Scent work for dogs: a beginner's guide to nose games

What it does for your dog

• Uses the sense dogs rely on most, which many find deeply satisfying.
• Can tire a dog mentally in a short time.
• Low-impact, so it suits seniors and dogs who can't do much physical activity (with your vet's agreement).
• Builds confidence, as dogs learn to solve problems independently.
• Can be done in a small space, indoors or out.

Which dogs and situations it suits

Scent work suits almost all dogs: hounds and gundogs often take to it immediately, but herding breeds, terriers and companion dogs enjoy it too. It is a good choice for dogs who find busy places stressful, because it can be done at home or in quiet spaces.

Dogs that aren't food-motivated can search for a favourite toy instead.

What you need

• Three to ten cardboard boxes, or plastic tubs
• Small, smelly treats, or a favourite toy
• A harness and long line for outdoor trails (optional)

How to do it

Preparation

1. Choose a quiet room and remove distractions.
2. Set out three open boxes in a row.
3. Decide on a search cue, such as "find it" or "search".

Step by step

1. 1Let your dog watch you drop a treat into one box. Say your cue and let them find it.
2. 2Repeat a few times, swapping which box has the treat.
3. 3Now place the treat while your dog waits out of sight (or behind a closed door), so they have to use their nose.
4. 4Add more boxes, partly close the flaps, then spread boxes around the room.
5. 5Outdoors, try a treat trail: drag a treat in a curving line across grass, drop a few along the way, and leave a pile at the end for them to find.
6. 6Always end with a success and put the boxes away.

Make it easier or harder

Beginner version

• Use very smelly treats and open boxes.
• Let them watch you hide the treat.
• Keep it to three or four finds per session.

Advanced variations

• Hide treats in boxes inside boxes, or in only one of ten boxes.
• Search a whole room, then two rooms, then the yard.
• Lay a footstep track: scuff a line of footprints on grass with food in each, wait a few minutes, then let your dog follow it on a long line.
• If your dog loves it, look for a local nosework or scent detection class, where dogs learn to find specific target odours under an instructor's guidance.

For puppies

Puppies can start with very easy versions: a treat under a cup, or a treat in one of two boxes. Keep sessions to two or three minutes.

For senior dogs and dogs with mobility issues

Scent work is one of the best activities for older dogs. Keep hides at nose height to avoid bending and stretching, and use flat, non-slip ground.

Supervision and safety

• Use part of your dog's daily food for treats.
• Remove staples, tape and plastic from boxes, and supervise dogs that like to shred, so they don't swallow cardboard.
• For outdoor trails, avoid roads, snail bait, toxic plants and areas with lots of rubbish.
• If your dog guards food or boxes from other pets, work with one dog at a time.
• If you take up formal scent sport, follow your instructor's guidance on handling target odours safely.

Common mistakes

• Pointing at the hide or helping too much.
• Making it too hard too soon.
• Long sessions. Short and successful is better.
• Using the same spots every time, so the dog learns locations rather than using their nose.