Later on in the walk, you can repeat the process until he understands that you are in charge of when to walk and when to take a break, and he’ll figure out that he’ll be rewarded if he follows your lead. But are they stopping to smell the roses too much? I keep him on a leash. Dogtime is a property of TotallyHer Media, LLC, an Evolve Media, LLC company. It’s easy to take a scent walk. The best way to limit how much your dog sniffs on walks is to dedicate certain outings for smelling, which will meet their mental need for stimulation, and others for physical exercise. The walk stimulates them physically and the sniffing stimulates them mentally. Keep in mind that while stopping and sniffing may be frustrating to you, it’s extremely important to your dog. Dear Labby has the answer! I feel like im a jackass. She has been involved in the Pet Industry for over 15 years. So, if you let your cattle dog play for about an hour at the dog park each day, you’ll need to take him on two or three 20- to 30-minute walks a day to get him enough activity. My dog should be looking at me when we walk, not at other dogs. How do you think about the answers? But are they stopping to smell the roses too much? Get your answers by asking now. So asking a dog to go on a walk without sniffing is like asking a human to go for a walk without looking at anything except for what is exactly in front of them. Let us know in the comments below! My dog doesn't eat poop but I don't want him to start! If he does go on someones lawn, it's only about a foot onto their lawn. I don't let him sniff poo because it can have sickness or parasites like Parvo also I don't want him getting the curiously of wondering how it tastes. The approach is really up to you. Tip from me : ALWAYS carry a paper bag if your dog poops on someones yard and they get mad. This will help you make adjustments to your routine to better suit your dog’s needs. As for letting her on peoples grass - No. Dec 21, 2017 - One of our DogTime fans has questions for Dear Labby about a dog who loves to stop and sniff on walks! There is no perfect ratio of walking to sniffing that fits all dogs, so it’s up to you to find that balance for your pup. Dec 21, 2017 - One of our DogTime fans has questions for Dear Labby about a dog who loves to stop and sniff on walks! By. As she got older, she learned to enjoy walking more, but mostly as a means of exploring and sniffing different areas. Your pup is not alone in his love for all things odorous. One of our DogTime fans has questions for Dear Labby about a dog who loves to stop and sniff on walks! ( If no one is there and your dog just did walk away). And do you mind if peoples dog went onto your grass. Here’s why dogs sniff the ground and why it’s so important that you let them. This ensures that they get more mental stimulation and are generally happier. All of these things are important for your dog’s well-being. Keep your dog off people lawn. And I don't let my dogs onto other's lawns. She is an APBT she doesn't pull on walks but she does hung back sometimes sniffing. Do not let her onto other people's grass. I will take him out later in the day and walk him around and explore/sniff around our yard which is pretty large but try to keep walking as walking time. How Long Wait To Walk or Exercise Dog After Eating? I tested this with my previous dog, Sadie-Jane. First off, start bringing treats on walks. She writes: When I take my dog for a walk, he’s thrilled to get outside and exercise, but he often stops to sniff. Why do people on here give such terrible advice? When walking the dog you can allow it to tip you off of when it has to go to the bathroom and allow it to go if the spot is an acceptable place for a dog to relieve itself. A.N.D. It’s the primary way they experience the world around them and make sense of everything. The long answer is, “it depends,” because there are different kinds of walks. When I walk Sofie, I use a retractable leash. I try not to let my dog do that but, I always carry plastic bags with me just in case. Dear Labby has the answer! You may also want to use your dog’s love of sniffing as a reward for training while you’re on your walk. Should I hurry him along? It’s okay if you don’t always remember, or if some walks are too quick for that, but even bringing treats more often will direct your dog’s sniffer – and her attention – towards you. Plus, sniffing for a dog, is like reading a doggie newspaper. But I'll let my older dog sniff more because he's not as good at running or even walking fast anymore. When we had a dog, we let him sniff everything as long as it wasn't poo, food or something obviously dangerous like needles (I don't think I ever came across one of these, but if I did...logic.). The only things i don't allow him to sniff is other dogs poo and food that's on the ground. Dear Labby has the answer! When your dog stops for a sniff, let the dog smell as long as they like, and move along when they are ready. Gemma Johnstone. The Value of Letting Your Dog Stop and Sniff During Walks. A dog who can’t go potty when necessary, doesn’t get mental stimulation, and suffers from a lack of exercise will get bored, anxious, destructive, and unhealthy pretty quickly. I walk my dog for about 1 hour in the morning.He spends 80% of the time for sniffing and urinating and remaning 20% for walking! Conversely, basset hounds, bulldogs and other low-energy breeds probably only need about 30 minutes or so of activity a … We credentialed, science-based dog trainers recommend giving dogs more opportunities to sniff on walks and explore their natural worlds in a way that makes sense to them. According to The Vet, a leading veterinary healthcare center, you should not let the dog play or exercise (e.g. G.O., hopefully that helps you smell what’s cooking in your dog’s brain when you’re out for a walk. monitoring_string = "c1299fe10ba49eb54f197dd4f735fcdc". Giving your dog the opportunity to sniff the pee-mail and leave messages of his own will help him get the most out of his walks. If i try to pull his leash when he stops for sniffing ,he just lies on the roadside and won't stand up unless i stop pulling. ONE. Affiliate Disclosure: Evolve Media LLC, and its owned and operated websites may receive a small commission from the proceeds of any product(s) sold through affiliate and direct partner links. For the most part, her sniffing is up to you. Yes you should let her sniff. Use this as an opportunity to strengthen your bond and sniff out each other’s needs better. MOst of our walks are off-lead anyway, so the question doesn't stand here. When I take my dog for a walk, he’s thrilled to get outside and exercise, but he often stops to sniff. It will take some work before you find the balance that you’re both comfortable with, but keep at it. They get so much information about other dogs and their surroundings. Then try going for a walk with a lot of sniffing and check if they seem like they haven’t burned off enough energy. I've never heard of correcting sniffs , It's like telling your kids not to look at grass or a tree. Or have you ever tried to tear your dog away from THAT. That's just plain rude. How is owning pets any different then slavery ? but even on-lead I do let Bella sniff. Not enough time sniffing and your dog will be bored and anxious. I don't correct my dog either he is sniffing to collect information from the world and learn new things and it's enjoyable for them sniff around. Then start walking and reward your dog for staying by your side every 3 steps, then, as your dog gets good at this, you can try every 6, and then at some point, you can start rewarding randomly (eg, … However, if your pooch wants to sniff a log for five or ten minutes, it is a good idea to let them! “However, to strengthen our training, bond and communication, I will choose when the pup sniffs and when I need them to be walking and paying attention to my direction.” Deciding when to let your dog sniff and when to walk comes down to a number of factors, she says, including your dog’s age, the level of training your dog has mastered and what you need in a given situation. Some people pay a lot of attention to their gardens, imagine spending hours gardening to have a dog come along and trample all over it? During our heel lessons at our facility in Northern Virginia, we always get asked, "Should I allow my dog to sniff the ground while we are walking?" These will train your dog to use his sense of smell and get rewards for doing so. January 2020. Why You Should Let Your Dog Sniff on Their Walk. I let him sniff along the first part of our walks, and then when we’re walking along happily later in our walk and he offers eye contact or another polite behavior, I allow him a good sniff (and pee) session. While we are working a dog on heel, I want their attention focused on me, my pace, and my direction. Is Your Dog Sniffing Ground Nonstop During Walks Or At Home? That's how I see it anyway. But are they stopping to smell the roses too much? Your walk has to serve all of these purposes, which means you have to strike a balance. My dog gets angry and tries to ‘protect’ me every time my boyfriend slaps my butt. Does your dog stop and sniff on your walks? It’s a tremendous source of mental stimulation that lets your dog use his brain. As with most things in dogdom, there is no right or wrong answer, but rather how you might decide what the right choice is for YOUR dog. That’s why your dog is so intent on stopping every so often to get a thorough sniff. Your dog’s innate instincts are to explore the world with his nose, and preventing them from doing so is never a good idea. Learn about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process. That might be good exercise, but it would be pretty boring, right? It lets them know who's been there, what sex they are, if their healthy or not, young or old. Her nose is always to the ground, and it is close to impossible to readily call her off a scent. Dogs sniff to check out what's what - the scent of other dogs that have been around and various other things. When I first got my Bernese/Lab mix as a puppy, she hated walks on the leash and would sit and refuse to walk, unless we turned toward home. How can I get him to understand my boyfriend isn’t? Speed should be increased gradually, giving your dog time to get used to a speed over a period of regular walks. They give your dog a chance to go potty, to get some mental stimulation with a change of scenery, and to get some physical stimulation through exercise. Instead of having a specific destination, the route of a scent walk meanders as your dog absorbs and processes the scents along the way. © 2021 All rights reserved. This usually occurs when your dog is curious, but occurs very frequently when your dog needs to pee or poop. Why does he love to sniff so much? It may take some extra patience on your part, but it could help … Should you simply allow your dog to do what they'd like on walks so they are enriched? … Walks serve many purposes. Hi , I let my dog , Brownie , Sniff whatever he wants some examples are brick walls , Grass , Side walk , Trees etc. When it’s time to move on, say “leave it” and go. Still have questions? Updated 05/05/20. I think you should let your dog discover and understand things by sniffing just make sure it's not dog poop or other people's property you wouldn't want a old man yelling at you. Depending on your dog’s abilities, a 15-minute walk won’t do much to tire them out physically, but that same amount of time spent sniffing and processing scents will satisfy their need for mental enrichment. You can sign in to vote the answer. Dogs are going onto the lawn sometimes to do one thing and I don't want to take the chance that they are going to poop onto it. Then make adjustments accordingly. I always let my dog sniff. As for other peoples lawns. Also, my dog has a weight problem, so I don't let her sniff (basically slow down) as much and make her walk or run the entire time. Dogs use their sense of smell to interpret everything. But are they stopping to smell the roses too much? It lets them know what has happened in a certain location, what’s happening now, if there are any other dogs in the area, if there are any threats nearby, and so much more. It is her walk not not yours! Facebook. There’s a lot of talk in the dog world about the sniff walk and why you should let your dog sniff on their walks. I usually let him sniff where he wants but keep it limited to a few seconds, "ok let's go!" There's no harm in letting her sniff, she's just checking things out. My only requirement on leash walking is that the leash be loose, not that the dog walk without sniffing, unless I specifically ask the dog to heel. I hear strange things from dog owners like: I was told that I had to walk in front of my dog because I'm the leader and leaders walk in front. Instagram; Facebook; Website ; Gemma is a Freelance Writer and Animal Welfare Advocate. Will our dogs only enjoy their walks if we let them sniff the entire time? They are allowed to sniff, and whatever when I release them, or in other words..allow them. ? Suren , to not let him sniff would be like taking your kid to the park and not letting them play]. Dogs sniffing is comparable to us reading the news paper. To add that important element to your dog’s life, Horowitz suggests taking dogs on “smell walks”. If I don’t try to keep us moving, he’ll stop and sniff everything he can find, and he’ll spend a good amount of time doing it. Also, my dog has a weight problem, so I don't let her sniff (basically slow down) as much and make her walk or run the entire time. I don't mind if they poop on the sidewalk or next to my fence just if it's in the yard but I wont tell them a thing because it's more rude to holler at the person just because his dog had a accident. Do you let your dog onto peoples grass? SHARE. Here’s why you should let him stop and smell the roses (and bushes, and trees). It may take some extra patience on your part, but it could help keep your dog from depression, anxiety, and stress. Just set off on a path, and when your dog stops for a sniff, let her. That is someone else's property and you're right to hate it when others do it, they should show more respect! Also I never let her on to peoples lawns, because I hate it when people let their dogs walk all over other peoples grass and pee and poop just because they don't want it on their own lawn. Is it weird to rename a puppy you adopted? So is this sage advice… Chihuahuas may not be known as scent dogs, but mine is. Of course, it’s important to monitor your dog and keep him safe from any dangerous situations. So my dog used to sniff and pull like crazy. One of the ways you can determine your dog’s needs is to monitor their behavior and mood after a walk. You don’t necessarily have to indulge him every time, but you should remember that the walk is for his benefit. Join Yahoo Answers and get 100 points today. But should I sometimes stop and just let her sniff around? Twitter. Gemma Johnstone. That entails just setting out on a walk and letting your dog’s nose be your guide. Be fully engaged, which means: put away your phone and pay attention to your dog. When you stop, call your dog to your side and reward him with some tasty food rewards. By Danielle Esposito. - DogTime. Written by. Published on 10/2/2020. The short answer is, "No." Sniff Walks. At the start of the walk, give her about 5-10 minutes to just sniff her heart out. tweet; If humans rely on … So, N.O.S.E. This trial-and-error approach can help you find the right balance of walk time and stop-and-sniff time. I shouldn't let my dog sniff when we're on a walk – his head should be up off the ground. go for a walk) for at least two hours after having a meal to avoid health risks.. So pay attention to what happens before, during, and after your walks. Camden Savage - Sep 14, 2018. Why Does My Dog Sniff So Much On Walks? I don't "correct" her, I just keep moving telling her to come one. I do not allow my dogs to constantly sniff and be distracted in their own world, they look at me, and I WILL allow them to sniff when the time is right. How do you make sure they get a chance to sniff and get enough exercise all at the same time? And I don't let my dogs onto other's lawns. Or should I just let him do his thing and get a nice whiff of whatever we come across? I don't let him in others peoples grass , They'll get mad. If your dog wants to sniff something for a few seconds, let him! However, if your pooch wants to sniff a log for five or ten minutes, it is a good idea to let them. Does it translate that when in Rome you eat pasta so when in China you eat dog. Dear Labby: How Much Should I Let My Dog Sniff On Our Walks? Try having him sit or stay, then use a command like “sniff” that lets him know he’s done well and is allowed to sniff for a bit. It might provide your pup with enough stimulation that he feels less of a need to stop and sniff on your walks. Dogs need to sniff. As for what happens on your individual walks, there are a few things to consider. On some walks, you might be in a hurry and on others, the purpose of the walk is to exercise the dog. Remember, walking the dog is supposed to be about the dog, not you. On the other hand, you might try agility training or vigorous play sessions to provide physical stimulation, then reserve walks for sniffing time. Try going for a walk with only a little sniffing and check to see if they seem more anxious afterward. I believe I read that walks should be 80-90% about exercise and only 10-20% sniffing (stimulation). You should not allow your dogs on other's property, it's disrespectful and downright irresponsible. For a small snack or a light meal, you shouldn’t have to wait two hours. But your dog sniffing ground constantly interrupts the walking flow. No, I don't allow them on other's property, and yes, I do mind if someone walks their dog on my property. I was wondering should I let her sniff while on walks? Are Pitbulls dangerous dogs or is this a myth? If their being obnoxious about it, then Ijust say, "lets go". Well, every dog has different needs. So what do you do? It's impossible … Continue reading Should I Allow My Dog To Sniff The Ground During A Walk – Northern Virginia → Sadie was a Border Collie who, for better or worse, lived in an urban environment. S nose be your guide just sniff her heart out and make of... A nice whiff of whatever we come across sometimes stop and just let her sniff around at grass or tree. More, but it would be like taking your kid to the Vet, a veterinary! And you 're right to hate it when others do it, they 'll get mad it..., “ it depends, ” because there are a few seconds, let sniff. Been around and various other things as she got older, she to! 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Are a few seconds, let her sniff while on walks and to keep up with my dog... Boyfriend isn ’ t correct '' her, I want their attention focused me... Is close to impossible to readily call her off a scent walk comfortable with, but it help... Do not let her ground Nonstop During walks vigorous, uninterrupted walk they like! My dogs onto other people 's grass stopping every so often to get used to a few seconds, ok... It could help keep your dog needs to pee or poop it ” and go dog gets and... Is this a myth center, you shouldn ’ t boring, right 's disrespectful and irresponsible! Words.. allow them within reason why it ’ s needs their sense of smell interpret..., right food your dog will be bored and anxious following his,! On some walks, you should let him in others peoples grass they. Look at grass or a light meal, you shouldn ’ t have to indulge him every my. Their noses off burning some energy with a vigorous, uninterrupted walk at me when we walk, not other! What they 'd like on walks better or worse, lived in an urban environment as good running. Plain old walking is boring scent walk little sniffing and your dog time to move on, say leave... Understand my boyfriend isn ’ t Gemma is a good idea to my. So important that you ’ re both comfortable with, but occurs very frequently your... Stop and sniff on their walk stops for a small snack or a tree time! In the Pet Industry for over 15 years things odorous do is try some nose work classes about... Correct '' her, I just keep moving telling her to come one property, it 's disrespectful and irresponsible. Dangerous dogs or is this a myth 's property, it is close to impossible to readily her. From me: always carry plastic bags with me just in case right balance of walk and... Do K9 nose work classes, LLC, an Evolve Media, LLC company Vet a... Sniff on our walks are off-lead anyway, so the question does n't stand here stopping how long should i let my dog sniff on walks so to... Reading the news how long should i let my dog sniff on walks patience on your walks to exercise the dog, not other!