Pets
Simple games help your dog sniff, solve and stay engaged at home.
Rain, heat, recovery or a packed schedule can limit outdoor time. A few supervised indoor games give dogs a chance to sniff, solve, move or interact with you at their own pace.
Show your dog a treat, ask them to wait, then hide it in an easy-to-find spot in a familiar room. Invite them to search, and make the first round simple enough for a quick win.
Place small pieces of approved food in a clear path, ending with a reward or praise. Keep pieces close together at first, then widen the gaps or guide the trail around a table.
Set two or three sturdy, lightweight cups upside down and let your dog watch you hide a treat under one. Exploring is the point; supervise closely and prevent chewing or swallowing cups.
Put a few treats in a clean, empty cardboard box and let your dog sniff and reach inside. Add loose crumpled paper only if they are comfortable, and stop play if they eat cardboard.
Scatter kibble on a towel, then fold or roll it so your dog can nose through the fabric. Begin with shallow folds, supervise throughout, and skip this game if your dog chews towels.
Choose one familiar behavior, such as a nose-to-hand touch or going to a mat. Reward small successes and stop while your dog is interested; avoid jumps and sharp turns when they may be unsafe.
For hide-and-seek, hide somewhere accessible and call your dog once. Or offer controlled tug with a suitable toy, taking breaks and moving it side to side rather than jerking or twisting.
Supervise, clear cords and small objects, secure slippery rugs, and stay away from stairs. Check treat ingredients and count them toward daily food; match each game to your dog’s mobility and comfort.
Try a short search, brief trick practice and a rest, then offer another game if your dog remains interested. Scent games suit many dogs, but preferences vary; stop when engagement fades.
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