We just got back from a walk – OMDoodle – my dog sniffs everything. So much so, I am beginning to wonder if his behavior is normal. We only strolled a few blocks and it took forever!

I believe I enter the Guinness Book of Records for the longest dog walking pause on any street corner ever- and win!

The fact that sometimes I’ve got things to do is of no concern to him AT all.

Harley has become obsessed with sniffing. He is so determined to have our walks his way – if I try to lure him away against his will, he Houdini’s his head completely out of his collar and continues to sniff to his Doodle hearts content…

Every pole, tree, scrub or blade of grass must be thoroughly inspected before we move on. He is a canine contortionist and can squeeze into the strangest places just to catch a sniff…

IS THIS NORMAL? – 

Apparently so….

Dogs are curious about their surroundings. They love to smell everything (and we all know everything means everything) yuck!

However, when is enough – enough? Most of the articles I’ve read – all bark out similar messaging like – 

• it’s important to let your dog sniff when taking walks
• allow him to be nosey – investigate the world around him
• this is how they communicate

Really? Communicate? With whom?

SHOW ME SOME SCIENCE PLEASE – 

The olfactory sense is one of the most dominant senses for dogs, and canine olfaction is superior to that of humans. The Dodo

Translation: Dogs are way better at smelling then we are.

That said, excessive sniffing is a trait for most dogs because it’s engrained in who they are and how they communicate #theresthatwordagain

All the smells are like text messages in the big cell phone called outside! Dogs want all the intel on what’s been happening in and around their turf, like – 

• what dogs live nearby
• how long ago another dog was at this exact watering hole #punintended
• whose been hanging out in my turf, is it the same gang, or has a new dog found the spot.

LET HIM STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES BUSHES – 

Because Harley’s nose is so much more powerful than mine, I’ve got to –

• be more patient
• make sure my ear buds are fully charged
• go to the bathroom BEFORE these marathon walks #yesJesus

This is probably the best way to find a happy medium. I read where it is good to have consistent routes so the Boys can become familiar with the areas that dogs commonly mark. Over time this may teach Harley where he can spend the majority of his time hanging out – while Jaxson and I wait LOL 

Jaxson is not a sniffer #thankthedoodle – he could actually care less…

What about your dog – is he/she a sniffer? How long are your walks?

Living life at the end of the leash ❤️