Let Them Sniff!

By Suzanne Denk, CSB-C, Dip.FBST, Animal Enrichment Specialist

Perhaps the most important enrichment we can provide for our dogs is to let them sniff. That means sniffing every mailbox, lamp post, bush and blade of grass if that’s what is interesting to them. Sniffing fulfills an instinct and simply put, sniffing makes dogs happy! When your dog is pulled away from an exciting smell and not allowed to linger, it can be stressful for them. Smelling is how dogs experience the world and gather information. It also decreases stress and promotes relaxation. There are several ways to give our dogs fun sniffing opportunities.

Go on a “sniffari”! Take a walk outside where your dog chooses the direction of the walk and you follow wherever their nose takes them. Or, a hike in the woods is full of wonderful information for your dog to take in through their nose. Take a sensory walk in a new or unusual place like a parking lot or empty playground. Stay alert to keep them safe but let your dog set the pace and explore new smells and stimuli as they want.

This spring, create a sensory garden in your yard that touches all your dog’s senses. What will they see, hear, touch, taste and feel in the space? You can even create a little sensory garden for your dog on a porch or deck and bring the big outdoors to the space. The sensory garden can include leaves, branches, grass, logs, sand, smooth rocks, wooden wind chimes, straw and a small fountain. Plants like wheatgrass, lavender and catnip may appeal to your dog, too. An herb garden can scent the air just as your dog moves past the plants, but be aware of certain plants in your area and if they are safe for nibbling. You can find a list of safe plants at aspca.org. When there’s no outdoor space, you can create a sensory board or box and bring the outdoors inside for a sensory experience.

Allowing your dog to sniff is ideal mental stimulation and enrichment. Sniffing allows dogs to do what comes naturally. Slow, quiet time in the outdoors may provide relaxation for you too, so let them sniff! Sniffing fulfills an instinct and simply put, sniffing makes dogs happy! When your dog is pulled away from an exciting smell and not allowed to linger, it can be stressful for them. Smelling is how dogs experience the world and gather information. It also decreases stress and promotes relaxation.”

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