Sniffing is “Dog TV”: Why Your Dog Needs a “Sniffari”

Many Georgia owners think the only way to tire out a high-energy dog is a 5-mile run. But sometimes, your dog is still “wired” after a long walk. Why? Because you exercised their muscles but ignored their brain.

The Science: A dog’s sense of smell is 10,000 to 100,000 times more acute than ours. If our vision is a 13-inch black-and-white TV, their sense of smell is a 4K IMAX theater. When a dog sniffs a fire hydrant or a patch of grass, they aren’t just “smelling”—they are reading the local news. They can tell who passed by, what they ate, their health status, and how long ago they were there.

The “Sniffari” Concept: Mental stimulation is often more exhausting than physical exercise. Letting your dog lead the walk and sniff everything they want (a “Sniffari”) lowers their heart rate and reduces cortisol levels.

• The Pro Tip: Instead of a fast-paced walk where you pull them away from every blade of grass, dedicate 15 minutes of your walk to “Dog Choice.” Let them sniff until they are satisfied. You’ll find they come home much calmer than if they had just run a mile.