From 1st December 2024 I am a new team member of Sensory Garden 4 Dogs (SG4D), the English twin of the Snuffeltuinen Initiatief. The interview I have had, to allow me to present myself and my garden, can be read below:
SG4D: First of all, we are very curious if Thirza has a dog(s) of her own and if she can tell us more about them.
Thirza: My dog’s name is Willem. He is a 9-year-old Rottweiler. Willem came to live with us when he was just a puppy. He was a small, somewhat insecure little guy and found many things scared him, he was fearful and sceptical. In addition to the puppy course, Hersenwerk voor honden (brainwork for dogs) turned out to be a golden opportunity for Willem! It did him a lot of good. When he was about 6 months old, we got acquainted with man trailing and later also scent detection. A whole new world opened up for us; the world of the dog’s nose. Sniffing and working with his nose gave him so much satisfaction, so much self-confidence. It was wonderful to see. Over the years, we have adopted several older dogs (over 10 years old): Rosa, OMA, Elisa, Johanna, and Loesje. Unfortunately, these ladies have all passed away. But surely, another older lady will come to enjoy her well-deserved retirement with us. My passion is Rottweilers and older, senior dogs with medical or behavioral issues.
SG4D: How did you come up with the idea to start the Sensory Garden?
Thirza: Somewhere in 2019, I came into contact with the Snuffeltuinen Initiatief and was immediately enthusiastic. At that time, I didn’t have a place to start and open it for visitors, but that changed in 2022. I was able to buy a piece of land and create my own sensory garden there. Et voilà.
SG4D: How did you come up with the name Sneupen bij Willem?
Thirza: The name of my garden is Sneupen bij Willem. Sneupen means in Frisian: to wander around, to sniff freely, to stroll, to scavenge, to search, and to sniff. Our garden has this purpose for our own dogs and for visiting dogs. Nothing is mandatory, no pressure or coercion. Just let the dog’s nose do its job. And Willem, that’s my sweet boy.
SG4D: For which dogs is the Sensory Garden suitable?
Thirza: My garden is basically suitable for all dogs. Except …for mouse hunters, wrecking balls or dogs who love to dig holes 😊.
SG4D: Have you made special rules for visitors?
Thirza: To make a visit a success, I follow these rules:
- I expect loving, calm interaction with the dog
- A sensory garden is not a playground, off-leash field, or training field
- Give the dog the time & freedom to calmly, off-leash, discover and sniff everything on their own, without guidance or encouragement from humans. If the dog finds something exciting/scary and seeks support, we will respond to that of course
- The dog indicates when he/she is done sniffing. Time to go home
- Dogs in heat cannot visit the garden for a while, please come and visit us another time
- Dogs must be vaccinated/titered and healthy, free of contagious diseases
- No digging or demolishing
- Do not give the dog any commands or instructions such as “SEARCH!”. Limiting unwanted behavior is absolutely allowed
- Corrective materials such as prong collars/electric or bark collars, muzzles, but also flexi-leashes/roll leashes are not allowed in the Sensory Garden
- Access and use of the Sensory Garden on our private property is entirely at your own risk
- Please clean up after your dog when visiting the sensory garden
- The visit is intended for 1 dog plus 1 owner. Quality time together. On a first visit, only 1 dog. On a follow-up visit, an extra dog from the same household is possible if they get along calmly and can sniff individually.
- I reserve the right to end the sniffing session if it defeats the purpose
SG4D: What does a visit/guidance in the Sensory Garden look like?
Visitors can schedule an appointment via my website. On the agreed day and time, I welcome them and we walk together to the garden. When the gate is closed, the dog can be off-leash. I give a small tour of the garden and the dog goes on a sniffing adventure, independently. While enjoying a cup of tea with some refreshments, we observe the dog together. If the owner gives permission, I make a photo/video report of the visit (only the dog will be shown), which is later shared on the Facebook page of Sneupen bij Willem. In consultation with the owner, the dog can have a small treat search at the end of the visit and/or a dried dog snack of choice. And after the sniffing adventure, it’s time to go home to sleep and process all the impressions.
SG4D: How are a dog’s senses stimulated in the Sensory Garden?
Thirza: My garden is a Sensory Garden; an experience for all 5 senses: sight, hearing, touh, smell, and taste. The garden is natural and consists of a lot of greenery; trees, shrubs, (pot) plants, and has different types of surfaces; from grass, bark, gravel, stable mats to tiles. Furthermore, there are scent stations at certain points with animal material from among others horse, sheep, and chicken. There are low climbing heights such as straw bales, cable reels, and a small bridge. The highlight for many dogs is the “bathtub”: a small water feature that is especially popular with dogs when the weather gets warmer. Another nice addition are the various fruit trees (apple, pear, plum) and shrubs (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries) that visitors can also enjoy.
SG4D: What do dogs like most in the Sensory Garden?
Thirza: The freedom to sniff off-leash and go on a solo adventure. Just follow their nose and be a happy dog.
SG4D: Do you see that a visit to the Sensory Garden has a positive effect on dogs?
Thirza: Absolutely! Sniffing is not something dogs are taught, but it is a natural instinct. By sniffing, the dog can gather information about the environment. It stimulates the brain, the dog is mentally challenged, and it gives him pleasure. Sniffing also reduces stress, allowing the dog to relax after the sniffing walk/session. Dogs have this fantastic sense of smell, and it’s great if we help them use it well. We see the world with our eyes, but dogs see the world with their noses! And after sneupen, they snore happily at home. I often receive photos of sleeping dogs after visits. Wonderful.
SG4D: What do you do if a dog doesn’t want to sniff?
Thirza: It’s important to find out why a dog doesn’t want to or can’t sniff. Is he/she scared, in pain, tired, or maybe never used to sniffing alone and/or off-leash? The owner can often provide information, but observing is also very important. There are also dogs that have had enough after 10 minutes and prefer to lie in the grass and watch the world go by. And that’s perfectly fine. The sensory garden visit is for the dog, quality time wit hits own now. Without human interference.
SG4D: How long does a sniffing session in the Sensory Garden last?
Thirza: That depends on the dog. One dog may be done sniffing after 30 minutes or longer, while another has had enough after only 10 minutes. Every dog has different preferences, fears, and needs, and that deserves a tailored approach. I look at the dog as an individual. Together with the owner, we observe and make a plan of action so that it is a relaxing outing for everyone.
SG4D: What do people say about the visit to the Sensory Garden afterwards?
Thirza: Since the opening in 2022, hundreds of dogs have already visited. Some owners have written down their experiences, which can be read on www.sneupenbijwillem/ervaringen
SG4D: Most special visitor?
Thirza: That would be Nairobi, from my friend Carla. For Nairobi, the world is too overwhelming. Too many sounds, too many stimuli that bother her. In my Sensory Garden, she calms down, and her nose works overtime. Once home, she goes to sleep, and Carla even notices that she is more relaxed than usual for a few days afterward and can handle more. That is the power of the Sensory Garden.
SG4D: What kind of dogs do you get to visit?
Thirza: I get all kinds of dogs: young, a bit older or senior, anxious, hyper, calm, Dutch, and foreign dogs, etc. But also dogs that require a different approach, such as dogs that show fearful or aggressive behavior towards unknown people and can therefore react or attack. For this group, I make it possible for them to enjoy a visit as well. It’s a matter of thinking ahead, thinking differently, thinking, and adapting.
SG4D: Do you also offer your Sensory Garden to shelter dogs?
Thirza: Absolutely! Shelter dogs or dogs that are in foster homes for rehoming foundations are very welcome to come sneupen. So far, Straydogs Rescue Nederland, Charlotte’s Angels, and Curacao Rescue Paws have paid me a visit on numerous occasions. During these visits, I get the chance to observe these dogs while they go on a nose adventure. I can then pass this valuable information on to the foundations. Furthermore, I can put the dogs in the digital spotlight, which has often resulted in a successful adoption. A win-win situation for everyone.
SG4D: What do you think is important to give owners as extra advice?
Basically freedom of choice. Let your dog be a dog and let them make their own decisions. Be aware of the importance of sniffing for the dog and observe. We see the world with our eyes, the dog sees the world with their nose. Sit back, have a cup of tea, and enjoy your dog and the garden.
SG4D: How can people sign up for a visit to the sensory garden?
My Sensory Garden is open by appointment only . You can schedule a visit through my website: www.sneupenbijwillem/bezoek
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