5 Simple Nose Games You Can Play at Home with Your Dog

ByJosh Wilson

Keeping your dog mentally stimulated is just as important as giving them physical exercise. One of the easiest and most rewarding ways to do this is by engaging their incredible sense of smell. Dogs experience the world through their noses, and scent-based games offer them enrichment, fun, and even a sense of purpose. The best part? You don’t need any special equipment to get started. Here are five simple nose games you can play at home with your dog today.

The importance of sniffing for dogs | Dogs Trust

1. The Classic “Find It” Game

How to play:

  • Start by showing your dog a treat.

  • Ask them to stay or have someone hold them.

  • Hide the treat somewhere easy at first — behind a chair leg, under a towel, or in plain sight.

  • Release your dog with a cue like “Find it!” and let them sniff it out.

  • Praise and reward them when they locate it.

Why it’s great:
This game encourages focus and taps into your dog’s natural scavenging instincts. You can increase difficulty over time to keep it engaging.

2. Treat Towel Roll-Up

How to play:

  • Take a towel and lay it flat.

  • Scatter treats along the length of it.

  • Roll the towel up like a burrito, hiding the treats inside.

  • Give it to your dog and let them sniff, nudge, and unroll it to find the snacks.

Why it’s great:
It promotes problem-solving and is ideal for dogs that enjoy using their paws and noses to “dig.”

3. The Muffin Tin Puzzle

What you need:

  • A muffin tin

  • Tennis balls or small toys

  • Treats or kibble

How to play:

  • Place a few treats in some of the muffin tin cups.

  • Cover each cup with a tennis ball or toy, including the empty ones.

  • Let your dog sniff around and figure out how to remove the balls to get the treats.

Why it’s great:
It adds an element of challenge and variety, especially for dogs who enjoy tactile games.

4. Box Search Game

How to play:

  • Collect a few empty cardboard boxes of different sizes.

  • Scatter them on the floor and place a treat or two in one or more of them.

  • Let your dog sniff through the boxes to find the hidden rewards.

Why it’s great:
It mimics a scent detection course and builds confidence in dogs who might be shy or easily distracted.

Tip: For more fun, mix in boxes that are closed or stacked slightly to increase the challenge.

Dog Sniffing on Walks: The Importance of Letting Your Dog Sniff

5. Scent Trail Hunt

How to play:

  • Choose a smelly treat or a favorite toy.

  • While your dog is out of the room, drag the treat or toy along the floor, creating a scent trail.

  • Hide the item at the end of the trail.

  • Bring your dog in and encourage them to “Follow the scent!”

Why it’s great:
This game activates your dog’s tracking instincts and is especially fun on rainy days when outdoor walks are limited.

Final Tips for Nose Game Success

  • Start easy. Let your dog win often to keep them motivated.

  • Use high-value treats. Something particularly smelly works best when starting out.

  • Keep sessions short and fun. End before your dog gets bored or tired.

  • Always supervise. Especially with items like towels or tennis balls.

Why These Games Matter

Scent games are more than just fun — they offer mental stimulation, reduce boredom, and can even curb unwanted behaviors caused by frustration or lack of enrichment. Plus, they’re an excellent way to bond with your dog and understand their natural strengths.

So next time you’re stuck indoors or looking for a new way to engage your pup, give one of these simple nose games a try. Your dog’s tail — and nose — will thank you.

Ready to unleash your dog’s potential? Visit Off Leash K9 Training of Hampton Roads to explore our expert training programs that promise exceptional obedience and a strong bond with your canine companion. Whether you’re in the Hampton Roads area or NE North Carolina, our proven system will help your dog excel off-leash. Contact us today at (757) 296-8366 to start your journey towards a more obedient and joyful relationship with your dog

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