The What’s and How To’s of Sniffaris
If you've never taken your dog on a “sniffari"—basically an adventure led by their nose—now's the time! A “sniffari” can be as simple as a walk where you allow your dog to lead the way, sniffing and investigating to their heart's content. They choose the directions and the off-road attractions.
Sure, this works great if your dog is already super sniffy, but if your pup’s walks aren’t as adventurous as a hound’s, here are some tips:
- Choose a Safe Location:
Parks, trails, different neighborhoods, or even your own fenced-in back yard can offer new scents for your dog to explore.
- Leash Up:
Use a long leash to give your dog plenty of room to explore.
- Take Your Time:
The point is to let your dog set the pace and decide the route based on what interests them. Give them the lead and allow them to take their time (audiobooks and podcasts for the humans are always good options).
- Do It Your Way:
We know not all areas are ideal for walking, and other life engagements can cause a time crunch, so if you have a fenced-in yard or stable leash set up outside, take a few minutes to hide treats all around your space and let your dog have a blast finding them!
- For experienced searchers, you can try digging a shallow space in the mulch or leaving a puzzle toy filled with treats to find.
It's the ultimate sensory experience for dogs and an exercise in mindfulness for the human on the other end of the leash. Trust us, the “sniffari” will turn your ordinary walks into extraordinary explorations! And, believe it or not, a good “sniffari” can wear your dog out just as effectively as a long walk or run.
All Dogs Included
For our pups who may be past their prime, have special needs, or have difficulties walking, we suggest the wonderful world of
snuffle mats. Snuffle mats are a perfect enrichment tool designed to engage your dog's natural foraging instincts. Typically made of fabric strips on a base layer (think of a really shaggy rug or a rug made with ribbon!), these mats provide an intricate landscape where you can hide treats or kibble in it’s nooks and crannies to create a playground for your special pooch. As your dog navigates through the fabric to locate the hidden food, they receive not only a physical challenge but also a cognitive one. It's like a stay-at-home “sniffari”!
Snuffle mats are also a good idea for any dogs who like to be active and are recovering from surgery!
Cruciate tears have a longer recovery time— we recommend trying a snuffle mat a few times a day for your bored pooch.
The More You Know
Sniffing, searching, and playing games are about more than just keeping your dog entertained; they are crucial for their physical and mental wellbeing. Think of it as a window to a world rich in stories, puzzles, and adventures. By understanding and encouraging this behavior, you're not only enhancing your dog's wellbeing but also deepening the bond you share. So the next time your dog starts sniffing around, think twice before you pull them away—they're just engaging with the world in the way that nature intended. And who knows? You might even discover that “sniffaris” become the highlight of your dog's day—aside from seeing you, of course!
