Scent work at home: nose games for any dog

A dog’s nose is extraordinary, and most pet dogs rarely get the chance to use it properly. Scent work gives them that chance. It is calm, absorbing and suitable for almost any dog: young or old, big or small, energetic or laid-back. And you can do it in a kitchen, a hallway or a small garden.

There are organised scent work classes and competitions in the UK, but you do not need any special equipment to start at home.

Why scent work suits so many dogs

Sniffing is natural, and it lets a dog work at their own pace. Many owners find their dogs seem settled and content after a sniffing session. It is also low-impact, so it suits dogs with mobility limits, and dogs who need to rest after surgery when their vet has approved gentle activity.

Level 1: Find it

Show your dog a treat, say “find it”, and toss it on the floor a short distance away. When they eat it, praise them. Repeat a few times. Then toss it a bit further, or to the side, so they have to sniff to find it.

Level 2: Hidden treats in one room

Ask your dog to wait in another room, or have someone hold them. Hide a few treats in one room — behind a table leg, under the edge of a mat, on a low shelf. Then let your dog in and say “find it”. Start with easy, visible spots and make them harder. Stay close at first, and encourage them.

Level 3: The box search

Set out several cardboard boxes upside down or open, and put a treat in just one of them. Let your dog search. When they find it, reward them and celebrate. Gradually add more boxes and move them around. Remove tape and staples first.

Level 4: Whole-house and garden searches

Hide treats across several rooms, or around the garden. In the garden, check the area first for anything your dog should not eat, and keep away from slug pellets or plants that are toxic to dogs. Avoid hiding food in places where your dog could be tempted to dig into flowerbeds or squeeze into gaps.

Level 5: Searching for a scent

More advanced scent work teaches dogs to find a specific smell, rather than food. Classes usually choose the target scent for you and show you how to store and handle it safely, often on a cotton bud kept in a sealed container. Do not experiment with essential oils on your own, as some are harmful to dogs. If your dog enjoys home searches, a local scent work class or online course can be a great next step.

Tips for success

• Keep it easy at first. Success keeps dogs motivated.
• Let your dog work. Do not point to the treat unless they are truly stuck.
• Short sessions. Five to ten minutes is plenty.
• Use strong-smelling food, cut into small pieces.
• Count the food. Use part of their daily food, especially for dogs prone to weight gain.
• End on a win. Finish with an easy find.

Nose games with equipment

• A snuffle mat, such as the Paw5 Wooly, is a simple everyday scent game.
• A muffin tin with tennis balls over the cups mixes sniffing with problem-solving.
• A towel roll adds a little unrolling challenge.

You can also search Amazon UK for dog scent work kits (affiliate link, opens Amazon UK) if you want to try searching for a specific smell. Check the contents, any safety notes and the live price in the listing.

Safety

• Use dog-safe food only. Avoid grapes, raisins, chocolate, onions, garlic and xylitol.
• Do not hide food somewhere your dog would have to climb or jump to reach.
• If several pets live together, run searches one at a time to prevent squabbles.
• Clean up any food your dog does not find, so it does not go stale.

Scent games are enrichment, not a treatment for any condition. If you have concerns about your dog’s health or behaviour, speak to your vet.