The Art of Pottering: Why Your Dog Needs It More Than You Think 🐾

If you’ve ever taken your dog for a walk and found yourself stopping every five seconds while they sniff… and sniff… and sniff some more—congratulations, you’ve experienced pottering. And no, your dog is not being difficult. They’re not stalling. They’re not trying to test your patience (even if it feels that way when you’re late for work).

They’re pottering—and it’s one of the most important things they can do.

"Oooohhh...Zena was here and she had chicken liver for breakfast"

What is Pottering?

Pottering is when your dog moves slowly, meanders, sniffs, pauses, observes, and generally explores the world at their own pace.

Think of it as the dog version of:

• Window shopping

• Scrolling social media

• Taking a mindful stroll through a park

  
  

Except for dogs, it’s not just leisure—it’s essential.

Why Pottering Matters (A Lot)

🧠 1. Mental Stimulation > Physical Exercise

We often think a “good walk” means distance or speed. But for dogs, a 20-minute sniffy potter can be more enriching than a 5km power walk.

Your dog’s nose is their superpower. When they sniff:

• They gather information about other dogs, people, and the environment

• They process scents like a story unfolding

• Their brain gets a serious workout

A tired dog isn’t just physically exhausted—it’s mentally satisfied.

😌 2. It Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Sniffing and slow exploration have a calming effect on dogs.

Pottering allows them to:

• Decompress

• Self-regulate

• Feel in control of their environment

For anxious or reactive dogs, this is gold. It builds confidence in a way forced walking never will.

🐕 3. It Builds a Happier, More Fulfilled Dog

Imagine being rushed through every outing with no time to look around. Sounds awful, right?

When dogs get to potter:

• They feel heard (yes, really!)

• They enjoy their walks more

• They’re less likely to develop frustration-based behaviours

A dog that gets to “be a dog” is usually a much easier dog to live with.

But What About Structure?

Now, don’t panic, you don’t have to turn every walk into a two-hour sniff-fest.

The magic is in balance:

• Some parts of the walk can be structured (walking nicely, direction, pace)

• Other parts can be “free sniff zones” where your dog leads

Think of it as:

“We walk together… and then you get your time.”

How to Track Your Pottering Adventures

Tracking your pottering sessions can help you see how often you’re spending quality time with your dog and notice patterns in their behavior or preferences. Here are some easy ways to keep track:

• Use a dog activity tracker. Devices like PitPat to monitor your dog’s movement and rest, giving insights into their daily activity.

• Smartphone apps. Apps like AllTrails let you record your route, distance, and time.

• Journal or notebook. Write down where you went, what your dog enjoyed, and any interesting discoveries.

• Photos and videos. Capture moments during your pottering to look back on and share with friends.

• Track behaviour. Is your dog calmer at home, less destructive and sleeping better?

  
  

Tracking doesn’t have to be complicated. The goal is to stay mindful of your time together and celebrate the small joys of pottering.

A Gentle Mindset Shift

Next time your dog stops to sniff the same bush for what feels like the 47th time, instead of thinking:

“Come on, we need to go!”

Try thinking:

“This is their version of reading the news.”

Because it is.

Final Thought 🐶

Pottering isn’t wasted time—it’s quality time. It’s where your dog learns, relaxes, and just exists in their world. And in a life where we often rush from one thing to the next, maybe our dogs are onto something.

So slow down. Let them sniff. Let them wander.

Take your dog pottering at our listed dog parks and see the difference for yourself.