How to Keep Scent Driven Dogs Focused During Walks?

You step outside for a somewhat relaxing walk with your dog. Suddenly, they freeze, pull toward a bush, and get fully absorbed in the scent trail. Does this sound familiar to you?

If you have a scent- driven kind of dog, like a Beagle, Bloodhound, Basset Hound, or even a totally eager mixed breed, you know their nose just takes over. When they sniff, that’s normal and healthy, sure. But when the scent tracking gets too much, the walks can turn into this messy, frustrating thing, and it becomes harder to steer and manage them.

The good news? You don’t have to stop your dog from sniffing, like at all. Instead, you can teach them to balance curiosity with that clean focus, sort of, you know.

Why Do Scent-Driven Dogs Get Distracted So Easily?

Dogs see with their noses! Indeed, a dog can smell much better than a human and can smell things we never even dreamed of.

Any tree, sidewalk, or spot of grass contains a vast amount of information during a walk. Therefore, when using scents, dogs may completely ignore their handler.

Simple Ways to Keep Scent-Driven Dogs Focused During Walks

1. Start With Focus Exercises

While in the house, practice the following simple words:

• Watch me
• Sit
• Stay
• Touch (nose target)

This will allow your dog to turn their attention back to you before the exciting smells get to them.

2. Reward Attention Frequently

When your dog willingly pays attention to you on a walk, reward him/her with:

• Small treats
• Verbal praise
• A favorite toy

Thus, your dog will discover it is rewarding to concentrate on you.

3. Schedule Sniff Breaks

Don’t stop your dog from sniffing, just allow it.

Use a “Go Sniff” cue, and let a few minutes of free exploration take place. Then, use a focus command to continue the walk.

4. Change Directions Often

Changing direction without warning will help to keep your dog attentive to your actions rather than focusing on a particular scent path.

5. Use High-Value Rewards

In highly distracting environments, regular treats may not be enough.

Consider using:

• Cooked chicken
• Cheese cubes
• Freeze-dried treats
• Special training rewards

Remember: Sniffing Isn’t the Enemy

Sniffing is a mental stimulation, a stress reliever, and does your dog’s job. That is not an objective of elimination, but of establishing a healthy balance of sniffing and responsiveness.

Let Petsfolio Help Make Walks Better

Struggling to get the hang of a nose job, baby? The knowledgeable dog walkers at Petsfolio have an understanding of doggy psychology and are able to keep dogs happy, safe, and engaged during every walk.

Petsfolio’s dog walking services are designed by professionals to help your dog develop better habits as you embark on every adventure while enjoying the walk, whether it be following all of the scents or just looking for more structure in their walks.

Book a walk with Petsfolio today and turn every outing into a fun, focused, and enriching experience for your dog.