Training Talk with Eileen: Social Media for Your Dog

It’s no secret that dogs have an amazing sense of smell. There is scientific research, books and Ted Talks all explaining the mechanics of dogs’ noses, how their brains process information, and the mental stimulation sniffing provides. There are many jobs that rely on this amazing sense – search and rescue, identifying disease, and even identifying bed bugs. Dogs who perform these jobs have some amazing training, but your dog that's lying on the couch right now has the same abilities and need to exercise this gift.

It's safe to say, your dog would very much appreciate a sniff walk. Next time you go for a walk, let your dog set the pace. As much as is practical, let them stop and sniff. You may not get the steps or miles in but think of this time as quality not quantity. When your dog pauses to put their nose to the ground, we recommend you pause, keep the leash loose and avoid hurrying them along with verbal encouragement. Let them take it all in with that powerful nose.

Impatience on your part is understandable. It may feel like it will take hours to get through your walk, but on average each sniff will take less than 10 seconds, and you can relax each time your dog lowers their head. It is fascinating to watch how their nose moves and their breathing changes. These observations can provide a new appreciation of your dog and what motivates them. If you often find yourself reaching for your phone to scroll though the events of the day, a sniff walk is similar for your dog. Remind yourself that your dog is enjoying their own version of social media and absorbing the world around them.

Does this mean your dog gets to go anywhere they want on the walk? Of course not. Don’t let them pull you into traffic or send you crashing through the underbrush. If they are interested in a scent in an area they shouldn’t go, kindly encourage them to keep walking. They will appreciate the next opportunity to sniff that is right around the corner.

If this subject interests you an online search will bring hundreds of articles, books, and research. Alexandra Horowitz has done groundbreaking work on the subject and has published Being a Dog: Following the Dog into a World of Smell. She also has a short, fascinating video on what is happening in your dog’s brain when they are processing smells.