Of course you know that a dog’s sense of smell is incredibly acute: 10,000 to 100,000 times more sensitive than ours. And it has a major wellness impact: Research has found that dogs who are given time to sniff (charmingly known as “nosework” in scientific journals) are actually more optimistic, perhaps eliminating the need for puppy Prozac. And just the simple act of following scents and foraging can lower their heart rate and reduce stress.

What’s more, “when a dog sniffs, they are detecting layers of information of who has been there and even other animals’ emotional state at the time. It’s like reading the newspaper,” says Dr. Amanda Rigterink, DVM, DACVB, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist at Veterinary Behavior of Indiana. This intel, whether about a migrating goose or burrowing groundhog, can keep them well-engaged and amp up their learning.

So what can you as a pet parent do to make things more interesting? Give them a sniffing safari—also known as a sniffari. Plant dog-friendly herbs like lavender (a calming scent; it lowers the heart rate) and rosemary and mint (more energizing and safe to taste-test in tiny quantities but avoid pennyroyal mint). If you’re the DIY type, a rotating sniff station, as one TikTok’er created, could be your next project; it’s a grid of potted plants that can be repositioned to keep your pet nosing around.

As for flowers, research uncovered that a motley crew of canines (beagles, a Shih Tzu, and Polish Hunting Spaniels were in the mix) preferred the scent of roses to others, sniffing and licking in a way that indicated positive vibes. Cheery sunflowers and impatiens are also dog-approved, but azaleas and rhododendrons have no place near dogs; they’re highly toxic.

Of course you love a nice, plush lawn. So do most dogs. But canines also benefit from different surfaces. Spending time on less stable surfaces, like wood chips, can build core and stabilizing muscles. “If a dog is exploring different textures, this helps give them an outlet for problem-solving to help gain confidence,” Dr. Rigterink says. “Trying new things can be especially beneficial for fearful or anxious dogs” You might put down a path of straw or add a smooth pebbled walkway that’s safe for their paws. Or plant an area with creeping thyme for a purple-hued lawn your dog can loaf in.

You may have heard that dogs are color-blind, but that doesn’t mean they see in black and white. In fact, one landmark study determined that in addition to yellows (deemed a dog’s favorite color in recent research), canines can make out blues, but not reds and greens. No need to call in a pet-friendly landscaping company to put this intel into backyard action: You can create an engaging but not overwhelming outdoor space yourself. The space should include a mix of bright and muted colors, Dr. Rigterink says. “For example,” she says, “you could structure the yard with bright yellow and blues for play structures, like agility equipment, to help release energy, and use softer beige or grays for rest areas in the yard.”