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ANZAC Day Operating Hours
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All Council locations including our Civic Centre, community centres, libraries, Beverley Recycling and Waste Centre and our Immunisation Clinic will be closed on ANZAC Day, Thursday 25 April.

Kerbside waste and recycling collections will continue as normal.

You can call our afterhours emergency line on 8408 1111 for assistance with non life-threatening emergencies at any time.

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Let's go on a sniffari

Did you know that dogs navigate the world primarily through their sense of smell?

Dogs have 300million olfactory receptor cells and a much larger proportion of their brain devoted to sorting scent in comparison to us.

They can tell where a smell is coming from by isolating the nostril the scent hits first, identify the ingredients of a spray of perfume in an enclosed stadium, and smell hours into the past by tracking the residue of who’s been there.

Dogs can also smell things we can’t see, like changes in our physiological state (eg. Stress hormones, or changes in blood sugar levels).

With all that sensory input, is it any wonder your dog likes to sniff on their walks?

Sniffing comes as naturally to dogs as breathing. Providing ample sniff-time on walks, and scent-rich locations in the backyard is integral to their mental wellbeing and incredibly enriching for them. It can also be a very calming and tiring experience for them – sniffari walks are an excellent alternative to routine exercise.

Puppies, sick or older dogs that may not be able to walk as far can benefit greatly from a ‘Sniffari’ walk. High energy and adolescent dogs also often need lots of practice of calming down, and sniffing can help. In fact, there is some evidence to suggest that sniffing on a longer lead or off lead results in reducing your dog’s heart rate (showing a calming effect).

Short sniffaris are also perfect for before-work or walks (so dogs are calmer as you leave), as a way to break up training or a long lunch date, or before and after dog park visits or high energy play.

You can also create a sensory yard for your dog during the day.

Some ways to help encourage sniffing on walks or around the yard are:

  • Stopping (when it’s safe) and allowing them to sniff whenever they like, including following them for a sniff if the lead is loose
  • Putting sniffing on cue and pointing to the ground or a place you think the dog is likely to enjoy smelling
  • Changing your walk routine so the dog gets new smells every week (even just as simple as walking on the other side of the road).
  • Leaving new scents (eg. Heavily diluted lavender) or planting dog friendly shrubs and plants
  • Having a variety of surfaces in the backyard (eg. Grass, pavers, barkchips) which all hold scent differently
  • Setting up treasure hunts for food or toys (if appropriate)
  • Using snuffle mats or other food dispensing toys that encourage sniffing to find their daily food
  • Go on a Rucksack Walk – where you share new scents and treats and exploration with your dog

You may find that you and your dog prefer one type of scent-enrichment activity than others. Stick with what works for you and them, but don’t be afraid to change the routine and see how it might benefit your dog’s behaviour.

You can find out more here: