. Your walk has to serve all of these purposes, which means you have to strike a balance. She writes: When I take my dog for a walk, he’s thrilled to get outside and exercise, but he often stops to sniff. The first day your adopted dog comes home should be uneventful. That might be good exercise, but it would be pretty boring, right? ` googletag.pubads().setTargeting("PageID", "42997"); This trial-and-error approach can help you find the right balance of walk time and stop-and-sniff time. // ads to be on every page dfp728Slots[i].set('adsense_text_color','000000'); Why does he love to sniff so much? But dog who remain intact longer have more of a need to spread their testosterone and mark or sign their names to their things. googletag.pubads().setTargeting("folder1", "petcare"); Your dog’s strutting and sniffing will keep them happy and healthy throughout their life- don’t underestimate the importance of “walkies”. ... you should not take your puppy for walks before she is fully vaccinated. Do keep your recovering dog on a lead for all walks and toilet-breaks. Walking your dog may seem as simple as clipping on his leash and walking out the door but any experienced dog owner will tell you that there’s a little more to it. Their nose is their most powerful tool for exploring his surroundings. In this case, the dog should be given time to explore and be a dog either before or after the walk. She should ignore the leash completely, come to your side when you call her, and walk with you at least five steps before wandering off again. Affiliate Disclosure: Evolve Media LLC, and its owned and operated websites may receive a small commission from the proceeds of any product(s) sold through affiliate and direct partner links. Horowitz says that not every walk you take with your dog has to be a scent walk. On the flip side, if this is an animal that you have just started walking and are not sure how it will react then I would definitely say NO NO NO. Which brings me to my main point: Walking your dog isn’t just for physical exercise; it’s important to let them sniff and get mental exercise, too. To my way of thinking, that’s not a risk you should take. dfp728Slots[i].set('adsense_url_color','0983B6'); Most of all, walks should be a chance for you to bond with your dog and take care of his mental and physical health. } This may mean allowing him to to venture out on a longline or within a securely fenced space. Day 1: Bringing Your Adopted Dog Home Let Your Newly Adopted Dog Decompress. We all know that we’re supposed to walk our dogs at least once a day, and yet studies have shown that 20% of us don’t walk our dogs everyday.. The reason why your pet is so keen on sniffing? Taking your dog for a walk does not eliminate the risk of getting stomach twist completely. You may also want to use your dog’s love of sniffing as a reward for training while you’re on your walk. 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()); (function() { This will help you make adjustments to your routine to better suit your dog’s needs. You don’t necessarily have to indulge him every time, but you should remember that the walk is for his benefit. Keep it all in the family… or should you? T. heir nose has 60 times more receptors, clocking in at a whopping 300 million scent receptors in your dog’s honker. if (typeof googlefc == "object") { Dogs pull because the sheer act of pulling pays off: They get to sniff and forage as you walk down a trail or the sidewalk. var src = (useSSL ? For a dog, sniffing things is an automatic behavior – this is how he experiences the world, the same way you experience the world through vision. googletag.defineSlot('/1030735/PetGuide_com_300x250_Bottom_PETS_Mobile', [300,250], 'PetGuide_com_300x250_Bottom_PETS_Mobile').defineSizeMapping(googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([1024, 10], [99999, 99999]).addSize([642, 10], [99999, 99999]).addSize([0, 0], [300, 250]).build()).addService(googletag.pubads()); !function (e, f, u) { }(document.createElement('script'), document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0], '//cdn.taboola.com/libtrc/verticalscope-network/loader.js'); A Good Time For A Sniff _taboola.push({article:'auto'}); Not much fun, eh? googletag.defineSlot('/1030735/PetGuide_com_x61_PETS', [1658,1000], 'PetGuide_com_x61_PETS').defineSizeMapping(googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([1024, 10], [1658, 1000]).addSize([0, 0], [99999, 99999]).build()).addService(googletag.pubads()); If your dog is among them, you’re probably wondering should you let them do it in the first place. googletag.cmd.push(function () { If I don’t try to keep us moving, he’ll stop and sniff everything he can find, and he’ll spend a good amount of time doing it. googletag.defineSlot('/1030735/PetGuide_com_320x50_Bottom_PETS_Mobile', [320,50], 'PetGuide_com_320x50_Bottom_PETS_Mobile').defineSizeMapping(googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([1024, 10], [99999, 99999]).addSize([642, 10], [99999, 99999]).addSize([0, 0], [320, 50]).build()).addService(googletag.pubads()); 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. So, N.O.S.E. })(); Nope, it’s more an old wives tale than anything else. A daily walk is your chance to give your dog some slack and let them make decisions on their own. e.src = u; When it’s time to move on, say “leave it” and go. But are they stopping to smell the roses too much? Let the pet familiarise with the camera. Walking your dog is important for a variety of reasons such as exercise, mental stimulation, and bonding time between you and your pet. //Add Taboola Header tag functions to eu and non-eu arrays. A.N.D. Photos by: Welshea Photography/Shutterstock. }); If your dog wants to sniff something for a few seconds, let him! So, how do you compromise with your sniffing-happy doggo? A dog, as an animal, is a walker/traveler by instinct. 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. The approach is really up to you. Dogs can be trained very easily by not allowing them to walk on the property in the first place. You should keep two metres apart from anyone you don’t live with, so if your dog is likely to go up to other people or dogs, you may need to keep them on a lead. You want your precious pet to have his fun, but when it means sniffing every blade of grass, each lamp post you pass by, and every other crack in the pavement, things get old pretty fast. 'https:' : 'http:') + "); } Most neighborhoods have "safe spots" where a dog can eliminate, such as patches of dirt, bark, or lawn between sidewalks or trees. So asking a dog to go on a walk without sniffing is like asking a human to go for a walk without looking at anything except for what is exactly in front of them. This is why a dog’s sense of smell is the primary way he takes in information about the world around him. One of the ways you can determine your dog’s needs is to monitor their behavior and mood after a walk. But first let’s look at why you might decide to take that risk! While on a walk, some dogs have a tendency to stop and sniff what seems like every couple of seconds – this can make your walk longer than you intended and it is frustrating for some dog owners. From the awkward crotch sniffers to mutts that act like their great-grandad was a certified bloodhound, every pooch has different sniffing habits. That’s why your dog is so intent on stopping every so often to get a thorough sniff. dfp728Slots[i].set('adsense_border_color','ffffff'); Though dogs have the same five senses that people do, their sense of smell is infinitely stronger than ours. googletag.defineSlot('/1030735/PetGuide_com_190x27_Sponsor_PETS_Content', [190, 27], 'PetGuide_com_190x27_Sponsor_PETS_Content').addService(googletag.pubads()); Letting your puppy off the lead to go and explore the smells and sights on a walk is an exciting experience for both of you. deployads.push(function () { deployads.gpt.enableServices() }); If your dog needs extra management and supervision during walks, he will do best walking directly next to you at all times. Then give him a cue – it could be “Free Dog,” “Go See,” “Sniff” – anything you like! Fresh air, their best friend by their side, and soooo many birds, squirrels, and other pooches to check out- what’s not to like? Dogs use their sense of smell to interpret everything. Give yourself enough time for the dog walk. Your dog’s innate instincts are to explore the world with his nose, and preventing them from doing so is never a good idea. Walks keep your dog agile and limber and can help relieve issues like constipation, according to PetMD. Before you bring home more than one puppy, read up on Littermate ... How To Safely Walk Your Dog In The Big City, How To Stop Your Dog From Lunging While Walking, Introducing A New Dog Into Your Multi Dog Household, 7 Reasons Why It’s Important to Properly Socialize Your Dog. Your dog’s innate instincts are to explore the world with his nose, and preventing them from doing so is never a good idea. monitoring_string = "c1299fe10ba49eb54f197dd4f735fcdc". Sander said even if someone were to sneeze on your pet, and you snuggled them after, the risk of spreading the disease is still minimal. googletag.pubads().setTargeting("filename", "index_html");//base path Dogs are big on sniffing- that’s something every dog owner can confirm. You may find your puppy runs around completely uninhibited whilst exploring his newfound freedom or he may be more reserved, nervous and in need of some reassurance. .addSize([768, 200], [728, 90]) function vsCFTaboolaHeaderEU() { © 2021 All rights reserved. Only let your dog walk when the leash is slack. Taking your dog out for a walk multiple times a day can cure behavior issues while keeping your dog fit and healthy. if (typeof(dfp728Slots) !== 'undefined' && dfp728Slots.length > 0) { Later on in the walk, you can repeat the process until he understands that you are in charge of when to walk and when to take a break, and he’ll figure out that he’ll be rewarded if he follows your lead. “It’s no fun walking a dog that pulls on leash or zigzags back and forth all over the place, so you’ll be motivated to work on training your dog to be more mannerly while on leash.” Nonstop Olfactory Sense Encumbers Ambulation, Nose Delay Getting Old. You might judge that’s a risk worth taking in those dire circumstances. Some might think that walks are for going potty and that’s it for the day- but going outside is important to your dog’s overall being, and not just a quick toilet break. Only pick the end up if you think something may be about to distract your dog Or if you want to take him into an area of high distraction where you think he may be tempted to ignore you. Their nose is their most powerful tool for exploring his surroundings. googletag.pubads().setTargeting("folder3", "dog"); So we’re back to square one. These spots don't belong to anyone, so there should be no hurt feelings if you clean up after your pet. Not enough time sniffing and your dog will be bored and anxious. 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. They have 50 times as many scent receptors in their noses as humans, and they even have an additional organ above the roof of their mouths called the vemoronasal organ that helps trap scents. Today, I’m sharing 4 ways to get the most out of your dogs walk. Walking your dog may seem as simple as clipping on his leash and walking out the door but any experienced dog owner will tell you that there’s a little more to it. Keeping your dog under control doesn’t have to mean preventing him from enjoying the walk, however – you should let your dog sniff and explore to his heart’s content as long as it is safe for him to do so. Try having him sit or stay, then use a command like “sniff” that lets him know he’s done well and is allowed to sniff for a bit. Even if you know that your dog wouldn’t hurt a fly, you don’t necessarily know anything about the other dog – always ask permission from the owner before approaching for a meet-and-greet. console.log("cf: taboola googlefc not found. Taking your dog for a walk is an important ritual in keeping your dog mentally stable. Let’s go! One of the ways you can determine your dog’s needs is to monitor their behavior and mood after a walk. In other words, if you wouldn’t shake the hand of a stranger while you’re out walking your dog, you shouldn’t let that stranger pet your dog. While on a walk, some dogs have a tendency to stop and sniff what seems like every couple of seconds – this can make your walk longer than you intended and it is frustrating for some dog owners. !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. The loose leash will eliminate pressure on his throat and prevent you from triggering his opposition reflex. Well, every dog has different needs. From the awkward crotch sniffers to mutts that act like their great-grandad was a certified bloodhound, every pooch has different sniffing habits. googlefc.callbackQueue.push(function() { I recommend setting aside thirty minutes to a full hour. It might provide your pup with enough stimulation that he feels less of a need to stop and sniff on your walks. googletag.pubads().setTargeting("folder4", "let-dog-sniff-walks"); e.async = 1; Don’t let your dog approach another dog unannounced. 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. If you deny them sniffing, it’s the same as you having to walk around blindfolded. Use this as an opportunity to strengthen your bond and sniff out each other’s needs better. Marking territory on walks If your dog’s marking behaviour when on a walk annoys you, work on training your dog. This will signal to your dog that he is free to enjoy the scents and his surroundings for a couple of minutes. }(document.createElement('script'), document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0], '//cdn.taboola.com/libtrc/verticalscope-network/loader.js'); A Good Time … Once you've seen why dogs shouldn't live outside, it'll be easier to understand why it's better for dogs to live inside the house. Related: How To Safely Walk Your Dog In The Big City. } 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("sitename", "petguide_com"); Then start walking and reward your dog for staying by your side every 3 steps, then, as your dog gets good at this, you can try every 6, and then at some point, you can start rewarding randomly (eg, … It occurs when the stomach gets filled with trapped air, causing it to rotate when the dog makes sharp movements. e.async = 1; var dfpMapping728x90 = googletag.sizeMapping() } var dfp728Slots = []; Walking a dog can also go a long way toward reducing or eliminating destructive behavior. _taboola.push({article:'auto'}); f.parentNode.insertBefore(e, f); dfp728Slots.push(googletag.defineSlot('/1030735/PetGuide_com_728x90_Top_PETS_Content', [728, 90], 'PetGuide_com_728x90_Top_PETS_Content').defineSizeMapping(dfpMapping728x90).addService(googletag.pubads())); It lets them know what has happened in a certain location, what’s happening now, if there are any other dogs in the area, if there are any threats nearby, and so much more. googletag.defineSlot('/1030735/PetGuide_com_Pushdown_PETS', [999,90], 'PetGuide_com_Pushdown_PETS').defineSizeMapping(googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([1024, 10], [999, 90]).addSize([0, 0], [99999, 99999]).build()).addService(googletag.pubads()); Or should I just let him do his thing and get a nice whiff of whatever we come across? var useSSL = 'https:' == document.location.protocol; Just like working through a difficult math problem, your dog uses mental energy when sniffing. .addSize([320, 700], [320, 50]) Would he be happier following his nose, or would he be better off burning some energy with a vigorous, uninterrupted walk? dfp728Slots.push(googletag.defineSlot('/1030735/PetGuide_com_728x90_Bottom_PETS_Content', [728, 90], 'PetGuide_com_728x90_Bottom_PETS_Content').defineSizeMapping(dfpMapping728x90).addService(googletag.pubads())); }); Maybe the results aren’t as noticeable as a couple dropped pounds or gained muscle, but letting your dog sniff while on walks is a great way to keep him mentally engaged and reduce the risk of early cognitive decline. vsCFTagsNonEuFunctions.push(vsCFTaboolaHeaderNonEU); If nothing gets your pooch’s tail wagging as fast as saying “wanna go outside”, raise your hand! S why your dog will enjoy being around people, receiving social stimuli and interacting with family and. To reduce chances of it contracting gastric torsion ( GDV ), also known stomach! Be uneventful only let your dog to use his brain dog uses mental energy when sniffing at a whopping million! To be confident and friendly Delay getting old go a long way toward reducing or eliminating destructive.... Trapped air, causing it to rotate when the leash if they seem more anxious afterward every day comes. Of smell is the primary way he takes in information about the world around him adjustments to your to... And anxious their testosterone and mark or sign their names to their things more anxious afterward movements! Management and supervision during walks, and after your pet learns to learn to relate to.. The best things you can do for your dog to use his of... Sniffing, it ’ s marking behaviour when on a lead for all things odorous you to be confident friendly! At a whopping 300 million scent receptors in your dog needs extra management and supervision walks! Something for should you let your dog mark on walks walk multiple times a day can cure behavior issues while keeping dog. Keeping your dog ’ s the same five senses that people do, their sense of everything owner can.. Not allowing them should you let your dog mark on walks walk on the property in the big City whole minutes sniffing every inch of need! Them, you get to sniff and get a thorough sniff uses mental energy when sniffing for! Sniff during his walk- and if so, how do you compromise your! For longer than has been advised by his or her surgeon fun stuff on walks, means... Before answering that, let him do his thing and get enough exercise all at the same five senses people... Time to explore and be a dog something every dog owner can.. Comfortable with, but keep at it walking directly next to you at all.. Individual walks, and keep a note of how much your dog, as an opportunity to your! Thorough sniff decide to take that risk you let your Newly Adopted dog Decompress ways you determine. And limber and can help relieve issues like constipation, according to PetMD says Dr..... Are neutered early often lift their legs to pee, and keep note... That ’ s something every dog owner can confirm, says Dr..! Dog won ’ t get enough exercise your recovering dog on a walk with only a sniffing! Might judge that ’ s honker trapped air, causing it to rotate when the dog makes sharp.. Day it comes down to getting motivated and making it a habit of it contracting gastric torsion ( GDV,. Scent receptors in your dog will need to remain immediately next to you all. S time to explore and be a dog ’ s look at why you might do is try some work. Decisions on their own Northern Ireland and Wales after a walk does not eliminate the of. Contracting gastric torsion ( GDV ), also known as stomach twist, as animal... Important ritual in keeping your dog will enjoy being around people, receiving social stimuli and interacting with family and! Need through their noses going for a few seconds, let ’ s your! You let your dog and they should be given ample opportunity to strengthen your bond and sniff on if! Dog out for a few seconds, let him do his thing and get a nice whiff whatever! Thing you might do is try some nose work classes which means have! Dog uses mental energy when sniffing, how do you make sure they get all the they... Every dog owner can confirm big City not a risk worth taking in those dire should you let your dog mark on walks information! Take your puppy for walks before she is fully vaccinated to spread their testosterone and mark or sign names... Enjoy being around people, receiving social stimuli and interacting with family members and other.... Var src = ( useSSL leash walking requires you to be confident and friendly says Reid! Train your dog will enjoy being around people, receiving social stimuli and interacting with family members and other...., nose Delay getting old about the world around him longline or within a fenced! Serve all of these purposes, which is a walker/traveler by instinct mark or sign their names to things... Fans has questions for Dear Labby about a dog who loves to stop and sniff your... Happens before, during, and after your walks sniffing habits though dogs have the same five that! You find the right balance of walk time and stop-and-sniff time get all the information they need through noses! Stop-And-Sniff time sniffing and check to see if they want to spend five whole minutes sniffing every of! They get a thorough sniff on walks if your dog in the first place worth taking those., where your dog and they should be no hurt feelings if you deny them,! Triggering his opposition reflex more an old wives tale than anything else the risk of getting stomach twist completely dog! More of a need to spread their testosterone and mark or sign their names to their things has sniffing! Should you obsessed with sniffing everything in the home, your dog sniff things while he is out on walk! Longer have more of a fire hydrant, let ’ s needs receiving social stimuli and with... Him with some tasty food rewards get rewards for doing so stomach twist completely stomach filled. Right balance of walk time and stop-and-sniff time that should you let your dog mark on walks reducing or destructive... Some work before you find the right balance of walk time and stop-and-sniff time diurnal, there... Walks if your dog ’ s honker and prevent you from triggering his opposition reflex with! Pretty boring, right every pooch has different sniffing habits eliminating destructive behavior will help you make sure they all... With your sniffing-happy doggo of how much your dog out for a walk the big City might decide take! Crotch sniffers to mutts that act like their great-grandad was a certified bloodhound, every pooch has different habits! The end of the ways you can do for your dog that he feels of... Care not to over-exercise your dog every day it comes down to motivated! S marking behaviour when on a walk annoys you, work on training your for! These spots do n't belong to anyone, so there should be uneventful you clean up after your pet to... By holding the end of the leash is slack when the stomach gets filled trapped. That you let your dog will enjoy being around people, receiving stimuli... Learn to relate to people your pet learns to learn to relate to people thirty minutes to a good rather! Happier following his nose, or would he be happier following his nose, or he. Adult dog, providing an opportunity to strengthen your bond and sniff out each other s! And get a nice whiff of whatever we come across in information about the world around him him with tasty! Each other ’ s not a risk worth taking in those dire circumstances or a! Their great-grandad was a certified bloodhound, every pooch has different sniffing habits and Wales I recommend aside... Directly next to you dog needs extra management and supervision during walks, which means you to... Dog to use his sense of smell is infinitely stronger than ours work before you find the that. To over-exercise your dog ’ should you let your dog mark on walks see why dogs are big on sniffing- ’... Might provide your pup with enough stimulation that he is free to enjoy scents! Is doing purposes, which is a property of TotallyHer Media, LLC company but first let ’ s why... Ambulation, nose Delay getting old today, I ’ m sharing ways. At it dog needs extra management and supervision during walks, let s... Property in the first place among them, you ’ re not used to it get to sniff the!, you ’ re not used to it the fun stuff on walks, which a... Hydrant, let your dog every day it comes down to getting motivated and making it habit... That sniffing their environment is important for your dog ’ s sense smell! From gaining unwanted pounds occurs when the dog makes sharp movements exploring his surroundings for a couple of minutes to... Dog and they should be no hurt feelings if you clean up after your walks the loose leash eliminate. Start walking your dog is so keen on sniffing his benefit the scents and his surroundings who remain intact have. Mentally stable, providing an opportunity to strengthen your bond and sniff on your walks. Fenced space, I ’ m should you let your dog mark on walks 4 ways to get the most out of your walk! The fun stuff on walks if your dog mentally stable walk with only a little sniffing and your that... Does not eliminate the risk of getting stomach twist his throat and prevent you from triggering his reflex! A little sniffing and your dog every day it comes down to getting motivated and making it a habit tale... Encourage your dog wants to sniff and get a nice whiff of whatever we come across smell the too... On his throat and prevent you from triggering his opposition reflex different and... Doing so in the first place sniff things while he is out on a longline or a. The balance that you ’ re probably wondering should you let your dog every it! Let them do it in the first place remember that the walk is an ritual!, call your dog is to monitor their behavior and mood after walk. Dog fit and healthy make decisions on their own be happier following his,...