"Sniffari" Walks & Enrichment
Note: For previous clients only
Your dog will LOVE going on a "Sniffari" - a chance to take in all the smells, explore safely, and decompress!
It's like an enhanced dog-walking service for my clients in Monroe, WA. I bring your dog to a trail or nearby park for a nice, long sniffy walk while continuing to practice and maintain behaviors learned during training.
An excellent option for your dog after we've completed a training package!
What Is a Sniffari?
A sniffari (AKA "sniffy walk," "scent walk," or "decompresssion walk") is when your dog gets to literally stop and sniff the flowers. Rather than simply getting from point A and point B, the dog gets to explore an area and follow his nose.
Sniffing helps dogs build confidence, lowers their heart rate, helps relieve boredom and stress, and provides much-needed mental stimulation.
Check out this article from Discover Magazine about why "Sniffari" will tire your dog out more than the usual walk:
What Happens on a Sniffari?
When I take a dog on a sniffari, I pick them up from their home and bring them to a nearby park, trail, or other interesting space to explore and take in all the sniffs, sights, sounds, and sensations that come with it - all while keeping them as safe as possible.
The dog is never off-leash in a public space, and I'm close by to supervise the dog to make sure she stays out of trouble - avoiding spaces she shouldn't be, garbage, or poop, etc. I like the dog to feel as if they are off-leash and usually use a longer line and harness to help.
We simply follow her nose throughout the sniffari. We often have opportunities to practice skills we have previously worked on such as staying calm around other dogs, people, and wildlife.
A "sniffari" typically takes place mid-day and lasts 45 minutes. Most sniffari clients hire me on a recurring weekly basis and have autopay set-up for convenience and a 10% discount to pay $50 per sniffari.
Who is it for?
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Clients who have completed a training package or have had multiple, previous training sessions with me.
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Clients who wish they had more time to take their dogs on a mid-day adventure but have a busy schedule.
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Dogs who need more mental stimulation, decompression, and/or more practice with their previous training in public spaces.
What happens if it's raining?
We wouldn't be true Washingtonians if a little rain kept us from having fun!
I just bring towels and wipes and otherwise enjoy the typical PNW weather.
On the other hand...
If the weather conditions are dangerous in any way (lightning in the area, extreme temperatures, high wind, or air quality concerns), we may do some other enrichment activities instead.
In these situations, I often do things like:
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Nosework
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Brain Games
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Trick Training
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Go to a dog-friendly store or other safe space if possible/appropriate
Either way, your dog gets to have lots of fun and is ready for a nice, long nap afterward.