5 Scent Games for Dogs to Play at Home
Updated: 4 days ago
Your dog's nose is extraordinary. It can pick up smells we can't imagine, and using it is one of the most satisfying and calming things a dog can do. Scent games for dogs are easy to set up, need almost no equipment and work in a small flat just as well as a big house. Here are five of my favourite indoor scent games, how to teach them and how to make them harder as your dog gets better.
THE SHORT ANSWER
Scent games are games where your dog uses their nose to find food, toys or a particular smell. They're brilliant enrichment, because sniffing is mentally tiring, lowers stress and builds confidence. The easiest indoor scent games are scatter feeding, the towel roll, "find it" around the room, the cup game and a hidden toy search. Start easy, so your dog wins quickly, then make it harder by hiding things higher, further away or in different rooms. Ten minutes of scent work can tire a dog as much as a long walk, which makes these games perfect for rainy days, dogs on rest and dogs who struggle to settle.
IN THIS POST
ā Why scent games are so good for dogs
ā Five indoor scent games for dogs
ā How to make scent games harder
ā FAQs
Why scent games are so good for dogs
Dogs experience the world through their noses. A big part of their brain is set aside for processing smell, and sniffing gives them information, focus and a sense of calm.
Scent games are especially useful for dogs who are recovering from injury, can't go on long walks, find the outside world stressful or need help settling in the evening. They also build confidence in shy dogs, because the dog is in charge of the search. Read brain training for dogs.
Five indoor scent games for dogs
1. Scatter feeding
Throw a handful of your dog's kibble across the floor or the lawn and let them sniff it out. It's the simplest scent game there is, and a great way to use part of a meal.
2. The towel roll
Lay a towel flat, sprinkle treats across it, then roll it up loosely and tie a loose knot. Your dog has to nose, paw and unroll it to find the food. Supervise if your dog likes to chew fabric.
3. Find it
With your dog watching, toss a treat a short distance and say "find it". Repeat a few times. Then hide a treat behind a chair leg while your dog waits, and send them to search. Build up to hiding treats in other rooms.
4. The cup game
Put a treat under one of three upturned cups or bowls. Let your dog sniff and choose. Reward when they nose or paw the right one. Shuffle the cups to make it harder.
5. Hide the toy
Let your dog sniff a favourite toy, then hide it somewhere easy while they wait. Send them to find it and have a big game of tug when they do. Gradually hide it in harder places.
How to make scent games harder
Once your dog understands the game, small changes keep it interesting. Too many at once can put a dog off. Make one change at a time:
hide treats higher up, under things or inside boxes
use more rooms, or hide things before your dog comes in
use smaller or less smelly treats
add a few empty boxes alongside the one with the treat
hide a toy that's been handled by someone else
If your dog starts to struggle or give up, go back a step and help them win. A dog who keeps winning keeps wanting to play.
Taking it further
If your dog loves sniffing, scent work as a sport might suit them. It teaches dogs to find a particular smell, such as a drop of essential oil on a cotton bud, and indicate where it is. It's suitable for almost any dog, including older dogs and dogs who can't do more physical sports. Read indoor enrichment ideas.
RENEE'S TIP
Swap your dog's breakfast bowl for a scent game three mornings a week. Scatter it in the garden, roll it in a towel or hide it in boxes around the kitchen. It costs you two minutes and gives your dog a calm, busy start to the day.
QUICK CHECK
ā Scent games use your dog's nose to find food or toys
ā Sniffing is calming, tiring and builds confidence
ā Try scatter feeding, the towel roll, find it, the cup game and hide the toy
ā Start easy so your dog wins, then make one thing harder at a time
ā Great for rainy days, rest and dogs who struggle to settle
ONE-TO-ONE HELP
Help with a dog who can't settle
If your dog struggles to switch off at home and you'd like a plan that uses games and calm routines, I can help in an online Dog Behaviour Consultation from wherever you are.
Online on Teams, wherever you are. 30 or 60 minutes.
FAQs
What are scent games for dogs?
Games where your dog uses their nose to find hidden food, toys or a particular smell.
What are the best indoor scent games?
Scatter feeding, the towel roll, find it, the cup game and hiding a favourite toy.
Do scent games tire dogs out?
Yes. Ten minutes of sniffing and searching can tire a dog as much as a long walk.
Are scent games good for anxious dogs?
Yes. Sniffing lowers stress, and searching builds confidence because the dog is in charge.
Can puppies play scent games?
Yes. Keep them very easy and short, like scatter feeding and simple find it games.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Renee Patience Ā· National Dog Trainer of the Year 2025
Founder and head trainer of Paws Academy, with more than 30 years training dogs and a Level 6 Diploma in Applied Canine Behaviour. Renee has competed in agility, obedience and heelwork to music across the UK, including at Crufts and Olympia, has appeared on CBBC, and is the author of the Modern Training Guides and the Modern Breed Handbook series. Pictured with her boxer, Kookie.
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