The "find it" game is a fun and mentally stimulating activity that teaches your dog to use their sense of smell to locate hidden treats or toys. It's a great way to engage your dog's instincts and provide mental enrichment.
Here's how you can play the "Find It" game with your dog:
Start in a Controlled Environment: Begin the game in a quiet, familiar environment with minimal distractions. Choose an area where your dog feels comfortable and relaxed, such as a living room or backyard.
Introduce the Command: Get your dog's attention and show them a treat or toy. Hold the item in your hand and let your dog sniff it. Then, say "find it" or "search" to signal that it's time to start looking for the hidden item.
Hide the Treat or Toy: While your dog watches, place the treat or toy in an easy-to-find location within the designated area. Start with prominent hiding spots like behind furniture or under a pillow. As your dog becomes more proficient, you can gradually increase the difficulty by hiding the item in more challenging locations while the dog is out of the room or in a different location.
Encourage Exploration: Release your dog and encourage them to search for the hidden item using the command you introduced earlier ("find it" or "search"). You can offer verbal encouragement and point in the general direction of the hidden item to help guide them if needed.
Reward Success: When your dog locates the hidden treat or toy, praise them enthusiastically.
Repeat and Increase Difficulty: Continue playing the "find it" game, gradually increasing the difficulty by hiding the treat or toy in different locations and adding more distractions to the environment. You can also start hiding multiple items at once to provide an additional challenge for your dog.
End on a Positive Note: Once your dog has had a few successful searches, end the game positively by rewarding them and praising their efforts. This will help keep the game enjoyable and reinforce their desire to participate in future sessions.
Keep each "Find it" Session short: Only play the game for a few minutes at a time, taking at least a 20 to 30-minute break between game sessions; this will prevent mental fatigue in the dog and keep it fun.
The "find it" game is a versatile activity that can be adapted to suit dogs of all ages and skill levels. It's a fantastic way to provide mental stimulation and strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend.