Have you ever wondered what kind of exploration and enrichment activities you can do with your dog? Our San Diego team recently enjoyed an exciting outing to a popular “sniff spot” in Poway, CA. These locations allow our dogs to engage in distraction-free exploration and off-leash enrichment in a private, controlled environment. The area not only provided a secure, enclosed space for our dogs to explore and sniff to their heart’s content, but also offered an exciting pond to dive and play in as well!

Research has shown that allowing dogs the option for these types of activities can have a significant calming effect and help reduce any signs of stress and anxiety. It’s also an excellent activity for bonding between our dogs and their trainers, who took part by providing support and guidance as they explored.

Distraction-free dog time is especially important for dogs who are training to become service animals. Because they are trained to remain focused and alert at all times, a designated space like a sniff spot allows them to engage in play and exploration without any distractions. Our dogs were able to use their sense of smell to explore their surroundings free from any outside interruptions, which provided them with a unique and enriching sensory experience!

In addition to the significant mental health benefits, sniff spots can also promote physical exercise and improve overall fitness for dogs. When provided with a safe and secure environment to roam and explore freely, dogs are more likely to engage in physical activity. By stimulating their senses and encouraging them to investigate and explore their surroundings, dogs are able to release any pent-up energy and stress through physical exertion. This, in turn, can lead to a calmer and more relaxed state of mind.

So, if you’re looking for a new way to stimulate your dog’s senses and promote their mental and physical health, consider taking them to a sniff spot. This type of activity can be incredibly beneficial for dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes! It’s a great way to bond with your dog while providing them with a special experience. We would like to express our thanks to these sniff spot locations for providing wonderful opportunities for dogs. Taking them on these types of trips to explore and smell in a safe environment makes their job easier by being relaxed, comfortable, and mentally stimulated while providing assistance to Veterans in need.

Interested in supporting our cause? Consider making a donation to support our programs or visiting our website for more information. Your support will help us continue our mission to improve the lives of our Veterans facing mobility challenges and trauma-related conditions by providing them with the highest quality assistance dogs and canine-assisted therapeutic programs.