the_tessa•2d agoProlific Poster

That guy at the dog park who swore by 'just let them sniff everything'

So there's this older guy, Frank, who's always at the park with his golden retriever. He told me I was ruining my walks by yanking my dog away from every bush and fire hydrant. I laughed it off for like 6 months because my beagle would sniff for 10 minutes on one spot and I got impatient. Finally tried it his way last Tuesday during a 45 minute walk. I let her sniff until she was ready to move and honestly she pulled way less and seemed way more relaxed. We covered the same loop but it took 20 minutes longer and she didn't try to bolt after a single squirrel. Anyone else have someone's advice they ignored way too long?

2 comments

2 Comments

xenaf511d ago

Frank's story is exactly the kind of advice I wish I'd listened to sooner. My vet basically told me the same thing about my hound mix, that sniffing is like reading the newspaper for them, and I gave her the same eye roll for months. Finally tried a sniff-focused walk last weekend and the difference was night and day. My dog came home tired in a totally different way, more mentally satisfied than exhausted from pulling. It takes some patience to stand there watching them contemplate a single blade of grass, but the payoff is worth it.

stellanelson1d ago

I timed my first sniff walk and it took us 45 minutes to go two blocks. My neighbor saw me standing there watching my dog inspect a fire hydrant like it was a masterpiece and she asked if I was okay. The real joke is on me though because now I can't go back. My dog gives me this look if I try to rush her. It's like she knows I finally get it.