Canine behavioural specialist, Paula O’Sullivan has outlined the importance of partaking in one activity with your dog for 20 minutes each day – and how it will benefit them
A canine behavioural expert has urged all dog owners to take their pets on a “sniffari” to help them get the most out of their exercise. While nearly all dogs enjoy going outdoors, specialist Paula O’Sullivan highlighted the significance of a 20-minute walk that stimulates their senses.
On TikTok, she asked her followers: “Did you know that a 20-minute ‘sniff walk’ is equivalent to an hour’s aerobic exercise for your dog?” Paula continued: “This is especially helpful for any dogs with limited activities, such as puppies, elderly dogs or even injured dogs.” She also noted that when resting, dogs breathe at approximately 30 breaths per minute – however, while walking, this increases to 60 and when running it’s 90.
And more significantly, the specialist advised: “When they are sniffing, it’s 150 breaths per minute – that’s how stimulating sniffing really is for your dog.”
Paula also described sniffing as “hugely dopamine-activating” as she disclosed: “This means they really enjoy it – dogs see the world through their nose and they have 300 million scent receptors compared to our five. It’s just mind-blowing.”
She concluded by emphasising that all dog owners should use this to their advantage, stating: “If your dog has limited exercise at the moment or you’re just short on time and want a quick walk on your lunch break, then take them on a 20-minute ‘sniffari’.”
Paula explained the benefits of this approach: “It will do wonders for their mental stimulation and physical wellbeing. A ‘sniffari’ basically means to let your dog’s nose lead the way and let them sniff whatever they want.”
Writing in response, one TikTok user voiced their agreement: “Yes, always allow your dog to sniff. I see some owners drag their dogs because they haven’t got the patience or its too cold for them.”
Another person shared similar sentiments: “I hate it when I see dogs being dragged along on the lead and not being able to sniff. My girl can sniff every grass blade if she wants to.”
Meanwhile, a third owner requested guidance, writing: “My dog has been sniffing so much lately. She never normally needs a lead on but I will need to start using it again. . Why do they go through this phase of sniffing so much? Thank you in advance.” Paula replied to clarify: “It’s a natural behaviour to sniff a lot, but they might sniff more in novel environments or just after rain.”
A fourth TikTok user raised a concern: “My dog doesn’t sniff in walks, even in new places he rarely sniffs and if I stand still to try and encourage him he just looks at me, any advice? He’s a miniature dachshund.” To which Paula offered a potential reason: “Is he anxious at all? Sniffing with your head in the ground can be vulnerable if they are not relaxed.”
Echoing Paula’s advice, the canine charity Baypath asserts on their website: “It’s said that 15 to 20 minutes of sniffing is the equivalent of around an hour’s walk. Allowing your dog to engage their sense of smell is like giving them a mental workout.
“As they sniff, they’re gathering and decoding information around them, which takes concentration and effort. This mental exercise can be as tiring as physical activity, meaning that a good sniffing session can help your pup burn off energy and feel satisfied by the time you get home.”