Second Cup: Dogs need 'sniffaris' and you do too

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What is a “sniffari” and why should dog owners try it?

Laura Vanderkam 0:00
This is an iHeart Podcast. Guaranteed human. Welcome to Before Breakfast, a production of iHeartRadio. Good morning. This is Laura. Welcome to the Before Breakfast Podcast. Today's tip. is to take some time to follow your curiosity. And explore. You don't always need to have a purpose or destination. Have adventures. Out in the world.

How does letting a dog lead the walk benefit both pet and owner?

Laura Vanderkam 0:36
So if you have a dog, you may have encountered the term sniffari. It's a blend of the words sniff. And Safari. A snifari lets a dog literally follow his nose. You are not walking the dog. I mean sure, you are at the other end of the leash. But you are not leading. Your dog is. Within reason? You let him go wherever his nose takes him. I am not the primary dog walker in my family. But I can say that when I walk our dog Max, he's always caught the scent of something interesting.

What everyday scents can spark curiosity during a neighborhood sniffari?

Laura Vanderkam 1:16
Maybe it's an animal that's currently nearby or a spot where another animal left his scent. Maybe it's a rotting bit of fruit that's fallen off a tree or new mulch in the flower bed. Sometimes I have no idea what he is smelling. But he seems to be excited by it. Snifaris, in a metaphorical sense. can be great for people too. You know I love to plan things I want to see her do. But sometimes it's nice just to follow your nose. When you are in a new city, Consider leaving an afternoon open, just to explore. Go wherever catches your fancy. A cheese shop?

How can you apply the sniffari mindset to explore a new city?

Laura Vanderkam 1:58
Take a peek. An antique map store? Why not go in? A flower market? Walk through it. And imagine what you'd get if you were choosing flowers for your kitchen table. A block where everyone has lovely window boxes and flower pots on their stoops? Linger and take in the display. A new scaffolding design that leaves the sidewalk feeling much more open. Look around to figure out how it works. Just follow your curiosity. Even in your own town, you can take a snifari in a neighborhood you don't frequent.

Why should you take a slow, sensory walk in parks or museums?

Laura Vanderkam 2:34
You may be surprised at the delights you encounter. Snifaris work when you're in the woods or a park too. You don't always have to go on a hike or a run that covers distance. You can take the slow way. And stop. And marvel at whatever flower or bark or bug catches your attention. Snafaris can be particularly useful at big museums. You can never fully do the Louvre or the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the British Museum. So perhaps aim for a few highlights you definitely want to see. And while you're on your way to them or between them or after them. Stop and look at whatever catches your attention. You'll see a lot.

How can a simple “follow your nose” habit improve daily life?

Laura Vanderkam 3:19
And maybe have some fun. At the same time. In the meantime. This is Laura. Thanks for listening. And here's the making the most. Of our tax.
Laura Vanderkam 3:39
Thanks for listening to before breakfast. If you've got questions, ideas, or feedback, you can reach me at Laura at LauraVandercam.com. Before Breakfast is a production of iHeart Media. For more podcasts from iHeartMedia, please visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Laura Vanderkam 4:14
This is an iHeart Podcast. Guaranteed human.

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