Call Me Niele

Going Nowhere Fast: Do You Ever Walk Your Dog?

Of course you do. Walking the dog is one of those everyday rituals we all share—usually with the intent of giving them exercise, burning off energy, and making life at home a little calmer. But here’s a secret your dog wishes you knew: the walk isn’t just about moving their legs. For them, the real enrichment happens nose-first.

Every leaf, pawprint, bug, and yes—even the doodoo and pee left behind—holds information. Your dog isn’t dawdling to annoy you; they’re doing what their extraordinary noses are designed to do: sniff, sort, and catalog the world. While you may want to keep a brisk pace, your dog’s goal is not the fastest lap around the block followed by lying around while you catch up on Netflix

In fact, one of the most satisfying (and exhausting) things you can give your dog is what I call the “slow crawl.” This is when you allow them time to investigate everything they encounter, no rushing, no tugging—just full permission to use their nose. It might feel like you’re “going nowhere fast,” but what’s happening inside your dog’s brain is remarkable.

The Power of the Canine Nose

• Dogs have up to 300 million scent receptors compared to our 5 million.

• Their sense of smell is so refined that they can detect a teaspoon of sugar in a million gallons of water.

• Each sniff brings in fresh information—dogs essentially “see” the world through scent.

• Studies show that sniffing lowers a dog’s heart rate and reduces stress, making it both mentally and emotionally enriching.

When your dog engages in this kind of detailed “nosework,” they’re not just smelling. They’re processing, analyzing, and filing away data in a way that stimulates their brain far more than a quick walk ever could. This mental workout tires them out in a good way, often leaving them calmer and more satisfied than a mile of rushed walking.

So next time you’re out with your dog, remember: it’s not about the distance, it’s about the discovery. Slow down, let them sniff, and watch how much happier—and more relaxed—they are when you get home.