Sniffaris: What Are They and Why Are They Necessary?

You’ve researched endlessly to ensure you’re providing your pooch with the best food. You spent obscene amounts of money on top-notch treats and a variety of different toys. Lastly, you pride yourself on making sure your pup gets more than enough exercise every week. But what are you doing to mentally enrich Fido’s life? Puzzle feeders and snuffle mats are awesome, but why not combine two of your dog’s favorite things? This brings us to sniff walks, also known as sniffaris!

Sniff What? Sniffaris!

While taking your dog for walks is wonderful, it’s not uncommon for people to get stuck in the same routine. Following an identical route every day can become monotonous not only for you but for Fido, too! Sometimes, when actions become repetitive, it can feel more like a chore than an entertaining activity, and that can result in rushing to complete the task instead of relishing in the fun.

Instead of sticking to a pre-planned route or trying to accomplish a certain mile goal, why not let your furry friend take the lead a few times a week? Allow your pup to stop and sniff for as long as their little heart desires, and even let them pick which way you turn while walking through the neighborhood. This may mean you only actually cover a fraction of the distance you usually travel, but that’s okay! The most important part of a sniffari is to allow your pup the right to choose.

Why Are Sniff Walks Necessary?

In addition to exercise and great food, every dog needs a variety of enrichment activities in their life. While taking a walk and playing tug is a wonderful form of physical enrichment, let’s not forget to exercise their brains, too! The health and happiness of human beings can suffer if not mentally stimulated enough, and the same is true for our pups! There are five common types of enrichment for our furry friends. They are referred to as occupational enrichment, sensory enrichment, physical enrichment, social enrichment, and nutritional enrichment.

Sniffaris are a great way to get some fresh air with your pooch and provide them with sensory enrichment. Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine defines sensory enrichment as a way to stimulate the different senses of dogs. While on your sniff walk, dogs are able to stop and take in different sights, sounds, smells, and even possibly touch things they don’t commonly encounter. But try not to let them taste anything unless it’s safe.

Never Leave Home Without the Essentials

You may not be traveling as far as you usually would on a walk, but don’t forget to include these must-have essentials every time you head out for a sniffari:

• Leash: A standard leash is fine, but if you are in an area with fewer people and traffic, consider taking a longer leash so your pup has more room to roam freely!

• ID Tag: Never leave home without outfitting your dog with proper identification, just in case you two are unexpectedly separated.

• Treats: While the key to sniffaris is letting them wander on their own a bit and giving them autonomy to make their own decisions, make sure you reward them for any voluntary eye contact or checking in to see where you are. This is a great opportunity to encourage these desired behaviors.

• Poop Bags: Always make sure you’re prepared to clean up after your pup wherever you go.

Pawfect Places for Sniffaris

Trying to brainstorm the pawfect place to take your pup for a sniffari? The options are endless! You can continue to wander through your usual stomping grounds and simply take different routes throughout your neighborhood, but don’t limit yourself. Hop in your car and head to a local park, visit area walking paths, or even do part of an easy nearby hiking trail. The emphasis of these sniff walks is to expose your pooch to an array of new sights, smells, and sounds. Want to get out but bummed that it’s raining? Visit your favorite dog-friendly stores!

Sniffaris — A Special Solution for Senior Dogs

While enrichment is important for every dog, activities like sniff walks, puzzle feeders, and other enrichment toys are extra fabulous ways to better the lives of senior dogs. As our beloved furry friends age and are no longer capable of being as physically active as they once were, it’s important to keep their minds bright and lively. That’s where sniff walks come in. VeterinaryPartner, an online resource created by veterinarians, considers a mere 15 minutes of mental work to be equivalent to a 1-mile walk for your pup! So, instead of taking your dog for a 3-mile walk, consider a 45-minute sniffari instead!

Sniff Safely

While sniffaris are extremely entertaining for your dog, standing in the same place for minutes on end may have you feeling slightly less enthusiastic. However, it’s important to still remain vigilant while out on your sniff walks, even when you’re travelling at a less-than-thrilling 1mph. Keep the following important tips in mind to ensure both you and your dog are safe while out for a sniffari:  

• Be aware of your environment: Keep an eye out for wildlife, traffic, and others walking in the same area.

• Give people and other dogs space: Not all dogs (and people) want to make new friends everywhere they go. Additionally, even on a long line, ensure you have total control over your dog at all times. Shorten the lead until others pass, if necessary.

• Be mindful of what your dog is sniffing: A pile of leaves or the base of the tree is typically harmless, but keep an eye out for debris or litter, as well as small or injured critters that could lash out in fear.

• Don’t let them eat anything: Even if what your dog has encountered appears to be food, you never know where it came from and if it’s safe to consume. Call your dog off the item and reward them with safe treats you brought with you instead.

Have a Tail Waggin’ Good Time!

You love your dog, and you’ll do anything to make them as healthy and happy as possible. In addition to proper nutrition and exercise, it’s crucial that you make their mental needs a priority. Proper enrichment is essential to creating joyful lives for our pets, and sniffaris are a great way to do just that while also drinking in the fresh air and sunlight. So, get out there and start letting your pup take the lead. Happy sniffing!