Fall isn't just beautiful for us. For dogs, it's a whole new season of smells to explore!
As the weather cools down and the leaves begin to change, take your dog somewhere new and let them experience all the scents that come with autumn. A wooded hiking trail, apple orchard, pumpkin patch, or quiet park can become a giant sensory adventure.
Let them sniff the leaves
Fallen leaves hold the scents of wildlife, other dogs, plants, and everything else that has passed through the area. Scent naturally collects near, in, and against objects such as piles of leaves, so there will be plenty of sniffs to explore in every leaf pile!
Try a new trail
You don't have to hike for miles to give your dog a great experience. Choose a dog-friendly trail you've never visited and let your pup take their time exploring and sniffing. Pro tip: bring a long line to allow your dog more space to roam!
Apps like AllTrails have plenty of trails to choose from locally and beyond, with options to filter for dog-friendly trails and off-leash trails.
Look for fall scents at home, too!
You can create a simple enrichment activity by hiding treats in a pile of leaves or scattering kibble around the yard for your dog to sniff out.
And remember, for your dog, sniffing is more than just stopping to smell the roses. Allowing your dog time to investigate their environment is enriching and mentally stimulating. Sometimes the best part of a fall walk isn't how far you go, but how much your dog gets to explore.
So grab your pup, go somewhere new, and let your dog take the scenic route this fall.
