Dogs love to smell and what better way to stimulate their olfactory senses than going on a sniffing safari or ‘sniffari’? Your dog will love you for it. A sniffari is normally done outside on a long walk in a relatively safe area. Here’s how you can start his experience.
In the garden
To get your dog used to the experience, start at home. Set up a trail for him in the garden with items that he loves, like a few treats and his favourite toys. Mix things up a little by placing ‘new’ smells, for example, a potato, along the route. Refrain from using unsafe items like essential oils, candles or strong smells that could harm your dog. End the trail with a new toy or new treats. Keep him on leash so that he gets used to the experience.
In the park
Next, take your dog on a sniffari in a dog-friendly park. If you can, plan your trail in advance and ask someone to walk a few metres in front of you to hide a few items along the way. Ask the person to hide the items under or in trees, under plants, under pebbles and in other safe places.
The more interesting the smells, the longer he will be fascinated and enjoy the sniffari. Watch your dog closely, and if he shows signs of tiredness, halt the sniffari and let him rest.
