Nose Work Games

Fun, Simple Ways to Engage Your Dog’s Super Sniffer

Nose work is one of the easiest and most satisfying forms of enrichment you can give a dog. It burns energy, boosts confidence, and is perfect for dogs who aren’t interested in fetch, tug, or high energy play. Every dog can enjoy nose work, it taps into their strongest natural talent.

Below are two simple games you can start today.

Game 1: Find It

A great beginner game that teaches your dog to search, sniff, and problem solve.

How to Play

1. Secure your dog using a leash, gate, or ask for a sit stay.

2. Let them sniff a treat filled toy or small box with a tasty reward inside.

3. Place the toy on the ground about five feet away, keeping it in sight.

4. Return to your dog and say “Find it.”

5. Praise them as soon as they reach the object and allow them to get the treat.

6. Repeat five times, gradually placing the object farther away but still visible.

Next Steps

7. On the sixth round, hide the treat in your hand instead of in the toy. Send your dog to “find it,” and then reward them when they reach the object.

8. Repeat four times. If your dog loses interest, alternate by hiding a treat in the toy half of the time.

9. End the session on a win.

Later Sessions

10. Do a second session repeating the same steps.

11. In the third session, start hiding the toy in an easy to find spot.

12. By the fourth session, the toy should never contain a treat. All rewards now come from you.

13. Add a barrier or place your dog where they cannot see you hide it so they must use their nose.

14. As your dog improves, increase difficulty and try new rooms, larger areas, or yard spaces.

Game 2: Scent Identification

Teach your dog to pick out a specific scent like vanilla, lavender, or peppermint.

What You’ll Need

• A scent such as vanilla, peppermint, or lavender (avoid alcohol based)

• Two identical objects (like small boxes or food puzzle toys)

How to Play

1. Put a small amount of scent on one object.

2. Place both objects on the ground about three feet apart.

3. Tell your dog “Find it.”

4. When they sniff or move toward the scented item, praise and reward.

5. Repeat ten times.

6. Switch the positions of the two items and repeat.

7. Continue praising for choosing the scented object.

Once your dog understands the game, try different scents and see which ones they love working with.