One of the nose games I play with my dogs is to pop a pot of popcorn, then go out into the backyard, and plant the popped kernels all over the place. In grass, in toys, under empty upside-down flower pots, on lawn chairs, on lawn chair arm rests, in planters, palm trees, on tables, their dog walk, fence posts, on branches of bushes, etc. The main thing is that I plant the treats on the ground, at and above nose level giving the dogs ample exercise to use their schnozes.
While I do the planting, the dogs are behind the back door getting amped up. They love this activity. And their finds, the popcorn, instantly reinforces them for a good job on the sniffing out of the prize. They’re also racing all over the yard, which is a good exercise, especially for older dogs who may not move as much anymore.
This game can also be played in the house on a rainy day, or otherwise. Giving your dog a mental workout is important to their well being, in this case, it’s the concentrated effort of sniffing out the treats before other dogs get to it. Even if you have only one dog, finding good stuff is motivating enough for a dog, and provides entertainment for the dog and you! And this is an inexpensive game, too!
By Helen Verte
Certified Pet Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, Certified Trick Dog Instructor
Certified Dog Trainer Broward County Florida
