Sniff Walks: How to Turn a Normal Walk Into Real Enrichment

Some walks are about mileage. A sniff walk is about meaning. When you give your dog time to follow their nose, you’re letting them do what they’re built for: gathering information, making choices, and decompressing. The best part? You don’t need special kit, big hills, or hours of free time — just a small shift in how you walk.

At a glance

  • A sniff walk prioritises sniffing and exploring over distance and pace.
  • It’s real enrichment because it taps into natural behaviours (searching, investigating, problem-solving). (dogstrust.org.uk)
  • Use the right setup: comfy harness + longer lead, plus a “sniff” cue.
  • Choose the right places: varied scents, fewer crowds, and low-pressure routes.
  • Stay countryside-smart: keep dogs on a lead around livestock; seasonal lead rules apply on Open Access land. (gov.uk)

What is a sniff walk (and what it isn’t)?

A sniff walk (sometimes called a “sniffari”) is a walk where your dog sets the agenda with their nose. You still keep things safe and polite, but you deliberately slow down and allow frequent stops, zig-zags, and investigation.

It’s not a free-for-all. It’s structured freedom: your dog gets choice and time to sniff, while you manage lead length, location, and the occasional “let’s go” when needed.

Why sniffing counts as enrichment

Dogs experience the world primarily through scent. When they sniff, they’re not “wasting time” — they’re reading a whole noticeboard of who’s been there, what happened, and what’s changed. Organisations that focus on dog welfare and behaviour consistently recommend enrichment that includes sniffing and searching because it supports natural instincts and can help dogs settle. (dogstrust.org.uk)

There’s also growing scientific interest in how scent-based activities affect canine welfare and behaviour (including a recognised need for more research in everyday companion contexts). (sciencedirect.com)

The “sniff walk” setup (simple kit that makes it easier)

1) Harness over collar (for most dogs)

A well-fitting harness gives your dog freedom to move their head and neck to follow scent without constant pressure. If your dog is already comfortable on a collar and doesn’t pull, that can be fine too — but most owners find a harness makes sniff walks smoother.

2) Longer lead (3–10 metres), used responsibly

A longer line gives your dog room to arc and investigate. If you’re new to it, start shorter and practise lead-handling in quiet places so it doesn’t tangle.

3) Treats (optional) + a pouch

Not to “bribe” — just to reward check-ins, calm disengagement from distractions, and polite passing.

4) A couple of cues that keep it clear

  • “Go sniff” = you’re welcome to explore
  • “This way” (or “Let’s go”) = we’re moving on together
  • “Find it” = I’ve scattered food in the grass (great for instant enrichment) (rspcasolentbranch.org.uk)

How to run a sniff walk (step-by-step)

Step 1: Start with a decompression minute

Before you head off, give your dog 60 seconds near the start to sniff a hedge, verge, or tree. This “arrives” them in the environment and often reduces the frantic start-of-walk energy.

Step 2: Slow your pace by half

Pick a route where you can tolerate stop-start movement (parks, quieter streets, riverside paths). Aim for time rather than distance: even 15–25 minutes can feel “full” for your dog.

Step 3: Use the 80/20 rule

Try this simple structure:

  • 80% of the walk: dog-led sniffing within safe boundaries
  • 20% of the walk: purposeful walking (practise loose lead, pass people, cross roads)

Step 4: Reward check-ins, not constant heelwork

On a sniff walk, the skill you want is: “I can explore, and I can reconnect.” When your dog glances back, returns to you, or chooses to move with you, quietly reward it.

Step 5: Finish with a calm reset

End on a gentle note: a quiet sniffy verge, a short “find it” scatter, or a sit-and-watch moment. You’re teaching the nervous system that the walk ends calmly, not in a rush.

Where to do sniff walks (and where to avoid)

Great sniff-walk spots

  • Hedges, woodland edges, and leaf litter (loads of scent variety)
  • Quiet parks early or mid-day (fewer off-lead surprises)
  • Riverside paths (interesting scents without constant foot traffic)
  • After-light-rain pavements (scents “lift” and linger)

Trickier sniff-walk spots

  • Busy café streets (too many interruptions and tight lead spaces)
  • Peak-time dog parks (hard to keep it calm and choice-led)
  • Livestock fields unless you’re confident and compliant with lead rules (see below)

Sniff walks for different dogs

Puppies

Keep it short and gentle. Let them sniff new textures and low-pressure environments. Avoid overwhelming “anything goes” places — you want curiosity, not chaos.

Adolescents (the “everything is exciting” stage)

Sniff walks can reduce frantic pulling because they give a legal outlet for exploration. Use frequent “this way” turns and reward check-ins. Keep the lead long enough to explore, short enough to stay safe.

Older dogs

Sniff walks are fantastic when stamina is lower but curiosity is high. Choose flat routes, reduce slippery surfaces, and allow longer sniff breaks with fewer steps.

Reactive or anxious dogs

A sniff walk is often easier than a “training walk” because it lowers pressure and increases choice. Pick quiet routes with escape options (wide paths, side turns). If your dog is worried by other dogs or people, prioritise distance and calm observation over “meet and greet.”

Make it enrichment-rich (easy upgrades)

Try a “find it” scatter

In grass (where safe), scatter a few small treats and say “find it.” This taps into searching and can help your dog settle quickly. (rspcasolentbranch.org.uk)

Do a “choose the route” moment

At a fork in the path, pause and let your dog choose left or right (as long as both are safe). Choice is enrichment.

Add one micro-challenge

  • Step onto a low log or kerb (confidence-building)
  • Sniff a new texture (bench leg, fence post, tree base)
  • Walk a slow figure-of-eight around two trees

Bring sniffing home too

On days when the weather is dreadful, do a “sniffari” indoors: hide treats around one room, then gradually make it harder. Dogs Trust shares sniff-based enrichment ideas that work brilliantly at home. (dogstrust.ie)

Safety and etiquette (especially in the UK countryside)

Sniff walks should still be responsible walks. If you’re heading into rural paths, remember:

  • Keep your dog on a lead around livestock — and always follow local signage. (gov.uk)
  • On Open Access land, there are times when dogs must be on lead (including a seasonal restriction set out in the Countryside Code). (gov.uk)
  • Livestock worrying law has been strengthened in England and Wales, with tougher penalties and more enforcement powers. (gov.uk)

If your sniff walk is in town: keep lead length appropriate near roads, cyclists, and tight paths, and don’t let your dog block gates, prams, or doorways.

Common mistakes (and quick fixes)

  • Mistake: “Sniff walk” turns into constant pulling.
    Fix: Stop moving when the lead is tight, then move when it softens. Reward check-ins.
  • Mistake: You keep saying “leave it” at every sniff.
    Fix: Save “leave it” for genuine hazards. Otherwise, let sniffing happen.
  • Mistake: Too many busy places in one walk.
    Fix: One calm sniffy route beats five hectic stops.
  • Mistake: Long line chaos (tangles, trips, frustration).
    Fix: Practise handling in a quiet field first; wear gloves if needed.

FAQ

How long should a sniff walk be?

Long enough for your dog to relax into it. For many dogs, 15–30 minutes of slow sniffing can be more satisfying than an hour of marching.

Will sniff walks make my dog slower or “stubborn” on normal walks?

Usually the opposite. When dogs regularly get time to sniff, they often pull less because their needs are being met. Keep cues clear (“go sniff” vs “this way”) so your dog understands the difference.

Do sniff walks help with behaviour issues like reactivity?

They can support calmer behaviour by lowering pressure and increasing choice, but they’re not a replacement for training. If your dog’s reactions are intense or worsening, it’s worth speaking to a qualified trainer or behaviourist.

Can I do a sniff walk on a retractable lead?

You can, but it’s often harder to manage safely near roads and other people. Many owners find a fixed long line more predictable for both dog and handler.

What if my dog eats everything they sniff?

Choose cleaner routes, keep the lead shorter in risky areas, and train a reliable “leave it” and trade-up. If your dog is scavenging obsessively, discuss it with your vet to rule out medical or dietary causes.

Final Thoughts

A sniff walk is one of the simplest upgrades you can make to your dog’s daily life. Slow down, follow the nose, and let curiosity do the work — you’ll often see a calmer, more satisfied dog at home afterwards.

Explore more dog walking tips on DogWalksNearMe.co.uk — from loose lead walking plans to countryside safety and enrichment ideas you can use all year round.