Are you looking for an easy way to keep your dog busy with the benefits of nose work? Do you want to find an activity for your dog that’s both fun and mentally stimulating? Start with some simple nose work games.
They’re easy to play, indoors, and dogs love them. And the best part is the only thing you need to get started is some yummy treats. Here’s how to teach your dog the basics of scent work, and three easy nose work games to get you started.
The Benefits of Nose Work Games For Dogs
Nose work & scent games offer your dog a fun way to use their natural talents. Even though a dog’s sense of smell is more than 10,000 times more powerful than our own, they still rely on visuals, especially in familiar environments such as your home. Nose work games can help your dog hone in on their natural talents, and it’s an easy way to keep them entertained.
The benefits of teaching your dog nose work include:
- A fun way to give your dog the more mental stimulation
- Gives your dog extra physical stimulation
- Nose work builds your dog’s confidence.
- Gives your dog a job to do
- Easy way to bond with your dog
- Nose work is fun & rewarding for dogs.
Scent stimulation
Dog scents
We all know how beautiful and powerful the dog’s nose is, so using scent to enrich their lives is beneficial. Effects, tested in shelter dogs, included the following:
- Lavender and Chamomile reduce barking and movement in dogs.
- Rosemary and Peppermint increase barking and movement.
- Vanilla, Coconut, Ginger, and Valerian reduce the levels of barking and movement.
- Coconut and Ginger increase sleeping
Shelter sense stimulation
Animals spend more time at the front of the cage when scents are absent, so perhaps shelters need to keep relaxing scents for non-visitor hours. Potential adopters may find it entertaining to watch a dog engage with their scent-enhanced toy or a relaxed cat relax on their lap.
How can you enhance your pet’s senses and stimulate or relax them?
Heavey chewer may tear this mat apart tries to find the treat. Large dogs that are heavy chewers should be under supervision all the time when using any toys.
Nose Work Is Simple to Train & Can Benefit All Dog Owners
If you’re looking for an easy way to keep your dog entertained on a rainy day, nose work games are a perfect choice. Dogs love having a job to do, something to keep their minds busy.
With nose work, you’re using your dog’s natural talent in a constructive way to keep them mentally stimulated. The “find it” or “seek” command can be one of the most versatile and fun games you can teach your dog.
Dogs are breed to work alongside us; teaching them to use their natural talent of smell keeps them happy and entertained. It gives them a feeling of purpose. Dogs thrive when they feel like they have a job to do, and it’s even better when it’s something as simple as teaching them to sniff things out for you.
Remember, a tired dog is a well-behaved dog. Keeping the dog mentally and physically fit is your responsibility. Give your dog a purpose by teaching to sniff things out for you; dogs thrive when they have a job. Nose work is an easy example that anyone can do in their own home.
One of the best things about teaching a dog some necessary nose work is that their never too young or old to learn; it’s an excellent activity for any dog given they have the proper motivation. And of course, there’s the bonus of not having to go out and buy any special equipment – it can be done anywhere with something as simple as kibble.
Choosing the Right Treats or Toys for Nose Work
To entice your dog to search, you’ll need something enticing. I often use carrots, snap peas, popcorn, or some favorite toys. I lucked out with Laika – she’s both play and food motivated. When it comes to nose work, she’ll enthusiastically search for her some regular old kibble – not all dogs will be so willing.
If your dog is pickier, than mine chooses his favorite toy or treat to begin. People often use high-value treats such as sliced up meat or one of your dog’s favorite treats they don’t get very often. I’ve had luck with using treats that smell different in highly distracting environments. That little extra ‘whoa what is that smell’ can help keep your dog focused.
You know your dog best – choosing one of their favorite rewards will help them focus when learning a new skill.
This product is of high-quality, durable fabric; this dog snuffle mat is not quickly torn into pieces. It is used for snuffle puzzle training and slowing down pets’ eating speed to protect their stomach, not for chewing or tearing. The dog-feeding mat can help your dog’s nose and brain training by mimicking the hunt for food in nature, encourages natural foraging skills.
