1. Find the treat!
The most simple way to engage your dog’s sense of smell is to hide a treat, then allow them to find it. You can use a release command like “go find it!” before allowing them to search. At first, you can make it easy by allowing them to watch you hide the treat, then you can up the ante by having them stay in another room, and trying increasingly difficult hiding spots. Don’t increase the challenge too quickly, though, because you don’t want your dog to get frustrated and give up. Use a high-odour treat like liver bites to keep your dog engaged.
This is a simple way to engage your dog’s scenting prowess. It requires you to do nothing but place treats randomly around the home in the hopes that she will locate them by scent. Once she finds the first one (often by accident), she will quickly key into the possibility of finding others with her nose. Start by placing one or two treats down in full view, while she is out of the room. Then call her in. She will eat them happily and look for more. Repeat this process, but begin placing the treats in less obvious places; in a corner, just beneath a sofa or coffee table, or even partially beneath a doggie cushion. Place them while she is outside, or in another part of the home. Then simply let her find them on her own. You will soon see her scenting for them rather than looking for them.
Vary placement and quantity; some days just hide one treat. Once she “gets it,” vary the hidden item. Try hiding a food dispenser toy filled with treats. Hide a feather rubbed with cheese. Hide a frozen cube of meat or broth (on a plate of course!). Then move it out into the yard and do the same, making it easy at first then progressively harder. Try hiding a chicken egg out there! You can even try this in your car or in a friend’s home.
2. Pick a Hand
This game is also great for teaching impulse control. Place a treat in one of your hands, then put your hands behind your back and switch the treat into your other hand. Then hold out your fists and let your dog sniff. Wait for them to nose or paw at one of your hands, and then open your hand to reveal the treat (or no treat!) As your dog gets good at this, you can wait for them to sit calmly before opening your hand.
4. Hide And Seek
Hide and seek is a fun game that teaches your dog a few important lessons. By having your dog stay without being restrained while you hide, you’ll teach a strong stay. They’ll learn to use their nose to find you. They’ll also develop a stronger recall, and will be more likely to come when called, even if they can’t see you. Of course, you will do all of the hiding while your dog seeks. You can teach this with treats, though your dog will probably also enjoy the thrill of finding you. Offering your treats only some of the time can make the game more exciting for them.