Tricks
"Find It" Nose Games
beginner · A few days of short sessions
Find It is a simple scent game where your dog uses their nose to locate a hidden treat. Dogs naturally love to sniff, so this game taps into an instinct they already have. It gives them a healthy mental workout, helps shy or anxious dogs build confidence, and is easy to practice indoors. Most dogs pick up the basics within a few days of short, fun sessions.
What you'll need
- Small soft treats (pea-sized, easy to smell)
- A quiet indoor space with low distractions
- A few small cups or boxes (optional, for later stages)
- A treat pouch or pocket for easy access
Step by step
1. Pick your treats
Choose soft, smelly treats your dog loves. Small pieces work best — about the size of a pea. You will use many repetitions per session, so keep portions tiny to avoid overfeeding.
2. Introduce the cue word
Say 'Find it' in a cheerful, calm voice, then immediately toss one treat on the floor right in front of your dog. Let them sniff it out and eat it. Repeat five to eight times. The goal here is just pairing the words with sniffing and eating.
3. Toss slightly further
Once your dog looks eager when you say 'Find it,' toss the treat a little further away — about two to three feet. Let them follow their nose to it. Keep your body relaxed and let them work independently.
4. Add a tiny delay
Ask your dog to sit or simply hold them gently by the collar for two seconds. Toss the treat, then say 'Find it' and release. This builds a small moment of anticipation and focus before the search begins.
5. Move to a different surface
Toss treats onto a rug, a mat, or into short grass if outdoors. Different textures make sniffing slightly harder and more rewarding. Keep sessions to three to five minutes so your dog stays enthusiastic.
6. Hide treats while your dog watches
Place a treat under the edge of a small cup or behind a chair leg while your dog watches you do it. Say 'Find it' and let them go get it. Watching you hide it first builds their understanding that objects can conceal treats.
7. Hide treats out of sight
Ask a helper to hold your dog, or use a sit-stay if your dog knows one. Hide two or three treats in easy spots around one room — on the floor near furniture. Return, say 'Find it,' and let your dog explore. Celebrate each find with happy praise.
8. Gradually increase difficulty
Over several sessions, hide treats in slightly harder spots: behind a door, under a folded towel, or in a different room. Only make it harder when your dog is finding treats confidently and happily at the current level.
9. Keep sessions short and positive
End every session while your dog still wants more. Two to five minutes is plenty for a beginner dog. Always finish with a successful find so the game ends on a good note.
Troubleshooting
My dog just looks at me and doesn't sniff for the treat.
Go back to tossing the treat right at their feet so they see it land. Use a smellier treat. Some dogs need several repetitions of the easy version before they understand the game is about using their nose.
My dog loses interest quickly.
Sessions may be too long or the treats may not be exciting enough. Cut sessions to two minutes and try a higher-value treat like small pieces of cooked chicken. Always stop before your dog looks bored.
My dog finds the treats too easily and seems bored.
Increase the challenge gradually — more rooms, more hiding spots, or treats tucked inside a rolled-up towel. Add one new challenge at a time so success stays frequent.
My dog gets frustrated and starts pawing or barking.
The hiding spots are likely too hard for this stage. Make the next hide very easy so your dog succeeds quickly. Build difficulty back up more slowly. Frustration means the gap between current skill and task difficulty is too large.
What worked for others
No tips yet — be the first to share one.
Comments
No comments yet.