Why Sniffing on a Walk Is So Important to Your Dog

As autumn settles in, walks with your dog take on a new magic. With cooler air and colorful leaves, this season is the perfect time to let your pup explore the world through their powerful nose. Instead of hurrying through your walk, consider slowing down to let your dog sniff to their heart’s content.

Emma Wailgum, Dog Programs Coordinator, explains why these “sniff sessions” are essential:

“It’s the equivalent of checking their social media timeline! It’s how they gather information about the world around them. Imagine if someone didn’t let you check your phone.”

The Power of a Dog’s Nose

A dog’s sense of smell is truly incredible! While humans have about 6 million scent receptors, dogs boast up to 300 million. Their brains are also wired for smell, with 40 times more processing power dedicated to scents than ours. This means a dog’s sense of smell is up to 100,000 times more sensitive than ours! When your dog sniffs, they’re not just detecting a general scent—they’re gathering detailed information about what’s happening in their environment.

It’s said that 15 to 20 minutes of sniffing is the equivalent of around an hour’s walk.

Sniffing = Mental Exercise and Calm Energy

Allowing your dog to engage their sense of smell is like giving them a mental workout. As they sniff, they’re gathering and decoding information around them, which takes concentration and effort. This mental exercise can be as tiring as physical activity, meaning that a good sniffing session can help your pup burn off energy and feel satisfied by the time you get home. Emma Wailgum notes, “Allowing your dog to use their nose on walks uses a lot of energy and helps them feel satisfied and tired, which can help prevent unwanted behaviors at home.”

Why Fall Is Prime Sniffing Season

The season introduces a whole new variety of scents for dogs to explore. From the earthy aroma of fallen leaves to the traces left by animals passing through—like squirrels, rabbits, and even the occasional deer—there’s so much for them to sniff out

So, this autumn, slow down on your walks and give your dog time to enjoy their surroundings. It’s more than just a walk—it’s their connection to the world, one sniff at a time.

And remember: a tired dog is a happy dog!