9 Nose Work Games for Dogs

If you’ve ever watched your dog pause mid-walk, nose twitching as they investigate invisible trails only they can sense, you’ve seen the power of scent in action.

A dog’s nose is extraordinary it’s their primary way of understanding and interacting with the world.

For dogs, sniffing isn’t just curiosity. It’s communication, problem-solving, and even relaxation.

When you give your dog the opportunity to use that incredible nose through games and challenges, you’re doing more than entertaining them you’re providing mental enrichment, confidence building, and stress relief.

In this guide, we’ll explore nine fun and simple nose work games you can play at home. They’re inexpensive, easy to set up, and will keep your dog’s mind sharp while strengthening the bond you share.

1. The Classic “Find It” Game

This is the foundation of nose work a simple but endlessly fun game that teaches your dog to use their sense of smell to locate hidden treats or toys.

Materials:

• Small treats or your dog’s favorite toy
• A few hiding spots (start easy)

Instructions:

1. Start by showing your dog a treat or toy, then let them see where you place it.
2. Give the cue “Find it!” and encourage them to sniff it out.
3. When they locate it, praise them warmly and let them enjoy their reward.
4. Once your dog understands the game, begin hiding the treat out of sight behind furniture, under a towel, or under a small box.

Pro Tip: “Start with visible hides to build confidence, then gradually make them harder. Dogs learn best when they succeed early and often.”

This game is a simple way to burn energy indoors and give your dog a real sense of accomplishment.

2. The Muffin Tin Challenge

This one’s a hit for all dogs, from playful puppies to older pets who need gentler enrichment. It’s low-effort for you and high-reward for them.

Materials:

• A muffin tin (6 or 12-cup)
• Tennis balls or small toys to cover each cup
• Small treats

Instructions:

1. Place a treat in a few of the muffin tin cups.
2. Cover all the cups with tennis balls.
3. Encourage your dog to sniff and figure out which cups have the hidden goodies.
4. Let them use their nose (and paws) to remove the balls and find their reward.

It’s a simple puzzle, but it encourages focus, problem-solving, and the use of scent rather than sight.

3. Towel Roll-Up Game

Perfect for when you want a quick enrichment activity with minimal setup.

Materials:

• A clean towel
• Dog treats or kibble pieces

Instructions:

1. Lay the towel flat and sprinkle treats along the length.
2. Roll it up slowly so the treats are hidden inside.
3. Place it on the floor and tell your dog to “Find it!”
4. Watch as they sniff, unroll, and nudge the towel to uncover every bit of food.

This is an easy way to slow down fast eaters or keep your dog occupied on a rainy day.

Pro Tip: “Use a bath towel for a longer challenge or a small hand towel for quick playtime.”

4. Box Scent Hunt

If your dog loves exploring, this one will make their day. It turns your living room into a mini scent course.

Materials:

• Several cardboard boxes (different sizes if possible)
• Dog treats or a small toy

Instructions:

1. Place the boxes in an open space.
2. Hide a treat or toy in one of them — let your dog watch the first time.
3. Give the cue “Search!” and let them sniff through the boxes.
4. As your dog gets better, mix up the hiding spots and add more boxes.

You can even take this outdoors for extra stimulation. It’s simple, but it triggers your dog’s natural curiosity and problem-solving instincts.

5. Scented Sock Game

This one uses your dog’s favorite smell yours. It’s comforting, familiar, and exciting all at once.

Materials:

• A worn (but clean) sock or piece of clothing
• A few other items to hide it among (pillows, boxes, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Let your dog smell the sock first.
2. Hide it somewhere nearby, then give the cue “Find it!”
3. Encourage them to use their nose rather than sight to locate it.
4. Celebrate when they succeed with praise or a treat.

It’s a great bonding game, especially if your dog deals with separation anxiety.

6. The Shell Game

You’ve seen this trick played with cups and a hidden ball it works beautifully for dogs, too.

Materials:

• Three identical cups or small bowls
• Small treats

Instructions:

1. Place a treat under one of the cups while your dog watches.
2. Shuffle the cups slowly.
3. Let your dog sniff to choose the correct one.
4. When they find the treat, lift the cup and reward them.

As your dog masters the game, increase the speed or add a fourth cup for more challenge.

Pro Tip: “Keep the difficulty level just above easy you want your dog curious, not frustrated.”

7. Snuffle Mat Adventure

If your dog doesn’t have a snuffle mat yet, it’s time. These mats are made of soft fabric strips where you can hide treats. They mimic natural foraging and keep your dog engaged for long stretches.

Materials:

• A snuffle mat (store-bought or homemade from fleece fabric)
• Small dry treats or kibble

Instructions:

1. Sprinkle treats throughout the mat, tucking some deeper between the folds.
2. Place it on the floor and let your dog sniff to find every piece.
3. Allow them to work slowly — it’s as much about patience as scenting.

Snuffle mats are particularly good for high-energy dogs who need mental work to stay calm.

Pro Tip: “Feed entire meals in the snuffle mat for a slower, more satisfying eating experience.”

8. Hidden Toy Game

This one adds a playful twist by using your dog’s favorite toy instead of food. It’s great for scent-driven play sessions.

Materials:

• Your dog’s favorite toy (something they can easily carry)
• A few hiding spots

Instructions:

1. Let your dog see and smell the toy.
2. Hide it while they stay in another room.
3. Release them with “Find it!”
4. When they bring the toy back, reward them with a game of tug or fetch.

This combines scent detection with play and retrieval, keeping things exciting and interactive.

9. DIY Scent Trail

This one’s a little more advanced and works beautifully indoors or outdoors. You’ll be creating a scent trail your dog has to follow like a detective on a mission.

Materials:

• A few treats or a small piece of food
• A scent object (toy or piece of fabric)

Instructions:

1. Rub the treat or scent object along the floor or ground to create a trail.
2. Place the reward at the end of the path.
3. Encourage your dog to “Track it!” and follow the trail.
4. As they improve, make the trail longer or add turns.

It’s stimulating, rewarding, and a great way to work off extra energy.

Pro Tip: “Always end the trail with success your dog should find a reward every time, even if the trail is short.”

Why Nose Work Games Matter

These games might seem simple, but they do far more than keep your dog busy. Nose work taps into instinct, focus, and problem-solving skills that your dog was born with.

When a dog uses their nose, their brain lights up it’s a full mental workout. Ten minutes of scent work can be as exhausting (and satisfying) as a long walk. It helps with:

• Mental stimulation – engages your dog’s natural instincts
• Confidence building – encourages independence and decision-making
• Reducing stress and anxiety – sniffing is naturally calming
• Improved focus – helps dogs learn to concentrate and control impulses
• Bonding – strengthens trust and communication between you and your dog

Pro Tip: “Dogs that struggle with boredom, anxiety, or excess energy benefit most from daily scent games it’s therapy disguised as fun.”

Tips for Successful Nose Work Play

• Start easy. Don’t make it too hard at first let your dog win often to build enthusiasm.
• Use high-value rewards. Small, smelly treats like chicken or cheese keep them motivated.
• Keep sessions short. Five to ten minutes is plenty to start with.
• Play indoors or out. Scent games work beautifully anywhere your living room, garden, or park.
• Always celebrate success. A happy “Good job!” means more to your dog than you think.

Final Thoughts

Nose work games aren’t just fun distractions they’re powerful, enriching activities that engage your dog’s most important sense.

Whether you have a high-energy puppy or a senior dog who prefers gentle play, there’s a scent game that fits their pace.

The best part? You don’t need fancy gear or hours of time. With a few household items and some creativity, you can turn any room into a scent adventure.

So next time you’re looking for something new to do together, skip the fetch and grab a few treats your dog’s nose will do the rest.