Field note · 2026-05-03
The five-minute sniff loop
Most dogs do not need a longer walk—they need a clearer beginning. Five minutes of allowed sniffing at the start of a loop you already walk can change the rest of the outing more than adding another mile.
Permission first. Distance second.
Try this week
A small ritual to repeat
On two walks, let the first five minutes belong to the nose. No heel, no hurry—just slack where it is safe and one bush that may take as long as a slow count to eight. When the count ends, walk on without debate.
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