Why Dogs Sniff So Much on Walks, and Why You Should Let Them

For a dog, a patch of grass is full of information.

If your dog seems to stop at every lamp post and patch of grass, you are not alone. Sniffing is one of the most natural things a dog does, and it plays a bigger role in their day than many owners realize.

A nose built for detail

Dogs have far more scent receptors than people, and a large part of their brain is devoted to processing smells. A single sniff can tell them which dogs passed by, how recently and much more.

Sniffing is mental exercise

Following a scent takes concentration. Many trainers point out that a slow, sniff-heavy walk can leave a dog as content as a faster one, because it works the mind as well as the legs.

Try a "sniff walk"

Once or twice a week, let your dog choose the pace and the route on a longer leash, somewhere safe and quiet. Let them sniff as long as they like. Many owners find their dogs come home noticeably calmer.

Balance it with manners

You do not have to stop at every single spot. A simple cue such as "let's go" helps you move on when you need to, while still giving your dog plenty of time to explore.