Google is to Humans as Sniffing is to Dogs
- CCC
- Oct 2
- 2 min read
When you have a question, you probably open your phone or laptop and type it into Google. With just a few clicks, you can find answers, reviews, directions, and information on just about anything. For humans, Google is the go-to tool for discovery.
For dogs, that tool is their nose.
Dogs “Search” with Their Nose
While we rely on screens, dogs rely on scents. A walk to us may look like a simple trip around the block, but for our dogs, it’s a full-on research expedition. Every tree, fire hydrant, and patch of grass is like a headline on their version of the daily news. Their noses pick up layers of information:
Who was here before them
How long ago they passed by
What mood that dog or animal was in
Even details like gender, diet, or health
It’s more than curiosity—it’s how dogs understand and connect with the world.
Sniffing Isn’t “Just Sniffing”
Many people tug their dogs along on walks, thinking sniffing is a distraction. But for your dog, sniffing is the main event. Imagine someone taking away your internet access and saying, “You don’t need this.” You’d feel lost and cut off from your best source of information. That’s what it feels like for a dog who isn’t given the chance to use their nose.
The Benefits of Letting Your Dog “Google”
Allowing time for sniffing has real advantages:
Mental enrichment: Sniffing stimulates the brain and prevents boredom.
Stress relief: The act of scenting lowers heart rate and helps dogs relax.
Confidence building: Exploring with their nose helps nervous dogs feel more secure in new environments.
Bonding time: You show your dog you respect their needs when you let them “research.”
How to Add More Sniffing into Your Dog’s Day
Take “sniffari” walks where the goal isn’t distance but exploration.
Scatter food in the grass or use a snuffle mat to let them forage.
Try nosework games at home—hide a treat or toy and encourage your dog to find it.
Just like humans crave knowledge and answers, dogs crave the chance to sniff. By allowing them time to explore their world through scent, you’re giving them the canine equivalent of a Google search—one that keeps them happy, healthy, and fulfilled.
