It's Summer, and it’s time to embark on a Sniffari!
We've been hitting highs of over 30 degrees in the UK, which is far too hot for a lot of our dogs. Most of us dog walkers have been taking our pups out before and after it heats up for exercise. But it might mean that they miss out on social and mental stimulation. A sniffari is the pawfect alternative. Here we discuss the benefits of a sniffari for dogs, how to conduct your own, and even some private sniffing experiences you can book!
The Benefits of Scenting for dogs
Dogs ‘see’ the world through their nose. Their sense of smell is akin to their "Social Media". Scent investigation provides information about the environment, including who has been there, their health, and when they passed by. They have hundreds of millions of scent receptors compared to our six million. The area of a dog’s brain dedicated to scent analysis is a huge 40 times bigger than ours! This means that sniffing engages a dog’s brain, with 15-20 minutes of scent-intensive sniffing providing as much mental stimulation as a 1-hour walk.
Sniff walks and scent training are just as effective as physical exercise. They can help with expending excess energy and decreasing destructive behaviors. Studies have shown that by giving your dog the opportunity to sniff (and letting them take their time), their heart rate decreases, and blood pressure drops. They are more relaxed. This can help with regulation and recovery from stress.
Conduct Your Own Sniffari
Conducting your own Sniffari couldn't be easier. Start by choosing the right location, ideally somewhere with varied terrains. Such as a countryside trail, a blooming local woodland, or a lush green park.
Make sure that you pack a long leash, a good bottle of water, of course, and then let your furry friend take the lead. When your dog stops to sniff something, let them. Don't hurry them along. Be engaged and put your phone away, (as we've recommended before), and pay attention to your pup. You can even encourage them by scattering some favourite treats around, to entice their olfactory system.
Visit a Sniffari
Did you know you can even visit a Sniffari? Places like Ross and Friends offer private Sniffaris to book for your pup. Their dedicated Sniffari field features an enclosed forest with natural enrichment and mentally stimulating activities. It's set within a designated area of natural outstanding beauty and has two metre fences all around. There's a water hole for dogs to splash around, play, and cool down. The area is shaded and cool, and there's a doggy shower and water station for hot weather, making it perfect for this heated summer. And as it's fully enclosed and private, your pup can be off lead to get the best out of the experience.
Plenty of dog training services also offer scent trailing and tracking exercises, where you and your dog can participate in tracking, trailing and exploration.
Looking for a borrower to help out with walking your dog this summer? Sign up below. Or enjoy more tips on how to entertain your pooch during a heatwave.
