Why Your Dog Won’t Settle After Fetch—And How to Fix It
If you've ever finished a game of fetch only to find that your dog is still bouncing off the walls, you’re not alone.
Many owners assume that a tired dog is a well-behaved dog, but physical exhaustion doesn’t always mean mental relaxation. In fact, high-intensity activities like fetch or rough play can leave dogs overstimulated rather than calm.
That’s where decompression walks come in. These slow, low-pressure outings allow dogs to regulate their nervous systems, bringing them back to a relaxed state. One of the best ways to facilitate this is with a sniffari—a walk where sniffing and exploring take centre stage.
Let’s explore why decompression walks are so valuable and how you can use a sniffari to help your dog truly unwind.
What Is a Decompression Walk?
A decompression walk is an unstructured, relaxed walk that allows your dog to move at their own pace, sniff freely, and engage with their surroundings without pressure. Unlike structured obedience walks, where a dog is expected to heel or ignore distractions, decompression walks prioritise mental engagement and stress relief.
These walks can be done on a long lead in a quiet park, nature trail, or even in an open field (if safe and legal). The key is allowing your dog to move naturally, follow their nose, and process their environment.
The Role of Sniffing in Relaxation
Dogs experience the world primarily through scent. Their sense of smell is estimated to be 10,000–100,000 times more powerful than ours, and engaging their noses is one of the most effective ways to mentally tire them out.
Sniffing has been shown to lower heart rates, reduce stress, and encourage dogs to shift from an excitable state into a more relaxed one. Essentially, it functions as a form of canine mindfulness—bringing dogs into the present moment and giving them the chance to process information in a way that makes sense to them.
Why Fetch and High-Energy Play Can Overstimulate Dogs
High-energy activities like fetch, tug, or rough play are fantastic ways to burn off physical energy, but they often trigger a spike in adrenaline and cortisol. Instead of leaving a dog calm, these activities can leave them in a hyper-aroused state, making it harder for them to settle down afterwards.
Imagine drinking several espressos and then being asked to sit quietly—it’s not easy. For dogs, the rush of excitement and the rapid stop in activity can create frustration, restlessness, and even compulsive behaviours.
This is where a sniffari comes in. By giving your dog the opportunity to decompress after intense activity, you help them transition smoothly from an excited state to a relaxed one.
How to Do a Sniffari
A sniffari is exactly what it sounds like—a safari for the nose. Here’s how to incorporate it into your routine:
Use a Long Lead – A 3–5 metre lead gives your dog more freedom to explore while still keeping them safe.
Choose a Quiet, Natural Space – Parks, fields, or woodland trails are ideal. The fewer distractions, the better.
Let Your Dog Set the Pace – Avoid rushing or guiding them too much. If they want to spend five minutes sniffing a single bush, let them!
Don’t Interrupt Sniffing – This is their time to process scents and decompress. Resist the urge to call them away unless necessary.
Observe Their Behaviour – Watch for signs of relaxation, such as slowing down, soft eyes, or gentle tail wags.
End on a Calm Note – Instead of abruptly stopping, let them naturally finish exploring before heading home.
When to Use a Sniffari
A sniffari isn’t just useful after high-energy play—it’s beneficial for:
Transitioning from excitement to calm – After play sessions, training, or car rides.
Reducing stress – After vet visits or unfamiliar experiences. Also great for use when training anxious dogs, take regular sniffari breaks to help them relax and enjoy training.
Mental stimulation – Especially for dogs who struggle with boredom or anxiety.
Senior dogs or those with limited mobility – As a low-impact enrichment activity.
The Bigger Picture
Decompression walks and sniffaris are about more than just letting your dog sniff—they’re about recognising their emotional and sensory needs. A well-balanced dog isn’t just physically tired; they’re mentally satisfied and emotionally settled.
By incorporating these walks into your routine, you’ll likely notice a more relaxed, happier dog—and possibly even an easier time settling them at home. Because at the end of the day, a dog that gets to sniff and explore is a dog that truly feels at peace.
The Final Touch
If you really want to ensure absolute zen-mode, give your dog a frozen, stuffed Kong at the end of the walk. This helps reduce adrenaline and naturally calms them down with very little effort. There’s a more in-depth blog post about this here.
If you need help with your dog, book an online consultation today.
You’d be surprised how many problems can be solved from the comfort of your home!
I’d love to hear your stories! What have you found most helpful with getting your to dog wind down after intense exercise?