Keeping your dog physically active is essential but mental stimulation is just as important. Indoor dog training games like the hide and seek game for dogs and teaching your pup how to play “find it” are fun, effective ways to keep their mind sharp and energy in check. These brain-boosting activities also help reinforce essential behaviors like recall, patience, and scent tracking.
The hide and seek game for dogs is more than just fun, it's a mentally and physically enriching activity. Your pup will engage their body as they move and their brain as they problem-solve. The game also taps into your dog’s natural scenting ability, encouraging them to use their nose to track you down.
Bonus: this game is an excellent way to practice recall commands and reinforce your dog’s name. If you’re playing solo, it also sharpens your dog’s “wait” skills while building anticipation.
Step 1: Have a helper hold your dog on a leash or ask your dog to “wait” if they’ve mastered it. Speak to your dog in an excited tone as you walk away and hide behind a tree, furniture, or any obstacle. Let your dog see where you hide the first time.
Step 2: Cue your dog’s recall (or have your helper do it) and allow them to run and find you. When your pup reaches you, celebrate with treats or play.
Step 3: Level up the difficulty. Hide farther away or in trickier spots where your dog can’t see you. Let them use their sense of smell, hearing, and instinct to track you down.
Step 4: Stay silent if your pup makes a mistake. Don’t interfere or punish, just reward them when they succeed.
Step 5: Switch roles! You direct the game while someone else hides. Cue your dog to “find” the person, encouraging independence and sniffing skills.
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Looking to take your training outdoors? Here’s how:
Pick a wooded trail or obstacle-filled space with plenty of places to hide.
Have your assistant hold the leash while you run ahead and find a spot.
Cue your dog with “find” or “seek,” and let them go!
Reward success with praise or treats, and keep practicing with more distance and complexity.
Eventually, use just the “find” cue, no calling out and let their nose do the work.
Another one of our favorite mental stimulation games for dogs is “Find It.” This game channels your dog’s incredible sense of smell to search for treats around the house.
Step 1: Show your dog a treat and hide it while they watch. Have a helper hold them or ask them to wait.
Step 2: Say “Find It” and release them to search. Reward them with praise when they succeed.
Step 3: Make it more challenging have your dog wait in another room while you hide several treats around your home.
Step 4: Call your dog in and say “Find It.” Offer guidance if needed and continue rewarding each find. When all treats are found, show empty hands, give a release cue, and end the game.
Play when your dog is a bit hungry they’ll be more motivated.
Vary the treat locations and use different rooms or outdoor areas.
Try a mix of treat types to keep it exciting.
Make hiding spots harder over time to hide treats inside objects or slightly above ground level.
If your dog locates an out-of-reach treat, reward them by hand.
Resist the urge to give hints and let your dog work through the challenge.
Need a little extra support? Book a complimentary call with one of our dog experts
Both hide and seek games for dogs and teaching them how to play Find It are great ways to build engagement, reinforce training, and give your dog much-needed mental stimulation. Whether you’re stuck inside on a rainy day or just want to change up your routine, these indoor dog training games are perfect for bonding and boosting brain power.
Happy hiding!
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