Scent work for dogs

Dogs use their nose so often, and it’s a skill that comes naturally to them. Scent work can mentally stimulate your dog and also improve their natural ability of sniffing out things. All while having fun.

Food treats and scent work

There are many games that you can play with your dog if they are food-motivated.

Snuffle mat

We offer great advice on making your own snuffle mat. This is a fun and engaging way to get your dog involved in solving puzzles using their amazing sense of smell.

It’s there!

This is great entertainment for the dog and for the whole family. Watch your dog discover all the hidden treats!

• Show your dog you have some food/treats in your hands.
• Speak “find it!” and then toss the food/treat on the ground.
• If your dog finds the food, give it a firm ‘yes’ to let them know that they have followed through with the actions you asked for.

You can challenge your dog even further by asking your dog to stay and hide the treats behind the furniture. You can also ask your dog to stay in one room while you hide the treats in another room. Then, open the door and say, “find it!”

Scatter games

Your dog can make their meals more interesting by having the whole contents of their food scattered in the garden. Mix it with some cheese to make it more interesting.

Toys and scent work

Dogs are often motivated by toys. There are many fun and creative ways to get your dog to use their sense of smell to locate their toys.

Fetch with a twist

You all know the basics of fetch. Your dog throws the ball, and then your dog chases it to retrieve it and bring it back. This is something we’ve seen in action. However, you might have noticed that dogs often put their nose on the ground to find the ball when it lands. This is a sign that your dog is toy-orientated.

How to play

You can harness your dog’s desire to find their ball by:

• Ask them to sit and remain (if possible) or clip their leads.
• While they are sitting/on the lead, you can throw the ball and then wait for it to land.
• Ask your dog to get up from his/her leash and let it go.
• Reward them and praise them when they find the ball. They may not find it immediately, but praise them when they do, even if it is only the second time.

These games are great for older dogs as they allow them to play fetch at an easier pace.

It’s there!

This gentle game involves hiding a toy in the dog’s mouth and asking him to find it.

How to play

You can ask your dog to sit and stay if they are good at it. If your dog is not interested in sitting and staying, you can ask someone to hold them.

• You can either have your dog sit or lead while you show your dog your favorite toy. Then, hide it in front and let them know where it is.
• Once you have hidden it somewhere, they can find it. You can ask them to release their leaning back and ask them to “find it!”
• Your dog will soon be able to play the game after a few repetitions
• After they understand the concept, you can make it more difficult by pretending to hide it in one spot and then moving it around so that your dog uses their nose to find it.
• You can now hide a toy in front of your dog and let them find it later. This is a great way to bring your dog home after a long walk.

Name the toy

Dogs can remember the smell and appearance of objects. You can teach them the names of their toys. You will start with their favorite toy and give it a name. You can simply name the toy and say it each time you pick it out. Next, use the “find it!” cue to ask your dog to locate it and then praise them when they return it. You can then teach your dog the name of the toy by practicing it.

Hide and Seek

Dogs can smell their owners’ scents better than any other person. You can make your dog’s connect with you by playing hide and seek or searching in the following games:

At home:

Wind scenting is a combination of sniffing the air for you and tracking (sniffing on the ground to track where you are walking). It is possible to call your dog from another room, or you can wait until your dog goes into another room. Then hide behind a sofa or door and call them. You may have to call your dog multiple times when you start the game. When your dog recognizes you, praise him or her and offer a treat.

Out and about:

The same game can be played in the garden or while on a walk. If your dog is not looking at you and sniffing, then you can crouch in the long grass or hide behind trees and call them. Be excited when your dog finds you.