5 Easy Sniffing Games to Play with Your Dog

My last blog post was all about why dogs need to sniff and the benefits sniffing has for our dogs. (Find it here if you missed it)

So this post is all about easy games we can play to encourage that sniffing!

1. Which hand?

This game is so easy and so fun to play with your dog!

Simply hold out your hands in two fists (one fist has a smelly treat inside it). Let your dog sniff both hands then allow them to choose a hand, either with their nose or by tapping it with their paw. Open the fist they have chosen and let them see whether they have won the treat. If they are right, they get to eat the treat. If they are wrong, reset the game and try again.

Over time, they will learn that they need to sniff each hand carefully before making their decision!

You can make the game harder by using treats that don’t smell strongly.

Or you can make it even harder by hiding a treat under three tubs, then gradually increasing the number of tubs in the game!

(I was using JR Salmon Pate in this video as it has a distinctive smell which makes it easier for my dog to sniff it out!)

2. Find the Treat

Simply hide a treat in your home or garden and encourage your dog to find it.

Start by hiding it in very obvious places, before gradually increasing the difficulty.

You can even start hiding the treat inside or under objects!

Tree trunks, long grass and cardboard boxes are excellent hiding spots.

3. Scentwork

Scentwork is great for dogs that are less treat motivated.

Start with a particular scent that your dog isn’t used to. Fresh mint or basil plants work well.

Hide the plant in an obvious place. Hold the fresh mint/basil under your dog’s nose and encourage them to sniff it. Then, help them find the plant. When they find the plant, reward them heavily.

Gradually you will need to help them less and you can train them with a range of different scents.

4. Find the Toy

Is your dog more motivated by toys than treats? Then hide a toy instead!

Just like with hiding treats, make it easy at first, then gradually increase the difficulty.

I would recommend using a special toy for this game that your dog doesn’t have regular access to. This will help make the game more exciting for them and make them more motivated to find the toy.

5. Snuffle Mats

Snuffle mats are an excellent way to encourage your dog to sniff. You can even give your dog their meals using it!

Simply fill with food and put it on the ground. Encourage your dog to sniff for the food and praise them when they find it.

Once your dog has finished the activity, remove the snuffle mat and put it away. This will help prevent them from viewing it as a toy and will help to keep it special and exciting when you get it out.

Top Tips for Sniffing Games

Whatever sniffing game you are playing with your dog, remember to set them up for success and not make it too difficult for them that they will get frustrated. Keep sessions short and fun for both of you!

Links and References

Blue Cross: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/scent-work-for-dogs

Duranton, C. and Horowitz, A., 2019. Let me sniff! Nosework induces positive judgment bias in pet dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 211, pp.61-66. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168159118304325

Vets’ Opinions on Snuffle Mats: https://www.petsradar.com/advice/are-snuffle-mats-good-for-dogs-a-vets-view

‘Which Hand?’ game: https://www.oodlelife.com/guess-which-hand-game-dog/