21/04/2026
Now we’ve all heard the fact that dogs can smell up to 100,000 times better than humans. But let’s put that into a way we can better understand..
👃Their nose is so sensitive that they can detect the equivalent of a 1/2 a teaspoon of sugar in an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
Dogs can smell separately with each nostril, their brain uses the different odor profiles from each nostril to determine exactly where smelly objects are located.
🐾But WHY is this so important on a walk?
✏️It’s an important part of their learning and exploration. When a dog sniffs a tree, patch of grass, or another dog, they’re picking up information about who’s been there, their health, mood, and even what they’ve eaten.
🧠Sniffing engages a dog’s brain. A walk where a dog is allowed to sniff is much more mentally tiring and satisfying than a fast walk with no stops. Sniffing has a calming effect.
🧘♀️Dogs often sniff more in new or stressful environments because it helps them process what’s going on and feel more secure.
🐶Through scent marking and sniffing, dogs exchange information. It’s a key part of their social behavior.
🦴Dogs evolved to use their noses for hunting, tracking, and exploring. Letting them sniff fulfills these instincts, which contributes to overall wellbeing.
🐕So when your dog wants to stop and sniff everything on a walk, they’re not being stubborn, they’re doing something essential for their mental health and happiness.
🫶🏻Letting them sniff actually makes for a healthier, more fulfilled dog. This is what I like to call mindful walking.
