Scent Games for Dogs: Tips, Best Practices & Hiding Spots

Dogs possess an extraordinary sense of smell, with some estimates suggesting their olfactory capabilities are 10,000 to 100,000 times better than humans. Harnessing this natural ability through scent games can be both mentally stimulating and physically engaging for your furry friend. Scent games are not only fun but also serve to improve a dog's focus, reduce stress, and strengthen the bond between you and your pet.

Hide&Scent is designed to make playing scent games with your dog easy and enjoyable for you both. 

Getting Started with Hide&Scent: A Quick Start Guide

Introduce our Foundation Scent: All the Hide&Scent Game Kits come with our signature dog-friendly foundation scent stone. Formulated with dogs in mind - your dog will be excited to take a big sniff of the scent stone. Reward them with a treat each time they take a sniff of the stone. 

1. Start Simple: Begin with easy games where the scent stone is visible or partially hidden. Gradually increase the difficulty as your dog gets better at the game.
2. Use Cues: Introduce cues like "find it" or "search" to signal the start of the game. Consistent cues help remind your dog what game they are playing.
3. Reward and Praise: Always reward your dog with treats or praise, when they successfully find the scent stone. Positive reinforcement encourages them to continue participating eagerly.

Tips and Best Practices for Using Hide&Scent

• Proper Storage: Store the Hide&Scent stones in the game box when not in use to maintain their scent potency. 
• Wash Hands: After handling the scent stones, wash your hands to avoid spreading the scent to other objects or surfaces.
• Change Locations: Vary the locations where you hide the scent stones to keep the game interesting. Different environments present new challenges and keep your dog engaged.
• Change Scents: Keep the novelty and excitement level high by swapping in different smelling scent stones from our scent stone foundation collection
• Increase Difficulty Gradually: Start with easy hiding spots and gradually move to more complex ones. Too much difficulty too soon can frustrate your dog and reduce their interest in the game.
• Incorporate Obstacles: Add obstacles like boxes, furniture, or even small agility equipment to make the search more challenging and engaging.
• Use a Timer: Time your dog to see how quickly they can find the scent. This adds an element of competition and helps track their progress over time.
• Stay Patient: Every dog learns at their own pace. Be patient and supportive, offering encouragement and assistance when needed.

Scent games are an excellent way to engage your dog's natural abilities while providing mental stimulation and physical exercise. With Hide&Scent, you can easily introduce these games to your routine, making playtime both fun and beneficial for your furry friend. By following these tips and best practices, you'll ensure a rewarding experience for both you and your dog. Ready, set, sniff!

For hiding spot ideas arranged by difficulty level download Hide&Scents Guide to Hide.