10 minutes sniffing = 1 hour running 😱??

When I was doing research on product description for our own Golden Pup Enrichment store, I came across this phrase over and over again: 10 minutes snuffling = 1 hour running.

Before you believe this, it is NOT TRUE. This is one of the most used FALSE information when it comes to enrichment product marketing. Yet it was used by many sellers to trick dog parents to buy their products. It’s like claiming 10 minutes of solving math problems equals 1 hour workout in the gym. As much as I love indoor enrichment, it simply does not replace physical exercise. To have a happy dog, we need both physical exercise and mental enrichment.

Now that the myth is busted, here’s how & why sniffing will actually benefit your dog:

• Mental stimulation - smell being a dog's primary sensory, intense sniffing can engage ⅛ of their brain. No wonder they are so tired after a good sniff session.
• Increasing calmness - research shows when dogs engage in sniffing and searching activities, their heart rate lowers, which is a physical indication of calming down.
• Increasing happiness - sniffing and searching connect dogs to their natural foraging instinct, satisfying their instinctive needs. When their needs are met, they are happy doggos.

At Golden Pup Enrichment, we believe in informed, balanced care - not marketing gimmicks. Enrichment like sniffing is incredibly valuable, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Dogs thrive when their physical, mental, and emotional needs are all met. That’s why we designed our snuffle mat not as a magic solution, but as a meaningful part of a well-rounded routine.

So next time you see claims like “10 minutes of sniffing = 1 hour of running,” take it with a grain of kibble 😉, and know that you’re doing the right thing by staying curious, questioning the hype, and choosing what’s truly best for your pup.

Best regards to you and your pup,

Xing, CPDT-KA & Mika💜