We all know that some days are just too busy to provide our dogs with training sessions, hikes, play dates, and all the other wonderful things we love to do to meet our dog's needs. By providing your dog with outlets for sniffing, licking, and chewing, you can reduce stress, curb problem behaviors, and have a more fulfilled (and calm) pup, even on those busy days! Now, we will discuss the benefits of each behavior, as well as some examples of each that you can implement into your daily routine. Let’s dive in!

SNIFFING

For dogs, smell is their primary sense. Smelling is how they learn about their environment, detect pheromones, greet other animals or people, and find food sources.

Did you know that dogs can have over 100 million scent receptors? Humans only have 5-6 million scent receptors. That is pretty incredible. Imagine all the things they can detect using just their nose! No wonder our dogs can always tell where we hide the good treats 😉. When dogs sniff, the odor molecules in the air send signals to their brain, specifically the limbic system which controls emotional regulation. The act of sniffing releases feel-good hormones like endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. These hormones help to reduce stress, decrease anxiety, and improve overall well-being.

Check out this blog post to learn even more about your dog’s nose!

Trainer Tip: If you are taking your dog to a new place that might be overwhelming, let them walk around and sniff first! This will be naturally soothing for them and help them learn about the environment which can increase confidence.

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LICKING

Licking is a soothing behavior for dogs. When they lick themselves, objects, or even you, it releases feel-good hormones like endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine that help them to feel calm and relaxed.

The repetitive motion of licking is also naturally relaxing to dogs and can relieve anxiety, similar to how you may feel relaxed doing a repetitive activity like knitting.

Because licking is a way for dogs to naturally reduce anxiety, dogs suffering from excess stress or anxiety may obsessively lick themselves or objects which could lead to medical concerns.

If you feel your dog is excessively overgrooming or licking obsessively, reach out to your veterinarian to rule out underlying medical concerns.

CHEWING

While young puppies might engage in chewing because they are teething, chewing is also a natural behavior for adult dogs as well. The act of chewing releases endorphins which help to improve mood, decrease pain and reduce anxiety.

Chewing engages not only the limbic system in the brain but also the prefrontal cortex which is responsible for decision making and memory formation. The mental stimulation from chewing aids in cognitive development and overall well-being.

Chewing is also great for oral hygiene. The act of chewing helps to reduce the build-up of plaque and tartar on teeth, it also increases saliva production which means less bacteria and better-smelling breath. Improved dental health can lead to an overall healthier life for your pup and who doesn’t want that?

Need a little extra support? Book a complimentary call with one of our dog experts 

Related Reading: Learn more about the importance of dental hygiene here!

So not only is chewing good for our dog’s mental and physical health, but by providing our dogs outlets for daily chewing we can also prevent problem behaviors like destructive chewing in the home.

While sniffing, licking, and chewing all seem like simple behaviors, they can have a significant impact on your dog’s overall behavior, health, and well-being. We hope this inspires you to utilize the Trifecta of Calm in your dog’s daily routine through calming activities for dogs, natural dog enrichment, and proven dog stress relief techniques.

Author bio:

Written by The Homeschool Dog Expert Team

Our team of certified trainers and behaviorists brings over 50 years of combined experience, and every expert is personally vetted, Fear Free certified, and deeply committed to helping dogs (and their people) thrive at home. Need help with your pup? Talk to a dog expert today