We’re going on a sniffari
We all know a dog’s nose is pretty special right? But, do you know just how important their sense of smell is to them and how you can use it to keep you dog happy and calm?
The science bit…
Depending on the breed you have, your dog’s sense of smell can be anywhere between 10,000 and 100,000 times more powerful than us mere humans! That’s incredible!! The brachycephalic breeds (dogs with a flat nose) will be at the bottom of this scale and scent hounds like beagles for example will be right at the top end.
They have millions of receptors in their nose to capture smell more efficiently and their wet nose aids scent to ‘stick’. They have slits in their nostrils so they can sniff in but then exhale out the side to prevent the scent from escaping, not to mention both nostrils can move independently! You’ll probably notice that most dogs with a good sense of smell have long ears which help funnel scent to their nose. They have 40 different receptors in their brain to then analyse the smell and what it means to them. They could most probably smell baked beans that are still sealed in the can, in the cupboard, with the door shut! There is a whole other world they can smell that we don’t even know exists! So they can be forgiven when we think they are being ‘naughty’ when distracted out on walks. 😉
This is why breeding puggles (pug x beagle) is controversial as we are creating a dog that has an intense need to sniff and track but given a body that isn’t great for that.
So how can this information benefit both you and your dog?
A dog’s sense of smell is their predominant sense. Not being given opportunity to use it is like blindfolding a person and expecting them to be ok and for it not cause any problems! 🤔 Allowing them time and space to use their nose means a fulfilled, satisfied dog, doing what they were born to do, avoiding any ‘blindfolded’ problems.
When a dog is sniffing, it is calming and self soothing, it lowers there heart rate and arousal levels. This means it can help reduce anxiety levels, boisterousness and hyperactivity. It can play a big part within a training programme to reduce reactivity, aggression, separation anxiety and general anxiety. While sniffing, the dog’s brain is engaged, enabling mental enrichment. This reduces the risks of boredom behaviours such as barking and chewing. Especially for those really intelligent breeds (collies, shepherds, spaniels, poodle crosses etc)
We quite rightly walk/run with our dogs, we play tug, chase a ball… all fab stuff but these activities are only adrenaline based 😬. It’s like repeatedly throwing a toddler into a ball pit all day then expecting them to settle nicely after! Being a Mum, I can hand on heart tell you that doesn’t work!!! We need to help our dogs understand how to settle aswell.
15-20 mins of sniffing activities a day is the equivalent to an hours walk in wearing your dog out but without the adrenaline. (Neither replaces the other, a happy dog has a good balance of both). This helps the dog with all that’s been mentioned above, helps them engage brain and nose, wears them out, and teaches them where their off switch is.
The practical bit…
So how do we get them sniffing? It doesn’t have to be a scent class (although these are brilliant) but you can do these at home. And as a bonus I have some ideas that are free and take a minute in preparation time.
Toys that are great to buy are snuffle mats, lick mats, kongs and any puzzle toys. Your dog will have a different preference to mine so may enjoy different things. You can pick these up easily second hand.
Easy ‘go find games’ like hiding tiny treats (or their dinner) all over the place. This will take them a long time and lots of fun. Dogs LOVE to scavenge and ‘hunt’ for their food so is far more beneficial than just being given food. (You can also hide toys, items or even people)
Fill the cardboard inner tube of empty toilet/kitchen rolls with something tasty, fold the ends and they have to rip it apart.
Empty water bottles. Fill with just enough food to fill the bottom, take the lid and seal off. Let your dog figure out how to get them out.
Tea towels. Sprinkle some food, fold long ways. Sprinkle some more. Fold long ways again. Tie it into a knot. For those who have never done it before or need it easy , just tie a loose knot. Pull it tighter to make it harder.
Put food or treats in water/ chicken broth. Freeze in to ice cubes and give it to them to enjoy. (Especially good in the summer)
The quickest and cheapest way is to scatter feed. Literally throw your dog’s dinner all over the garden and watch them have the best time!
There are endless ways to provide enrichment at home and on walks. I’ve listed ways to do it on limited budget and limited time, but be creative! You will really see a difference.
Top tips:
Always supervise to avoid choking hazards
Pick up the snuffle mats etc as soon as they are done to prevent them then ripping the toy.
It doesn’t have to be fatty sweet type treats. It can be fruit, veg, or even your dog’s dinner that can be used. Especially if weight gain is an issue.
The food inside these activities can be tiny little pieces and just enough to get their noses going. Research suggests the idea of getting the treat is far more rewarding than actually getting the treat!
Be very careful and consult a behaviourist if your dog displays signs of resource guarding
Happy sniffing!!!!
