Best Sniffspots in NOVA, and Why You Should Use Them

Have you ever considered visiting a Sniffspot before? If not, maybe reading this will change your mind!

Sniffspot is a website where pet parents can rent private play spaces for their dogs. These spaces are mostly fully fenced yards, but also include larger, several-acre properties! They're extra-useful for reactive dogs that can't go to regular dog parks, but any pup benefits from them. We'll showcase some of the top-rated Sniffspots in our service areas, and talk about why sniffing time is so important for dogs.

Sterling and Great Falls:

5 acres of woods to run free in, unfenced, with a back porch and creek access for pups who like to get their paws wet.

Rolo's Memorial Dog Yard, a quarter acre of calm, open yard to play in. Sun shade and chairs available for the humans!

Tammy's Private Dog Park, with an open area perfect for running around in and trees that provide shade and smelling spots.

Fairfax and Reston:

3 Acres right off Braddock Road, a vast and fenced-in area with both open grass for running and woods for exploring.

Fenced yard in Vienna/Reston, half the yard is an open sunny field, the other half is shaded under tall trees. Also includes a patio for chilling!

Rob's Private Dog Park, a large backyard in Oakton, VA for your furry loved ones to play and lounge.

Montclair and Potomac Shores:

Lakeside at Reptar's, a private yard with lake access, sandwiched between two wildlife refuges. Let your pup enjoy a dip in the water, or just sit and enjoy the peace.

Hillside backyard, with a hammock for the humans and a hill lined with evergreens. Keep an eye out for their Blockbuster box!

Now, you may be wondering what's so special about letting your dog stop to sniff things - after all, it can be a bit annoying when you're just trying to get them to go potty!

Taking in smells and figuring out what they mean can actually be super tiring for dogs, both physically and mentally. Many people joke about sniffing being a dog's way to "check social media," because they're getting information on who's been around! It also increases their breathing rate, which acts as light cardio. In this article for the AKC, dog behaviorist Staci Lemke says that dogs can be just as tired from 20-30 minutes of sniffing as an hour-long walk without sniffing! A tired dog is a happy dog, and letting them sniff is a great way to tire your pup out.

If you'd like to try out a Sniffspot for yourself, use this referral link to get $5 off your first visit.

We know people's lives are hectic, and you may not always have the time to take your pup out for a slow, smell-focused walk. We're happy to help, and have 30, 45, and even 60-minute walking visit options for our beloved Barking With the Bradley's family!