The Sense of Smell: The Dogs Nose

The dog's sense of smell is higher than a human, where the average person has 5 million smell receptors depending on the breed, they have 125 to 250 million smell receptors. Their noses are quite interesting when you think about it. If you are reading this, you most likely have a dog and notice at times your dog has the nose high and taking in a deep sniff of the air. The dog's nose has the ability to breathe in and out at the same time.

Next you notice the dog has the nose to ground and they sniff in one area for a long time and slowly move along with their nose to the ground. If you have ever tried to get your dog's attention at this time you may find it more difficult. Some dog breeds have the ability to smell up to 40 feet under the ground. When the nose is to the ground, I think they are categorizing every scent. Some dog breeds can detect cancer and one week old fingerprints. They can smell 100,000 times better than we do.

The dog's nose is fascinating when you think you about it. Have you ever noticed if you have left the house, and you come back home the dog will sometimes sniff your leg? They can smell other scents on you from places you have been. If I have been out training a different dog with a client. I know when I get home my own dog will be sniffing my pant leg. The same happens when I visit a client in their home, and their dog starts sniffing my pant leg. Dogs can collect all kinds of information just by sniffing.

When dogs sniff another dog, they are learning more about that dog. Often you will see dogs sniffing another dog's rear end. It's a natural form of communication.

Don't become discouraged and frustrated when your dog seems to be ignoring you when they are busy sniffing the ground. Your dog is exploring, and this is good enrichment. I often notice after Winter during the Spring thaw the ground starts to warm up. There is so many new scents coming out of the ground.

I encourage people to allow their dogs to sniff the ground and explore. It's good for the dog. Understand your breed of dog too.

Dog's nose up close

Dog's noses are powerful

A dog's nose is fascinating and powerful.

© 2022 Mecca Curtice Mecca's All Breed Dog Training