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<h3>Chewing Isn’t a Bad Habit — It’s a Biological Need</h3>If your dog chews, there’s a reason. And it’s not boredom. It’s not destruction. It’s not defiance.For many dogs, chewing is how their nervous system finds balance. It’s a regulatory behavior — one that helps them settle, feel safe, and release tension in their bodies.Trying to stop chewing without understanding the need behind it often leads to frustration — for you and your dog.<h3>Why Chewing Matters for Canine Enrichment</h3>Chewing is part of your dog’s instinctual enrichment — a critical pillar of fulfillment we explore in the Beyond Busy Whole Dog Enrichment model.It activates your dog’s brain, jaws, and sensory systems in a deeply satisfying way. It’s not something to “train away.” It’s something to support — safely, intentionally, and creatively.<h3>Edible Raw Bones </h3>Edible bones are fully consumable and designed for your dog to eat. They offer both nutritional benefits and calming enrichment.Benefits of Edible Bones: <ul><li>High in calcium, collagen, and natural nutrients</li><li>Supports digestion</li><li>Encourages rhythmic, regulatory chewing</li><li>Offers deep satisfaction for intense chewers </li></ul><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">Perfect For Dogs Who:<ul><li>&nbsp;Shred every toy within minutes</li><li>Struggle to calm down after play</li><li>Need a recovery behavior after stimulation </li></ul><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">Suggested Bones by Dog Size:&nbsp;Small Dogs (up to 25 lbs):<ul><li>Chicken necks</li><li>Duck feet</li><li>Whole quail</li><li>Chicken wings </li></ul>Medium Dogs (25–50 lbs):<ul><li>Duck necks</li><li>Rabbit</li><li>Chicken backs</li><li>Goat or lamb tails </li></ul>Large Dogs (50+ lbs):<ul><li>Turkey necks</li><li>Duck frames</li><li>Pork or lamb ribs</li><li>Chicken legs</li><li>Pork feet </li></ul>Always supervise raw bone sessions. Thaw bones fully and feed in a quiet, calm space.&nbsp;<figure id="figure-cs34hprw5pmao4t94o" class=""><img id="cs34hprw5pmao4t94o" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/18TkNkiKJyIttTXE4hYDsN7bXpkGUDy4Km0HeB9XlhdHsDaZmDEOxnF7FwlO6U78.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 60%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="60%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/18TkNkiKJyIttTXE4hYDsN7bXpkGUDy4Km0HeB9XlhdHsDaZmDEOxnF7FwlO6U78.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 60%;"></figure><h3>ecreational Bones for Dogs</h3>Recreational bones (like marrow or knuckle bones) are not meant to be eaten — but they are ideal for longer chewing sessions. They help burn off nervous energy, regulate arousal, and fulfill your dog’s need for a focused outlet.When to Use: <ul><li>Post-meal decompression</li><li>Rainy day or no-walk days</li><li>Dogs who need more chewing than physical exercise </li></ul><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">Limit chewing to 20–30 minutes to avoid overstimulation or digestive upset. Store between uses.&nbsp;<h3>Worried About Broken Teeth? Chew Smart, Not Hard.</h3>Safety matters. Here’s how to keep chewing beneficial — not risky:<ul><li>Skip cooked or heat-treated bones</li><li>Avoid weight-bearing bones (especially beef femurs) for heavy chewers</li><li>Choose softer bones with cartilage and connective tissue</li><li>Size up — offer bones too large to swallow, so your dog is encouraged to chew slowly &nbsp;</li></ul><h3>Daily Chewing Can Be Part of Your Dog’s Enrichment Routine</h3>Chewing isn’t just a toy or a treat — it’s a regulation tool for your dog’s nervous system.&nbsp;Add Chewing Into Your Dog’s Day: &nbsp;<ul><li>1 session daily (rotate types: edible, recreational, frozen, filled)</li><li>Offer after exercise, enrichment, or meals</li><li>Use chewing as a recovery ritual — a moment of calm, not chaos </li></ul><figure id="figure-um4csv4axmao4vbsp"><img id="um4csv4axmao4vbsp" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1eAYmGBhzFqiTCuYAFEe5pfKcaDgkEelnWEdOSds3A3IVAgGhU4FF7Q9hMzetolJ.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 50% 35%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="35%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1eAYmGBhzFqiTCuYAFEe5pfKcaDgkEelnWEdOSds3A3IVAgGhU4FF7Q9hMzetolJ.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 50% 35%;"></figure><h3>Final Thoughts: Respect the Chew </h3>Some dogs need to chew the way others need to run, sniff, or explore.When we treat chewing like a need instead of a nuisance, we stop fighting the behavior — and start supporting the dog.You don’t have to stop the chewing. You just have to make it safe.<figure id="figure-h1zygv4ncvmao4nif8"><img id="h1zygv4ncvmao4nif8" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/33XmdsG9Zk2T2cNdYcVNDTUzALPd3sSe3VNUkPXxH6lFOjxOt2DOwtbMwI6aq9ip.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/33XmdsG9Zk2T2cNdYcVNDTUzALPd3sSe3VNUkPXxH6lFOjxOt2DOwtbMwI6aq9ip.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>

Why Dogs Chew: How to Support Your Dog’s Natural Need to Chew

Cute little bichon frise running through house

You’ve been doing everything right.Daily walks.Training sessions.A pile of enrichment toys that could fill a small store.And yet… your dog still seems off.They’re restless at night.Pacing after play.Underfoot during dinner.Or maybe it’s the opposite — they seem disinterested, checked out, or clingier than usual.You’re showing up. You care. You’re trying.But something still isn’t landing.Here’s what might be missing:It’s not that you need to do more.It’s that your dog needs a better rhythm.<figure id="figure-pnh5yw9oqgma59f6ha"><img id="pnh5yw9oqgma59f6ha" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/29LMVwpgL15LYxuAtXAKTFQ5BBjpso7rtfYInKmodpWkINJZC3EQkHsgxgTIYyda.png" alt="Woman running with her dog" title="Woman running with her dog" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/29LMVwpgL15LYxuAtXAKTFQ5BBjpso7rtfYInKmodpWkINJZC3EQkHsgxgTIYyda.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure><h3>Most Dogs Aren’t Over- or Under-Stimulated. </h3>They’re Mis-paced.There’s a natural rhythm that dogs move through when they’re experiencing life in a way their brain and body can actually process:Engage → Pause → RecoverIt sounds simple, but it’s one of the most commonly overlooked pieces of enrichment and emotional wellness.And when that rhythm gets skipped, rushed, or never completes?Even well-loved, well-exercised dogs stay stuck in a low-level loop of restlessness, tension, or shut-down energy — and we’re left wondering why all our efforts aren’t helping.<h3>The Rhythm in Real Life </h3>Let me show you what this looks like.I was out on a trail walk with my dog. She found something interesting: a scent trail in the grass.Nose down, tail soft, fully focused.That was Engagement.Not hyper, not frantic — just curious, present, invested. I didn’t interfere. I just watched.Then, the shift. She pulled off the trail. Wandered a little. Looked around. Slowed.That was Pause. The moment her system said, “Let me breathe.”I walked over and sat down nearby — not to cue her, but to hold space.(Sometimes they just need a little nudge to switch gears — especially when those squirrels are yelling from the trees.)And then… she sighed.Laid down. Blinked slowly. Her whole body softened.That was Recovery.The experience landed. Her nervous system returned to baseline.<h3>&nbsp;What Happens When We Skip the Rhythm </h3>Most dogs don’t get to complete this cycle — not because their people don’t care, but because nobody teaches us to watch for it.Instead, we bounce from one thing to the next:Walk, toy, play, cue, errand, leash up again.Or we assume stillness = boredom and try to re-engage them.But dogs aren’t built to stay “on” all the time.They’re built to cycle.And when they don’t?Here’s what we see:<ul><li>Dogs that are hyped up but can’t settle</li><li>Dogs that seem lazy but are actually shut down</li><li>Dogs that follow us from room to room, not because they’re needy, but because their system never fully came down </li></ul>And we misread it all as needing more stimulation — when really, they’re just craving completion.&nbsp;<figure id="figure-0qp01filahma59oncy"><img id="0qp01filahma59oncy" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1832921325/photo/husky-in-the-garden.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=FixNfRztJ3o8--JLOt7jF6XdnLjbElLEjaR1hevHqnI=" alt="Husky in the Garden" title="Husky in the Garden" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1832921325/photo/husky-in-the-garden.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=FixNfRztJ3o8--JLOt7jF6XdnLjbElLEjaR1hevHqnI=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>What You Can Do Differently</h3> Start noticing your dog’s rhythm.<ul><li>When do they light up? (Engage)</li><li>When do they pause or wander off? (Pause)</li><li>When do they breathe, sigh, or settle? (Recover) </li></ul><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">Let those moments play out fully.Don’t rush to re-engage them after a pause. Don’t fill every gap with another “activity.” Protect recovery time like it matters — because it does. This is the key to nervous system regulation.It’s what allows learning to stick.It’s what turns chaos into calm.<h3>Final Thought </h3>When your dog can’t settle — even when you’re doing everything “right” — maybe they don’t need more doing.Maybe they need more space to feel done.When you honor the rhythm of Engage → Pause → Recover, you stop guessing what your dog needs.And they stop spinning.This is exactly what we dive into inside my new course:Beyond Busy: The Whole Dog Enrichment Program (coming soon!)Because fulfillment isn’t about keeping your dog busy.It’s about helping them feel safe, seen, and settled — from the inside out.

When Your Dog Can’t Settle (Even When You’re Doing Your Best)

<h2>What If We’ve Been Looking at Shock Collars the Wrong Way? </h2>If you feel uncomfortable with the idea of shock collars, I want you to know:I understand. Truly.The thought of hurting, scaring, or forcing a dog into obedience feels wrong because it is wrong.And too often, that’s exactly how these tools have been misused—without skill, without compassion, without respect for the dog’s experience.If you’ve seen that misuse, of course you’d want shock collars banned. Of course you’d speak up for dogs’ safety and wellbeing.But what if there’s more to the story? What if the real problem isn’t the tool itself— but why it’s used?What if true cruelty isn’t about the equipment… but about the experiences we deny dogs when we refuse to use tools thoughtfully?<figure id="figure-8vy1m0kcn7ma0zyb6y"><img id="8vy1m0kcn7ma0zyb6y" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/30FQoX7L188DnrG63DS3XNvEVfqatr25gJRmgYhr3A3IJN6KJ0S2oFvxDUjz7J81.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 45%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="45%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/30FQoX7L188DnrG63DS3XNvEVfqatr25gJRmgYhr3A3IJN6KJ0S2oFvxDUjz7J81.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 45%;"></figure><h3>Force vs. Freedom: The Line That Actually Matters </h3>There’s a big difference between: Using a shock collar to force a dog into experiences they would naturally avoid (flooding them with fear, coercing blind compliance) and using a shock collar to make possible the experiences a dog already wants, but couldn’t safely access without it (joyful off-leash freedom, safe exploration, more autonomy) &nbsp;One limits choice.The other creates it. And that difference matters more than anything.<h3>&nbsp; &nbsp;What True Cruelty Looks Like (And It’s Not What You Might Think)</h3>I work to help dogs live the way their body and mind were designed to.That means:<ul><li>Freedom to move.</li><li>Freedom to sniff.</li><li>Freedom to run.</li><li>Freedom to explore safely and confidently.</li></ul><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">What’s truly cruel is denying a dog these experiences because we’re more worried about appearances or theoretical ethics than about the real, living needs of the dog standing in front of us.What’s cruel is saying, “You can’t have the freedom you crave because I’m uncomfortable with how we might have to create it.”What’s cruel is trapping dogs in small, restricted lives—because someone said no tool can ever be humane.I don’t care what a dog trainer tells me about a blanket rule. I care about what my dog’s body, mind, and spirit are asking for.And sometimes, saying “yes” to that life means using a tool thoughtfully—not to control them, but to open the door wider.<h3>&nbsp;Misuse Is Real. But Blanket Bans Don’t Protect Dogs. </h3>Is it possible to misuse a shock collar? Absolutely. And it’s wrong when it happens.But banning the tool entirely doesn’t stop misuse. It just stops conversations. It removes options that, when used with education and deep respect, allow dogs to live bigger, richer lives.It’s not about “tool-free” training. It’s about “choice-full” living.It’s about giving dogs the ability to move through a complicated world with as much confidence, freedom, and safety as possible. And sometimes, tools—used well—are the bridge that makes that life possible.<h3>The Questions That Actually Matter</h3>Instead of asking: “Is a shock collar bad?” We need to be asking:<ul><li>“Is this dog’s choice being respected?”</li><li>“Is this tool being used to create freedom, not fear?”</li><li>“Is this dog living a fuller, more joyful life because of it?” &nbsp;</li></ul><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">Those are the questions that protect dogs. Not slogans. Not blanket judgments. Not fear of what might go wrong without seeing what can go beautifully right.<h3>&nbsp;Final Thought </h3>Dogs deserve more than just safety. They deserve the freedom to live fully—to run, to sniff, to explore, to stretch their legs and their hearts in the world around them. When used thoughtfully, a shock collar isn’t about control. It’s about unlocking the life they were made to live.It’s not about forcing dogs into something they don’t want. It’s about making possible the things they already need—and giving them the safe space to choose it.True enrichment isn’t keeping dogs contained. It’s giving them the world—and teaching them how to navigate it safely.Because real cruelty isn’t using a tool well. It’s shrinking a dog’s life out of fear.&nbsp; <figure id="figure-cud338v7ldma0zxuhp"><img id="cud338v7ldma0zxuhp" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/33XmdsG9Zk2T2cNdYcVNDTUzALPd3sSe3VNUkPXxH6lFOjxOt2DOwtbMwI6aq9ip.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/33XmdsG9Zk2T2cNdYcVNDTUzALPd3sSe3VNUkPXxH6lFOjxOt2DOwtbMwI6aq9ip.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>

Force vs. Freedom: The Line That Actually Matters

Man relaxing on sofa with his dog sleeping on his lap, focus on feet.

<h3>The Moments We Miss (And the Moments We Can Choose)</h3>Most of us mean well. We love our dogs. We want to connect with them. We’re eager to share affection, attention, and time. But here’s something that often happens without us even realizing:<ul><li>We offer conversations when they’re not asking.</li><li>We touch when they’re buzzing with overstimulation.</li><li>We chatter when they’re trying to process the world.</li><li>We move fast when their bodies are asking for slow.</li></ul>It’s not wrong. It’s just… misaligned.And over time, when we miss enough of the right moments—the ones our dogs are actually offering—we can accidentally start building a relationship that feels busy, reactive, or even disconnected.<h3>The Power of Intentional Moments</h3>Today, I want to share a story that reminded me how powerful it is to notice and choose presence—when it matters most.On one of our off-leash walks, something small but powerful happened with my dog, Good Morning.She paused.She gently lowered herself into the grass, tucked among the tall grass and tilted her face up to soak in the morning sun.At first, I simply watched.But then I noticed something more: She kept glancing toward me. Soft, gentle blinks. Her body softened each time our eyes met, like she was quietly inviting me into her moment.That was my invitation. Not to call her over. Not to clap or cheer or ask for anything. But to slow down. To move toward her softly. To crouch low, soften my own energy, and simply be there with her.I spoke to her in a quiet, easy voice. I reached out with slow, light touch—nothing rushed or demanding. And together, we shared a stillness that wasn’t planned, but meant everything.<figure id="figure-81py7bbidma08c1kd"><img id="81py7bbidma08c1kd" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2192065615/photo/beautiful-woman-with-german-shepherd-drinking-wine-on-the-beach.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=js1pm_5wTDAbAYlyugZpE81KdKO31tEgbg0qUqGlzzo=" alt="Beautiful woman with german shepherd drinking wine on the beach" title="Beautiful woman with german shepherd drinking wine on the beach" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 80%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="80%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2192065615/photo/beautiful-woman-with-german-shepherd-drinking-wine-on-the-beach.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=js1pm_5wTDAbAYlyugZpE81KdKO31tEgbg0qUqGlzzo=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 80%;"></figure><h3>How Many Moments Are Waiting for Us?</h3>Dogs offer us opportunities for social connection all the time—little invitations that often go unanswered, simply because we don’t think to notice.&nbsp;• A pause to sniff the breeze longer than usual.&nbsp;• A soft lean into our leg while we are folding laundry.&nbsp;• A brief glance back during a walk, asking, “Are you with me?”&nbsp;• A stillness that says, “Stay here with me for a second.”They aren’t asking for a treat. Or a command. Or a performance.They’re asking for presence.<h3>Being Present Means Choosing When (And How) We Engage</h3>Instead of offering energy at random—when we feel like it—it’s powerful to:&nbsp;• Slow down and match their moments&nbsp;• Notice when they’re open to connection&nbsp;• Offer touch, voice, movement when it meets their energy&nbsp;• Let stillness be enough sometimesNot because we’re “training” anything. Not because it’s scheduled enrichment. But because that’s the foundation of social living—the way dogs (and humans) naturally bond when given the space to do it.<figure id="figure-34ppksc7rfma08e0cz"><img id="34ppksc7rfma08e0cz" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/500301842/photo/paw-on-hand-young-woman-and-husky.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=hgZ4o2vWl_F_qte6MPLO_En_BoKCHWPyUF_GavXtji0=" alt="Paw on hand - Young woman and Husky" title="Paw on hand - Young woman and Husky" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/500301842/photo/paw-on-hand-young-woman-and-husky.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=hgZ4o2vWl_F_qte6MPLO_En_BoKCHWPyUF_GavXtji0=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Intentional Connection Isn’t About Doing More. It’s About Choosing Better.</h3>One slow breath shared while lying in the sun… One pause in movement to crouch beside your dog and wonder about the same smell…One soft hand resting without expectation…Those tiny, often missed moments build a stronger, deeper relationship than a thousand rushed pets or hyped-up “good dogs” at the wrong time.<h3>Final Thought</h3>When Good Morning chose to pause and soak in the sun, I almost missed it. I could have walked right past. I could have called her along. I could have filled the space with noise.But instead, I chose to listen.I chose to join her.And in that small shared breath, we built something bigger.Our dogs are offering us connection all the time.The real question is: Are we noticing?I’ll be talking much more about noticing, choosing, and building real-world connection inside my upcoming online program, Beyond Busy: The Whole Dog Enrichment Program.Because true enrichment isn’t about keeping our dogs busy.It’s about learning how to be with them, fully, in the ways that matter most.<figure id="figure-9pxn46xsrjma08fvhq"><img id="9pxn46xsrjma08fvhq" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/33XmdsG9Zk2T2cNdYcVNDTUzALPd3sSe3VNUkPXxH6lFOjxOt2DOwtbMwI6aq9ip.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/33XmdsG9Zk2T2cNdYcVNDTUzALPd3sSe3VNUkPXxH6lFOjxOt2DOwtbMwI6aq9ip.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>

The Moments We Miss (And the Moments We Can Choose)

Dog sniffing, isolated on white background

Ever watch your dog sniff something and wonder, “I wonder what they're smelling?” They stop. They circle back. They pause, tail twitching. Sometimes they act like full-blown detectives, and sometimes they seem to sniff just to pass the time.Here’s the thing:Your dog’s sniffing style says a lot about how they see the world. And if you learn to read it? You’ll understand exactly what kind of enrichment will help them thrive.Let’s break down what sniffing is really telling you—and how to use it to your dog’s advantage.<h3>1. The Steady Sniffer: Calm, focused, slow </h3>This dog is deliberate. They’re not rushing. They’re gathering information one scent at a time, and it shows.What they need:Sensory or environmental enrichment — calm walks with time to explore, scent walls, quiet wooded trails, or a “sniff stop” in the yard.Why it helps:These dogs are telling you they enjoy the process. Slowing things down gives them space to decompress, especially after stimulation.<figure id="figure-v1u5x27p4mm9lb4nhj"><img id="v1u5x27p4mm9lb4nhj" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1398678222/photo/young-male-dog-sniffing-around-on-the-forest-ground.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=P2bP35Mn45IXn1bZ61pob5UHY3LkAedUTaXP_XrANhU=" alt="Young male dog sniffing around on the forest ground" title="Young male dog sniffing around on the forest ground" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1398678222/photo/young-male-dog-sniffing-around-on-the-forest-ground.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=P2bP35Mn45IXn1bZ61pob5UHY3LkAedUTaXP_XrANhU=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>2. The Tracker: Nose down, tail up, totally locked in</h3>This is the dog who gets a whiff and goes full Sherlock Holmes. They’re working a trail and they don’t want to be interrupted.What they need:Instinctual enrichment — scatter feeding, scent games, tracking lines, or DIY “find it” trails. Let their nose lead.Why it helps:You’re tapping into what their body wants to do. This is fulfillment, not just fun.<h3>&nbsp; &nbsp;3. The Check-In Sniffer: Curious, but socially tuned in</h3>This dog sniffs a bit, then looks back at you. Like they’re saying, “Hey, did you see this?”What they need:Shared exploration — co-sniffing games, letting them lead you to things, or “what did you find?” moments where you join in.Why it helps:These dogs crave connection. Enrichment that includes you feeds their social and emotional needs.<h3>4. The Bounce-and-Sniff: Tail-wagging, zoomie-prone, a little wild </h3>They get excited by scent. Sometimes they bark. Sometimes they run in circles. It’s joyful chaos.What they need:Play-based enrichment — hide and seek, flirt poles with scent toys, moving scent trails. Let them get silly.Why it helps:These dogs use sniffing as a trigger for movement. Meet them there and watch their joy multiply.<figure id="figure-mfjaudnzfm9lb7ry9"><img id="mfjaudnzfm9lb7ry9" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/25RD1xE2PPtsxtDY7VuHjTu42KL4TAJyjJHDNKRaXAlDTsjydp1Vtbb0KPDdZsGq.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined% 70%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined%" data-positiony="70%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/25RD1xE2PPtsxtDY7VuHjTu42KL4TAJyjJHDNKRaXAlDTsjydp1Vtbb0KPDdZsGq.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined% 70%;"></figure><h3>&nbsp;5. The Problem Solver: Sniff, leave, return, repeat </h3>This dog doesn’t just sniff—they investigate. They’re clearly thinking it through.What they need:Mental enrichment — puzzle feeders with scent, beginner nosework games, or structured scent training.Why it helps:They don’t just want stimulation. They want a challenge. Give them one that suits their brain.<h3>&nbsp;6. The Hesitant Sniffer: Sniffs… then backs away </h3>This dog might avoid areas that smell strong or seem unsure about engaging at all.What they need:Confidence-building enrichment — soft scent introductions, familiar areas, low-pressure sniffing time. Let them go at their own pace.Why it helps:Some dogs need to feel safe before they can feel curious. That’s okay. Confidence starts with comfort.&nbsp;<h3>Here’s the Big Idea: </h3>We often think of enrichment as a checklist: Puzzle? Check. Walk? Check. Frozen Kong? Double check.But when enrichment is based on how your dog actually experiences the world—like their sniffing style—it becomes something deeper:<ul><li>It regulates them</li><li>It connects you</li><li>It helps them feel confident, capable, and calm</li></ul>And guess what? That doesn’t just happen by tossing treats in a snuffle mat. &nbsp;<figure id="figure-k8on1f5bzsm9lbe9zk"><img id="k8on1f5bzsm9lbe9zk" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/10tjh8iGyt5F4nBIEaF6J7S2SKOmy4qJjpbjV13ICv0u7lyswQk9ICQVb2hj1y36.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>That’s exactly what we dive into in my new program: &nbsp;Beyond Busy: Dog Enrichment That Matters Because enrichment isn’t about keeping your dog occupied. It’s about helping them feel seen, supported, and fulfilled.This program will show you how to observe your dog in a whole new way—and create enrichment that meets theirunique needs, not just what’s trending on Instagram.*Coming soon. Simple tools. Real insight. The kind of dog-owner connection you can’t fake.<h3>In the meantime… </h3>Try watching your dog’s sniffing style this week.Noticing is the first step. Adjusting comes next. And you might be surprised how much better things feel—for both of you.<figure id="figure-ggnioae4ym9lbdpgq"><img id="ggnioae4ym9lbdpgq" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/33XmdsG9Zk2T2cNdYcVNDTUzALPd3sSe3VNUkPXxH6lFOjxOt2DOwtbMwI6aq9ip.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/33XmdsG9Zk2T2cNdYcVNDTUzALPd3sSe3VNUkPXxH6lFOjxOt2DOwtbMwI6aq9ip.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>

What Your Dog’s Sniffing Style Says About Their Needs

<h3>Why I Walk With My Dogs, Not Just Beside Them</h3>Before I ever heard the term “intentional enrichment walk,” I was already doing it. Not because I read it in a training manual. Not because it was trending on Instagram (which didn’t even exist back then).But because it was just what you did. It was why we had dogs. Back then, I wasn’t walking my dogs to “tire them out.” They lived on 20 acres — they ran all day. &nbsp;We weren’t out to burn energy… We were just together.They’d sniff logs. I’d climb trees. One would stop to watch a beetle crawl through the grass, and instead of rushing them along, I’d squat down to check it out too.That was the vibe. Turns out, this thing we were doing? It’s called an Environmental Enrichment Walk.<figure id="figure-tzqt1kxoq9m9iey73z"><img id="tzqt1kxoq9m9iey73z" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/20Y6wT9v4RBzjfB4wW1NqWrP4ruMoA1YcF6DVj3DcilLHTmMGPBuJIeBXwgOT6CC.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/20Y6wT9v4RBzjfB4wW1NqWrP4ruMoA1YcF6DVj3DcilLHTmMGPBuJIeBXwgOT6CC.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>So What Is an Enrichment Walk?</h3>It’s not a power walk.It’s not a leash drill.It’s not about mileage.It’s about presence.Noticing what your dog notices. Joining them in the experience — without rushing past it. Think of it like this: your dog’s out there gathering information. Every sniff, every tail flick, every sudden pause at a patch of grass is your dog saying, "Hey, something happened here.”And when you stop, too? When you say, “What did you find?” You’re not just being cute. You’re building connection. Because enrichment walks are about mutual curiosity.You notice them noticing. You explore together. You take turns leading and following — just like any good team would.<h3>And Yes — You’re Part of the Pack </h3>That’s the part most people miss. Enrichment isn’t just about letting your dog do their own thing. It’s about showing up and saying: “I’m in this with you.”That’s what a pack does. One goes, they all go. One stops, they all stop. And if you’re not tuned in — not watching, not acknowledging, not responding — your dog feels that.Trust doesn’t grow from how often you cue “sit.” It grows from how often you see them. Not just look at them — but actually see them.<h3>Why the Forest Walks Mattered </h3>I used to walk all the tough dogs no one else wanted. I’d load them into the van and head to a piece of forest land I rented — over 100 acres. No sidewalks. No traffic. No rules. (Okay, one rule: no fighting.)Just me, the dogs, and nature. I’d open the door, and they’d run. Sniff. Dig. Pause. And you know what happened? These “problem dogs”? They got better.They were calmer at home. Easier to walk on leash around the block.. Not because I “fixed” them. But because I gave them space to just be dogs.They felt seen.They felt heard.And they were fulfilled.<figure id="figure-qqcczhgn0mm9igsi23"><img id="qqcczhgn0mm9igsi23" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/17SvMm95WN0u8nveI5zeEby1xn5Bz4rijL8I7V9VVzdu4ZE2Mv7xTOygtgFX1U0P.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/17SvMm95WN0u8nveI5zeEby1xn5Bz4rijL8I7V9VVzdu4ZE2Mv7xTOygtgFX1U0P.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>What Does This Actually Do for Your Dog? </h3>Aside from making walks 1000x more fun? It meets their core enrichment needs:<ul><li>Mental Stimulation – Every sniff is like reading a doggie newspaper. Their brain stays busy the whole time.</li><li>Sensory Enrichment – They’re feeling different textures, tracking smells, hearing birds, seeing movement.</li><li>Social Enrichment – Yep, this includes you. Enrichment is a shared experience.</li><li>Emotional Regulation – Dogs who get to process the world at their own pace tend to be more grounded and less reactive.</li><li>Physical Enrichment- You can't adventure without walking or running.&nbsp; </li><li>Instinctual Enrichment - Letting your dog do things that they were created to do.</li></ul><span data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">And here’s the best part: <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">It doesn’t have to be fancy. Some of my favorite enrichment walks are barefoot in the backyard or slowly meandering down a trail with zero agenda.It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being present.<h3>Want to Start? Here’s How</h3>First things first — let go of the “I don’t have the space” excuse. I’ve lived in plenty of places without 100 acres out the front door. That land I used to walk dogs on? It was just a property that had been for sale forever. I reached out to the owner and asked if he’d be open to renting it out short-term.There’s always a way — especially now with things like the <a data-mce-href="https://www.sniffspot.com" href="https://www.sniffspot.com">SniffSpot app</a>, where people list their yards, land, or trails specifically for dog owners to rent.Way easier than driving around looking for “For Sale” signs, trust me.Once you’ve found a spot, try this:<ul><li>Let your dog lead. Just be their buddy, a teammate.&nbsp;</li><li>Slow down. The world won’t end if you sit next to your dog and let them sniff a log for 5 minutes.&nbsp;</li><li>Ask questions. “What did you find?” “Did you hear that?” (No answer needed.)</li><li>Join the discovery. Bend down. Tap a log. Show them a cool feather you found. Just be part of it.</li></ul><h3>Final Thoughts</h3>Before there were words for it… Before I had classes, or blog posts, or fancy lesson plans…It was just me and my dogs. Wandering. Exploring. Noticing. They’d show me something weird in the woods. I’d show them something cool in the creek. We were just two different species — sharing one moment. That’s what this is all about. So next time you go for a walk? Just be part of it.Because when you’re part of it — Everything changes.<figure id="figure-zd76p2083nm9ih2138"><img id="zd76p2083nm9ih2138" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/33XmdsG9Zk2T2cNdYcVNDTUzALPd3sSe3VNUkPXxH6lFOjxOt2DOwtbMwI6aq9ip.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/33XmdsG9Zk2T2cNdYcVNDTUzALPd3sSe3VNUkPXxH6lFOjxOt2DOwtbMwI6aq9ip.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Environmental Enrichment Walks: The Most Underrated Way to Connect With Your Dog

Street Wise Canine

What Are Decompression Classes?
This Isn't Training Your Dog - It's Training You
Our decompression classes are designed to teach handlers how to let their dogs lead the way. In a world where we're constantly directing our dogs, these classes create space for dogs to make choices, process their environment, and communicate what they need.
You'll learn:

How to read your dog's natural rhythm and communication
The art of following instead of leading
How your energy affects your dog's experience
When to intervene and when to trust the process

Blog

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What Your Dog’s Sniffing Style Says About Their Needs

Environmental Enrichment Walks: The Most Underrated Way t...