Scent Games For Dogs At Home
Dogs use their nose to experience the world. Whilst they may enjoy going for walks, playing with toys and getting some exercise, it can be a good idea to provide them with some opportunities to sniff and explore.
Scent games are great because they can be simple and will encourage your dog to use their natural sense of smell. You can hide treats, add some familiar scents or let them go on a search for their favourite toy.
These games don’t need any expensive equipment and most can be played in your living room, corridor or small apartment.
They are a great way to keep dogs who are active, get bored easily or just love sniffing entertained.
Below are some easy scent games for dogs to play at home. We’ll show you how to introduce them and how to keep them safe and fun!
What Are Scent Games?
Scent games are games that encourage your dog to use their nose to find something.
You can hide small treats under a towel and encourage them to sniff it out. Or you can hide their favourite toy.
Sometimes referred to as nose work games, these games are a great way to encourage your dog’s natural behaviour. They will love to sniff and investigate.
There is no complicated commands to learn. Simply play with some treats and familiar items.
Once they become more confident you can make the games a bit more challenging by changing where you hide the items.
Why Are They Great For Dogs?
Scent games are great as they will keep your dog entertained whilst allowing them to explore and use their natural skills.
Here are some reasons why you should include nose work games in your dog’s routine.
Mental Stimulation
Finding hidden treats or toys will encourage your dog to concentrate and problem solve.
They will enjoy having a mental activity to do, especially if they don’t get much outside play.
Natural Nose Work
Dogs naturally use their nose to explore their environment. Using scent games means they can follow the scent safely.
They can take their time to sniff.
More Interesting Inside Play
Sometimes if you live in an apartment or don’t have much outside space it can be hard to come up with new ideas.
Scent games are easy to play inside and don’t require much space. They can be played in your living room, corridor or quiet corner.
Builds Confidence
Finding hidden treats or familiar toys can make your dog feel good.
Start with easy hiding spots so they can succeed and then make the game a bit more challenging.
Encourages Bonding
Playing scent games with your dog is a great way to bond.
You can encourage them, congratulate them on finding things and enjoy watching them investigate.
What You’ll Need
To get started you can use some simple items from around your home.
- Small treats – Choose some treats your dog likes and that are easy to eat.
- Familiar toys – Use one of their favourite toys.
- Old towels – These can be used for simple sniffing games.
- Cardboard boxes – Use some clean and safe boxes to create some interesting hiding spots.
- Small containers – Use some strong and dog safe containers.
- Quiet area – Choose somewhere with less distractions.
Ensure everything you use is safe for your dog. Avoid using anything small, sharp or with loose packaging that they could chew and eat.
If your dog has any food allergies or dietary requirements choose treats that are suitable or use their usual kibble.
7 Easy Scent Games For Dogs At Home
Don’t worry about playing all of these games. Just pick one simple game to start with and see which ones your dog enjoys the most.
Treat Hunt
[zevinity.com]
This is one of the easiest scent games to play.
How To Play:
- Ask your dog to wait in another room or ask someone to gently distract them.
- Hide a few small treats in easy to find spots.
- Bring your dog into the room.
- Encourage them to sniff and find the treats.
- Let them explore.
Start by hiding the treats in obvious or slightly hidden spots. Once they understand what they’re doing you can make the hiding spots a bit more challenging.
Avoid hiding treats in areas your dog shouldn’t be able to reach such as electrical items or cleaning products.
Sniff Towel Game
[goldenretrieverlife.com]
This is a simple game to play using a towel.
How To Play:
- Take a clean towel and lay it flat on the floor.
- Place a few small treats in different spots on the towel.
- Fold or roll up the towel loosely.
- Let your dog sniff and find the treats.
- Praise them when they find the treats.
Ensure the towel is not too tight so they can explore easily.
Always supervise your dog whilst playing this game. If they start to chew or tear the towel stop the game and try a different game.
Find Their Favourite Toy
[k9move.com]
Instead of using treats you can use their favourite toy.
How To Play:
- Choose a toy your dog loves.
- Let them sniff and investigate the toy.
- Ask them to wait whilst you hide the toy somewhere easy to find.
- Say “Find your toy” or another simple command.
- Encourage them to find the toy.
- Praise them when they find it.
Start by hiding the toy in an obvious spot. Once they understand what they’re doing you can make it a bit more challenging.
Cardboard Box Hunt
[withwildpack.com]
Use a few cardboard boxes to create an interesting hunting game.
How To Play:
- Find 2 or 3 clean empty cardboard boxes.
- Place them on the floor with some space between them.
- Place a small treat in one of the boxes.
- Let your dog sniff and investigate.
- Praise them when they find the treat.
Once they understand what they’re doing you can use a few more boxes.
Ensure there are no staples, sharp edges, tape or loose bits that they could chew and eat. Supervise whilst playing.
Which Hand?
[facty.com]
This is a simple game and doesn’t require much space.
How To Play:
- Take a small treat and show it to your dog.
- Place it in one of your hands.
- Clap your hands together and hold them in front of your dog.
- Let them sniff each hand.
- Open the hand with the treat in once they’ve identified it.
Praise them when they choose the right hand.
Keep it relaxed.
Treat Under A Cup
[naturaltrainer.com]
This game will encourage your dog to use their nose to investigate different areas.
How To Play:
- Choose 2 or 3 strong light-weight dog safe cups.
- Let your dog watch whilst you place a small treat under one of the cups.
- Let them sniff the cups.
- Encourage them to find the hidden treat.
- Reward them when they find the right cup.
Ensure the cups aren’t easily breakable and won’t create any sharp edges. Don’t let your dog chew or eat them.
Start with one cup for beginners and gradually introduce more.
Treat Trail
[tumascotaguia.com]
A treat trail is a fun game to encourage your dog to follow a scent.
How To Play:
- Choose a safe and clear area in your home.
- Place a few tiny treats with some space between them on the floor.
- Place a final treat at the end.
- Bring your dog to the start.
- Encourage them to follow the trail with their nose.
Keep it short to start with. Once they understand what they’re doing you can make it a bit longer.
Ensure the floor is clean and the treats are suitable.
Top Tips For More Fun
Every dog is different. Some will enjoy finding treats, whilst others may enjoy finding toys or investigating boxes.
Here are some top tips to help make your scent games easier and more fun.
- Start with easy searches. Hide the items in obvious spots.
- Use their favourite rewards.
- Keep it short. A few minutes is enough.
- Let them sniff.
- Choose a quiet area.
- Try different games.
- Praise their efforts.
- Keep it positive. If they lose interest take a break and try again later.
Some of the games can use their usual kibble. This will help you to avoid giving them too many extra treats.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Scent games should be fun and safe. Avoid these common mistakes.
Too Difficult
If your dog can’t find the hidden treat they may lose interest.
Start with easy hiding spots and gradually increase difficulty.
Too Many Treats
It’s easy to use too many treats.
Use small amounts and take their usual food allowance into consideration.
Hiding In Unsafe Areas
Avoid hiding treats near any wires, cleaning products, medication or items they could eat.
Ensure they are searching in a safe area and supervise them.
Too Fast
Some dogs may need more time to investigate.
Let them take their time.
Unsupervised
Items such as towels, cardboard boxes and cups can become unsafe if your dog starts to chew them.
Always supervise and remove any damaged or unsuitable items.
Can Puppies And Senior Dogs Play Scent Games?
Yes! Scent games can be adapted to suit all ages.
Puppies
Start with some simple games. Use familiar toys and small amounts of suitable treats.
Keep the games short and use safe items that are suitable for their age and size.
Avoid using complex hiding spots. Focus on letting them enjoy the sniffing.
Senior Dogs
Senior dogs can enjoy nose work.
Choose games that don’t require too much movement. You could hide treats in an easy to reach towel or place their favourite toy nearby.
If they have any mobility or health issues adapt the game to suit their comfort and consult your vet where necessary.
How Often Should I Play Scent Games With My Dog?
You can Play Scent Games With your dog whenever they enjoy them.
Some dogs may enjoy a short search every day, whilst others may enjoy them a few times a week.
Maybe try:
Morning – Quick treat hunt.
Afternoon – Sniff towel, cardboard box.
Evening – Simple favourite toy search.
Don’t worry about playing all the games in one day. Pick one that suits their energy, interest and space.
Remember scent games are an enrichment activity and should not replace their other needs such as appropriate exercise, socialisation and regular care.
FAQs
Will scent games tire My Dog out?
Scent games will provide your dog with mental stimulation. Some dogs may appear calmer after enjoying a search game. However it can vary.
They should only be one part of a balanced routine.
Can I Play Scent Games With My Dog in a small apartment?
Absolutely! Most games don’t require much space.
They can be played in your living room, corridor or another safe area. The sniff towel, which hand and treat hunt are all easy to play inside.
What treats should I use for nose work games?
Use small treats your dog enjoys and that are easy to eat. You can also use a portion of their usual kibble.
Ensure the treats are suitable for their dietary needs and avoid any foods that are unsafe for dogs.
My Dog doesn’t understand the game?
Start from the beginning and play an easier version.
Use an easy to find treat or toy and show them where it is. Let them sniff.
Praise them for their small achievements and gradually make the game more challenging.
Can senior dogs play scent games?
Yes! Many scent games can be adapted for senior dogs.
Choose easy hiding spots and games that don’t require any unnecessary movement. Ensure the game is suitable for their comfort and physical ability.
Final Thoughts
Scent games are a simple and fun way to keep your dog’s nose busy at home. There are lots of games you can play using everyday items such as treat hunts, sniff towels and cardboard box hunts.
Start with easy games and use suitable rewards. Give them plenty of time to explore. As they become more confident you can introduce new hiding spots and slightly more challenging games.
You don’t need to spend money on special toys or have a large garden. With a bit of creativity you can provide your dog with something interesting to look forward to.
Happy Paws, Happier Homes!
