Dog Enrichment
Scent Games for Dogs: 5 Nose-Work Activities to Set Up at Home
Five beginner scent games you can set up indoors in minutes — from the three-cup game to a box search — with how to teach each one, how to make it harder, and safety notes.
Sniffing is one of the most natural things a dog can do, and one of the easiest to turn into a game. A few minutes of searching for hidden treats can be a satisfying workout for a dog's brain, and it fits into a rainy afternoon, a small apartment or a dog's slower senior years.
The American Kennel Club's Scent Work program is built on the same idea. The AKC describes scent work as a sport for all kinds of dogs, purebred and mixed breed, and as a good way to build confidence in a shy dog. You do not need to enter a trial to borrow the basics. The five games below start simple and get harder as your dog catches on.
Before you start
- Use tiny, smelly treats or pieces of your dog's regular food. Small rewards let you play longer without overfeeding.
- Pick a quiet room without other pets competing for the treats.
- Teach a start cue, such as "Find it!", said just before each search.
- Keep sessions short. Five to fifteen minutes is plenty for most beginners. End while your dog is still enthusiastic.
Game 1: "Find it" in plain sight
This first step teaches your dog what the game is.
- With your dog watching, say "Find it!" and toss a treat a few feet away on the floor.
- Let your dog get it and praise them.
- Repeat several times, tossing a little farther or behind a chair leg.
Once your dog runs off happily at the cue, you are ready for real hides.
Game 2: The three-cup game
A classic that turns sniffing into a puzzle.
- Set three identical cups or plastic containers upside down on the floor.
- While your dog watches, put a treat under one cup.
- Say "Find it!" and let your dog investigate. When they nose or paw the right cup, lift it and let them eat the treat.
- Once your dog gets it right reliably, hide the treat while they can't see, so they have to use their nose instead of their eyes.
Level up: add more cups, or shuffle them slowly after hiding the treat.
Game 3: The box search
All you need is a few cardboard boxes from deliveries.
- Spread four to six open boxes on the floor. Put a treat in one, with the flaps open.
- Cue "Find it!" and let your dog check the boxes.
- As your dog improves, close the flaps loosely, put boxes inside other boxes, or add crumpled paper so the treat is harder to reach.
Remove tape and staples first. If your dog starts shredding and eating cardboard, switch to a game without boxes.
Game 4: The towel roll
A good calm game for small spaces.
- Lay a bath towel flat and scatter a few treats across it.
- Roll the towel up loosely from one short end.
- Let your dog sniff and unroll it with their nose and paws to find the treats.
Level up: roll it more tightly, tie it in a loose knot, or fold the towel in sections before rolling.
Game 5: Room search
Once your dog understands hides, let them hunt across a whole room.
- Ask your dog to wait in another room, or have someone hold them.
- Hide three to five treats at nose height or lower: behind a table leg, on a low shelf, under the edge of a rug.
- Bring your dog in, cue "Find it!" and let them search. Help with a pointing hand if they get stuck.
Level up: hide treats higher, in more rooms, or inside boxes from Game 3.
Matching the game to your dog
| Your dog | Good starting game | Adjustments |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy or beginner | Find it in plain sight | Very short sessions, easy hides |
| High-energy dog | Room search | More hides, multiple rooms, faster pace |
| Senior or less mobile dog | Towel roll, three-cup game | Hides at nose height, no stairs |
| Shy or anxious dog | Find it, box search | Quiet room, lots of easy wins |
| Dog that guards food | Find it alone, one dog at a time | Play separately from other pets |
Signs your dog is enjoying it
- They perk up and look for hides when you say the cue
- Their tail and body look loose and relaxed while they sniff
- They work methodically instead of giving up quickly
If your dog loses interest, gets frustrated or starts barking at you, make the next hide easier and end on a success. Frustration means the step was too hard, not that your dog is bad at the game.
A simple weekly plan
- Monday: Find it in plain sight (5 minutes)
- Tuesday: Three-cup game
- Wednesday: Rest or a walk with time to sniff
- Thursday: Box search
- Friday: Towel roll
- Weekend: Room search with a few new hiding spots
Frequently asked questions
Can any dog do scent games?
Yes. The AKC describes its scent work sport as open to all dogs, purebred and mixed breed, and as suited to all kinds of dogs. At home, adjust the hides to your dog's age, size and mobility.
How many treats should I use?
Use small pieces and count them toward your dog's daily food. If your dog plays often, set aside part of their regular kibble for games.
Is it okay to play scent games every day?
Short daily sessions are fine for most healthy dogs. Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration and keep the games fun rather than demanding.
