A dog’s nose is an extraordinary instrument. Dogs have far more scent receptors than people and a large part of their brain is devoted to processing smells. Giving dogs a chance to use that nose is enriching and tiring in a way a simple walk around the block often is not. Scent games are perfect for the gray tail end of winter, and you need almost no equipment.
Why sniffing satisfies
Sniffing is how dogs explore and understand the world. Searching for a hidden treat engages concentration and problem solving. Many trainers find that a short sniffing session can calm an excitable dog and boost confidence in a shy one. It is also low impact, which makes it suitable for many seniors and dogs on limited exercise. Check with your veterinarian if your dog has health restrictions.
Game one: the easy find
- Have your dog sit or wait, or ask a helper to hold the leash.
- Let your dog watch as you place a treat a few feet away on the floor.
- Say a cue such as “find it” and release your dog.
- Celebrate when they get it.
Repeat several times, gradually placing treats farther away, behind a chair leg or under the edge of a rug.
Game two: the cup game
Place three plastic cups upside down on the floor and hide a treat under one while your dog watches. Shuffle slowly, then let your dog choose. Reward when they nose or paw at the right cup. Increase difficulty by hiding the treat while your dog is out of the room.
Game three: box search
Set out several empty cardboard boxes, one with a treat inside. Let your dog search them all. As your dog gets better, add more boxes, nest small boxes inside big ones or spread them across a room. Supervise so your dog does not eat cardboard.
For a fourth game, try find the toy. If your dog loves a particular toy, hide it in increasingly tricky places: behind a door, under a cushion, in another room. Some dogs eventually learn to search for a toy by name.
Tips for success
- Start easy so your dog succeeds quickly, then build difficulty slowly.
- Use small, soft, smelly treats and count them toward daily food.
- Keep sessions to about ten or fifteen minutes and end while your dog is still keen.
- Let your dog work it out. Resist pointing, unless they are getting frustrated.
- Keep the search area free of hazards and anything you would not want sniffed out.
If your dog guards food or treats from other pets, play these games one dog at a time.
Once your dog is hooked, you may want to explore organized scent work. Many training clubs offer classes where dogs learn to find specific odors in a structured way. It is a popular activity for dogs of all ages and sizes. In the meantime, a few hidden treats on a snowy afternoon can make a dog very happy. This article is general information only.
