The sense of smell of dogs is, on average, 10,000 to 100,000 times more powerful than that of humans. They have around 300 million olfactory receptors, compared to only 5 to 6 million for us. This exceptional sense of smell allows them to detect objects, people and animals from miles away, as well as to perceive information about their environment and their peers. The sense of smell is one of the most developed senses in dogs, and sniffing while out for a walk is essential for their mental and emotional well-being.
During walks, sniffing allows the dog to gather a multitude of information about its environment. It can determine the presence of other dogs, animals, people, or objects.
Sniffing is also a way for dogs to communicate with each other. : by sniffing the scents left by other dogs, they can learn about their age, gender, etc... By sniffing the scents left by other dogs, your dog learns to better understand and communicate with his peers.
Sniffing while out for a walk has a calming and relaxing effect on the dog. When he is allowed to explore his environment with his truffle, he feels more comfortable and less stressed.
It is a great way for dogs to stimulate their brains. This helps them stay mentally active and prevents boredom, which can reduce unwanted behaviors such as destruction or excessive barking.
While sniffing may seem passive, it's actuallyphysical activity for your dog. By exploring his environment with his truffle, he also uses his muscles and expends energy.
Letting a dog sniff while out for a walk therefore stimulates his intellect and enriches his experience. So do not hesitate to give your dog the time and space necessary to sniff during your outings, and you will quickly notice the benefits of this practice on his health and happiness.
