Why your dog becomes more distracted on walks in spring – and the mistakes many owners make

Many dog owners notice the same change when spring arrives: walks suddenly take twice as long.

Dogs that previously walked calmly may begin pulling on the lead, stopping frequently to sniff, or becoming distracted by every scent along the path.

According to Jo Hinds, COAPE-Certified Behaviourist & Dynamic Dog Practitioner at Years, the fresh dog food subscription service, the change is largely driven by the dramatic increase in smells that appear outdoors during spring.

“Dogs rely on their sense of smell far more than humans do,” explains Jo Hinds.

“In spring, the environment becomes much richer in scents from plants, wildlife and other animals. For dogs, this creates a huge amount of new information to explore.”

Why dogs sniff more when spring arrives

A dog’s sense of smell is estimated to be tens of thousands of times stronger than a human’s, allowing them to detect scents people cannot perceive.

During winter, colder temperatures and reduced wildlife activity mean there are fewer scent trails in parks and countryside areas.

But as the weather warms up, wildlife activity increases and plants begin releasing stronger scents.

“This combination creates what is essentially a sensory explosion for dogs,” says Jo Hinds. “Sniffing allows them to gather information about other animals, territory and their surroundings, which is why walks can become much slower during this time of year.”

The things owners shouldn’t do when dogs become distracted

While the behaviour is natural, experts say certain reactions from owners can make walks more frustrating for both dog and owner.

Common mistakes to avoid include:

• Constantly pulling the lead – this can increase stress and make the dog more reactive

• Punishing sniffing behaviour – sniffing is a natural and healthy activity for dogs

• Rushing walks – dogs often benefit from time to explore their environment

• Inconsistent training – mixed signals can make pulling behaviour worse

“Sniffing is actually an important form of mental stimulation for dogs,” explains Jo Hinds.

“Allowing sniffing during walks can actually help with emotional regulation, when they are relaxed in the environment, which can reduce pulling and provide enrichment.”

How to manage distracted dogs on spring walks

Experts recommend balancing exploration with training to keep walks enjoyable.

Helpful strategies include:

• Allowing sniffing during walks

• Using reward-based training to reinforce loose lead behaviour

• Walking in quieter areas with fewer distractions

• Providing mental enrichment at home to reduce overexcitement outdoors

“Dogs aren’t being stubborn,” adds Jo Hinds. “They are simply responding to a much more stimulating environment.”

For owners, a little patience can go a long way.

“Spring is an exciting time for dogs because their world suddenly becomes full of new smells,” says Jo Hinds. “Understanding that can help make walks more enjoyable for both dog and owner.”