Get Outside and Try a Sniff Walk With Your Dog!
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Now that the weather’s nice, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors with your furry friend—and a Sniff Walk is a fun and enriching activity to try!
Did you know the part of a dog’s brain that processes smells is about 40 times larger than ours? While humans have around 400 scent receptors, dogs have a whopping 300 million! Sniffing isn’t just something dogs enjoy—it’s how they explore the world. In fact, they rely on their sense of smell even more than their sight. Why Try a Sniff Walk? Sniff Walks offer several benefits for your dog:
Getting Started Is Easy
The key: Keep the leash loose and resist the urge to talk or give verbal cues—let your dog do the work and enjoy the experience. Once your pup gets the hang of it, you can take your Sniff Walks to new locations like a park or open field for even more variety. Sniff Walks are a simple, rewarding way to enrich your dog’s life—and yours too! |
Homemade obstacle course
As winter lingers, it presents a wonderful opportunity to engage in an indoor activity with your furry friend: creating an obstacle course! Consider the various household items at your disposal—chairs, boxes, pillows, and even stairs can be creatively repurposed into an exciting course. By thoughtfully arranging these objects around your home, you can lead your dog through a fun and stimulating adventure that challenges their agility and intelligence. This not only provides physical exercise but also strengthens the bond between you and your pet, all while making the most of a warm indoor environment. Embrace this chance to nurture your dog's playful spirit and enjoy some quality time together!
Curb canine boredom by playing enrichment games
Enrichment exercises are essential for your puppy or dog, as they stimulate both the mind and body, fostering a well-rounded and happy canine companion. Engaging your puppy or dog in various activities not only helps to curb boredom but also strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend, turning playtime into a delightful learning experience.
Here are easy exercises you can affordably replicate at home:
Here are easy exercises you can affordably replicate at home:
- Snuffle Mats/Towels–Place treats inside the snuffle mat or a towel and watch them “sniff” them out to find and snack on!
- Muffin Tin Game–Place treats inside each section on the muffin tin and cover with tennis ball. Watch them figure out how to get the treats.
- Toilet Paper Roll Game–Place toilet paper rolls in a box or plastic container. Fill some of the toilet paper rolls with treat. Watch them “sniff” them out to find which ones have the treats.
Opening the door to your dog's mind
Great dogs just don’t happen by accident. When you train your dog, you establish a powerful bond that helps cement the relationship. Positive reinforcement or reward based training opens the door to your dog’s mind. By receiving rewards for desired behaviors your dog learns how to choose to do the right thing, rather than avoid the wrong thing. As you train your dog you create a relationship of trust and understanding.
Did you know that some rewards are lower value than others and some are higher value? Same holds true for the distractions. In order for training to be successful, you need to pair the reward with the distraction.
Think about your own puppy/dog and how would you pair the appropriate reward with the distraction in order to keep your pup/dog’s attention? (e.g.) While practicing Sit outside, if a rabbit just ran in front of your dog, would kibble work to keep your dog’s attention or would you need a piece of chicken? If your dog is having trouble adjust the reward or change the environment.
Did you know that some rewards are lower value than others and some are higher value? Same holds true for the distractions. In order for training to be successful, you need to pair the reward with the distraction.
Think about your own puppy/dog and how would you pair the appropriate reward with the distraction in order to keep your pup/dog’s attention? (e.g.) While practicing Sit outside, if a rabbit just ran in front of your dog, would kibble work to keep your dog’s attention or would you need a piece of chicken? If your dog is having trouble adjust the reward or change the environment.
Examples of Rewards |
Examples of Distractions |
Kibble |
People, Kids |
Cheerios |
Dogs |
Cheese |
Squirrel, Rabbit |
Freeze Dried Treats |
Cars |
Chewy Treats |
Bikes, Scooters |
Hot Dogs |
Joggers |
Chicken |
Smells |
Blueberries |
Backyard |
Carrots, Green Beans |
Park |
Bacon, Steak |
Loud Sounds |