Puppies are fluffy bundles of energy. They’re well known for their playful nature and cute goofy ways.
That’s what makes us fall in love with them!
And it’s natural to want to soak up every ounce of fun.
But they need around 18 hours of sleep a day. Without it, puppies can’t think straight or learn.
They zoom around like lunatics and turn into land sharks!
Which can be overwhelming and stressful for new guardians.
The good news is that sniffing games will not only calm a bouncy puppy, but they’ll make drifting off to sleep soooo much easier!
In this blog post we’ll share 5 examples of DIY sniffing games and why they’re key for a calm, happy and confident puppy.
5 DIY sniffing games for puppies
Rules for success
1. Always supervise your puppy
2. Support them
3. Let them investigate at their own pace
4. Never force your puppy to interact
1. Cardboard box
Easy, free, be prepared for mess!
Resources:
- a shallow S/M/L cardboard box (an egg box works a treat!)
- packing paper, newspaper or wrapping paper
- your puppy’s kibble or treats
Optional resources:
- toilet or kitchen roll tube
- smaller box
- tea towel
For your puppy’s first time playing this game, sprinkle a few pieces of their kibble or treats into the box. Pop it on the floor and let them investigate.
Leave the lid open or remove it.
Be mindful if playing on a laminate floor. The box moving around can scare some puppies. Boisterous puppies could slip and cause an injury. You may need to hold it in position.
When your puppy is confidently sniffing for their food you can increase the level of difficulty. For example:
- add packing paper or a toilet roll tube so your puppy gets to forage around
- put a few pieces of food inside the paper, tube or smaller box then into the bigger box. Your puppy can rip it open to find their prize!
- close the lid slightly. Your puppy will need to solve the puzzle.
Observe your puppy and how they approach the game. Are they cautious? Do they dive right in? Do you see an increase in confidence over time?
This is all information to help you get to know your puppy.
2. JW Hol-ee Roller
Versatile, re-usable, a little prep time
Resources:
- a JW Hol-ee roller – Medium – 11.5cm or Large – 14cm
- strips of fleece or cut up an old item of clothing – approximately 10cm wide and 30cm long
- your puppy’s kibble or treats
Place a few pieces of food inside in strip of material. Roll and twist the material. Thread it through one side of the JW Hol-ee roller and out the other. Rinse and repeat.
Add a few extra pieces of food into the middle.
Tuck the ends of the material inside of the Hol-ee roller to increase the level of difficulty.
Enjoy watching your puppy sniff and dissect.
Dry off or wash the pieces of material until next time!
3. Cups
Easy, cheap, re-usable
Resources:
- plastic or paper cups
- your puppy’s kibble or treats
With your puppy in another room or behind a baby gate, stand a few plastic cups on the floor upside down. Pop a few pieces of food under each cup. Invite your puppy to come and investigate.
They might use a paw to knock the cup over or their nose to push it aside.
If your puppy is struggling, lift the cup slightly so they can smell the food underneath. Alternatively, turn the cup the correct way around.
When your puppy has mastered this game, add more cups or set up some dummy cups. These cups have no food underneath.
Tidy away any and save for another day.
4. The Burrito
Easy, free, little mess
Resources:
- S/M/L towel depending on the size of your puppy. A tea-towel works well for most.
- your puppy’s kibble or treats
Lay your towel flat on a high surface. Place a few pieces of food in a row along the top end of the towel. Roll it over. Add more pieces of food until the towel looks like a burrito!
Place on the floor for your puppy to investigate. They may need a little help to start, but soon they’ll be pushing the towel with their nose to reveal their jackpot!
5. Find it
Easy, great for kids to play with their puppy, you may not find all the hidden pieces
Resources:
- your puppy’s kibble or treats
With your puppy in another room or behind a baby gate, place pieces of food around the room or your garden.
Make it easy to start. For example:
- next to a chair leg
- in a corner
- on a step
Invite your puppy to ‘find it’. They’ll need some help to start. Use your finger to point out the food. Your puppy will naturally follow it.
Before long, they’ll be sniffing away on their own.
Increase the level of difficulty by placing pieces of food on low tables, shelves or in their bed. Use low walls or beams in your garden to make a sniffing trail and the long grass as natures snuffle mat.
10 benefits of sniffing games
Sniffing games are perfect for:
1. promoting calmness
2. providing mental stimulation
3. tiring out puppies (and dogs)
4. building positive relationships
5. meeting innate needs
6. getting to know your puppy
7. helping your puppy to ‘feel’ better
8. increasing confidence
9. improved resilience and optimism
10. slowing down meal times
Helping to avoid behaviour issues in the future and to raise a calm, happy and confident puppy!
It’s a no brainer!
I hope this blog post has provided you with 5 sniffing games you can’t wait to try out!
Please let me know in the comments which is your favourite!
You might also like our Puppy Wise Academy membership. Inside you’ll find more awesome sniffing games to play with your puppy AND everything you’ll ever need to train your pup to grow into an absolute superstar!
Click on the image below to learn more and get unwavering support with your puppy’s training today!
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Happy training!
Lindsay xx
These are fab ideas Lindsay, can’t wait to try them out 🙂