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"Let them sniff" is a great mantra. Our dogs take in the world through their noses! But what if you can't let your pup sniff in a certain situation? How do you decide? Here's when you should—and maybe shouldn't—let your dog sniff on a walk.
Why is sniffing so important for our dogs?
- Sniffing is the primary way our dogs gather information about their surroundings. They “see” through smell! The more they your pup can investigate interesting scents, the better they'll be able to understand the outside world. (This is especially important for fearful or nervous dogs.)
- It's fulfilling for your dog to use their nose. Nosework alone isn't a substitute for healthy physical activity—we need to work our dogs' bodies along with their brains—but it's an important part of meeting all of our pets' needs!
- Environmental enrichment like sniffing can also help our dogs relax. Research shows that sniffing decreases heart rate and blood pressure.
You might let your dog sniff:
- If you're going to ask them to resist distractions soon. It's a good idea to allow your dog some time to sniff around when you first start a walk or other outing. This helps them settle into the environment and satisfy their initial curiosity.
- If they're drawn to a smell—and it's okay to investigate. If your dog shows interest in a particular spot, it's usually because they "see" something we don't. Allowing them to investigate can enrich their experience!
- As a training reward. Sniffing can be a form of reinforcement for your dog during structured training sessions—or even just after completing a single successful command, like recalling back to you. (Personal story: This has been a great way to reinforce our cattle dog's recall. Sometimes we call her off of a scent and then immediately release her back to it. She learns that coming over to us doesn't always mean the end of her fun!)
- Anywhere it's safe. With very few exceptions (like if a dog has obsessive compulsive disorder) there's no such thing as too much sniffing. There's a time and a place for it. You get to decide what that is! But your dog will thank you for the ability to act on their natural impulses.
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You might not let your dog sniff if:
- Sniffing might pose a safety concern. If there are hazards on the ground—like discarded chicken bones, broken glass, or toxic plants—it's best to keep your dog moving. (A strong "leave it" cue can help bridge the gap here, too.)
- You're in a crowded place. Areas with heavy foot traffic or limited space might not be the ideal sniffari locations. Someone could trip over your dog (startling both pup and human) or feel like you're blocking their path. Prolonged sniffing is best suited to more open areas.
- You're working on training. Fulfillment and training go hand in hand. If you're working on specific training cues with your dog, you might let them sniff before and after your session—but not during it—to build up their impulse control skills.
- Your hands are full. Leaving the coffee shop with a to-go cup and pastry? You might ask your dog to walk at your side so you don't run the risk of tripping.
- You're in a hurry. As much as possible, we want our time with our pets to be relaxed. But sometimes it just doesn't work out that way—and that's okay. If you need to get from point A to point B quickly, it's okay to tell your dog they'll get to sniff later instead.
- Your dog's sniffing is becoming excessive. Sniffing is one of the most natural dog behaviors! It's not always healthy, though. If your dog becomes fixated on certain smells to the point where sniffing creates overarousal, it might be time to talk with your trusted trainer or veterinarian for help.
Make choices for your own dog, goals, and environment
Find the balance of sniffing that works for you and your pup. If you're working hard on training your dog to focus around distractions? You might limit sniffing in sessions and use scents as a reward. If your dog is getting older and struggles to exercise like they used to? You might ramp up your sniffing time for more enrichment. There's no one "right" answer—as long as you make sure your canine companion is fulfilled overall.
As always: Dog parenting is about balance. You can allow this natural behavior and still ensure your pup's safety (and your control to respectfully navigate shared spaces with other people and pets) during the walk.