Dog owners are being encouraged to slow down and let their pets lead the way as a new countryside attraction launches in the Durham Dales to celebrate the benefits of sniffing.
The ‘Sniffari’ walking route, starting from the Rose & Crown in Romaldkirk, is designed to give dogs the freedom to explore the world through scent, with owners urged to stop measuring walks by distance and instead let their pets enjoy a more relaxed and sensory experience.
Zoe Willingham, a dog behaviourist and qualified scent detection handler, said: "When dogs are sniffing, they are processing information and investigating their environment.
The Rose & Crown in Romaldkirk is launching a new ‘Sniffari’ route in the Teesdale
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"It is a genuine cognitive activity.
"One of the most common mistakes owners make is rushing the walk, constantly encouraging dogs to keep moving rather than allowing them to investigate.
"Pulling them away from every interesting smell, when they are trying to investigate safely and appropriately, can mean they miss out."
The Rose & Crown in Romaldkirk is launching launched a new ‘Sniffari’ route in the Teesdale, encouraging dog owners to prioritise their pets’ natural sniffing instincts and enjoy a slower, 'more enriching' countryside walk
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To mark National Dog Day on August 26, organisers hope it will encourage owners to think differently about what makes a walk enjoyable and fulfilling for their dogs.
Ms Willingham explained why sniffing is so important to dogs.
She said: "A patch of grass that looks completely unremarkable to us can contain all sorts of information for a dog.
A new ‘Sniffari’
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"Scents left by other animals or found in vegetation can reveal information about what has been happening in an area – which helps explain why a seemingly ordinary patch of grass can hold a dog’s attention for so long."
The Sniffari has been launched in support of Dogs Trust, with participants encouraged to make an optional donation to the charity after completing the route.
Having a sniff
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Dom Burke, behaviour policy officer at Dogs Trust, said: "The Sniffari is a lovely initiative that encourages owners to give their dogs more opportunities to use their noses while enjoying the countryside.
"Smell is very important to our dogs.
"Sniffing is a natural behaviour and is a key way our dogs gain information about their environment.
On a new ‘Sniffari’ route in the Teesdale
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"Their sense of smell is so powerful that dogs can be trained to detect lots of different things.
"Conservation, medical detection and search and rescue work are just some of the ways a dog’s amazing nose can help find things.
"But your dog doesn’t have to be an expert.
"Help your dog make the most of their nose by allowing them plenty of opportunity and time to sniff on walks.
A relaxing pint after a ‘Sniffari’
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"It will help them feel happy, fulfilled and turn every walk into a little adventure."
The Rose & Crown, a dog-friendly country inn located in Teesdale, wanted to create a route that would appeal to both guests and local dog owners.
Cheryl Robinson, operations director at the Rose & Crown, said: "After a summer of repeated heatwaves, many dog owners have had to adapt their usual walking routines.
"At times, that has meant avoiding the hottest parts of the day or cutting back on longer walks.
"As the cooler days arrive, the Sniffari offers a great opportunity to get dogs back into the countryside, with the time and freedom to really take it all in.
"We’re excited to launch the Sniffari in support of Dogs Trust and encourage owners to experience a walk a little more from their dog’s point of view."
The circular Sniffari route is around six miles long and follows the old railway line towards Cotherstone before returning via the river.
It takes approximately two to three hours to complete and includes open countryside, woodland, and riverside sections—perfect for dogs to explore at their own pace.
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The Sniffari will be available throughout the autumn for both residents and visitors to Romaldkirk.
A special launch walk will take place at 3pm on Friday, September 4, starting from the Rose & Crown.
For more information, visit www.rose-and-crown.co.uk.
To donate to Dogs Trust via the Rose & Crown Sniffari fundraiser, go to events.dogstrust.org.uk/fundraisers/httpswwwrose-and-crowncouk.