Nose work is an incredibly enriching activity for dogs of all ages and breeds. I recommend this dog sport for ALL of my training clients, but especially those who have a dog that struggles with low confidence, fear, anxiety, or leash reactivity. It's an easy dog sport to try out because it doesn't require complex training to start.
Your dog can play nose work games no matter their age or breed! Nose work is also a fantastic way for senior dogs or dogs with mobility issues to stay active. If your dog is on crate rest after an injury or surgery, then you can set up easy-to-access nose work games in their recovery area.
By tapping into your dog's natural scenting abilities, nose work provides mental enrichment, strengthens the bond between you and your dog, and is just plain fun! Whether you're looking to add a fun activity to your dog's routine or interested in scent work titles, nose work games at home is a great place to start. I started nose work classes with my dog Fozzie Bear, and have seen such a positive change overall in his confidence and day-to-day behavior.
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Getting Started with Nose Work at Home
Starting nose work games at home is easy and fun. If you don't plan on participating in official scent work trials and titling your dog, you have a lot more options when it comes to getting started. You can adapt the games to suit your dog's preferences and skill level – there are no rules to follow if you don't plan on "competing."
Nose work is more tiring than it might look for your dog! You only need to do three to four searches (up to 5 minutes each) to work out their brain. Don't overdo it, and give them breaks in between searches. Here's a video showing Finnegan and Clover, two Preventive Vet pups, playing a nose work game indoors using the Hide & Scent kit featured below. You can see how quick and easy it is to play this game and tire your dog out. Finn and Clover typically find the scent 3 or 4 times, then they have a nap.
Below are suggestions for what supplies to have and a few different ways to introduce scent work at home.
What You'll Need for Nose Work
What you use for your nose work at home depends on whether you're also participating in nose work classes and/or if you plan on trialing. Below is a selection of my favorite at-home nose work game scent kits as well as more formal nose work scent kits.
The Hide & Scent kit has unique scents and cute scent stone pockets you use to play the game – perfect for those looking to play nose games at home, especially if you have children who want to help hide the scent. Use code HSPV10 for 10% off.
Another fun nose work game kit is the Nosey Nose Nosework Games Kit.
If you're wanting to use all of the "official" scents, check out the AKC Scent Work Kit. I use this at my home because it has birch, anise, and clove, which my instructor uses in our scent work classes. Cypress is also included, but not needed for those participating in NACSW trials (see below for more info on scent trials)
If you want to use metal tins for your searching, whether with official scents or other dog-safe scents, I like these nose work tins because they include magnet dots that you can stick on, making it easier to hide the tins up and under metal chairs, tables, on refrigerators, and other furniture. You can choose between a 10, 12, or 18 pack.
Simple Search for Treats or Toys
This is a great exercise option for rainy days and those of you just looking for a fun way to get your dog moving and using their brain. It can be a low-impact way for senior dogs to stay active as well, both physically and mentally!
Place one of your dog's favorite high-value treats (think turkey hotdog or freeze-dried liver) or favorite toy in plain sight and encourage your dog to "find it!" Use a consistent cue like "find it!" or "search" to signal the start of the game. For my dog, my cue to start searching is "Go Search!" because I already use "find it" to mean something else.
Gradually make the hiding spots more challenging as long as your dog is successful, such as under a blanket or behind a piece of furniture. If your dog is struggling to find their treat or toy, be sure to help them! Make a big deal with they find it, with lots of praise and play (if they found a toy).
Teaching Your Dog to Find a Specific Scent
You can introduce your dog to searching for a specific scent right away or after you've played simple search games with treats or toys.
Within the scent work world, some handlers train their dogs to do a specific action for their alert, such as sit or paw or bark. Others do not train a specific alert behavior, instead paying close attention to their dog's natural alert behaviors and responding to those.
If you take nose work classes, your instructor may do one or other, depending on their background and what scent work organization they trial with the most.
Safety Note: When using essential oil scents, you do not want your dog to come into direct contact with the oil. Always prepare a dog-safe scent source.
To do this, apply a drop of essential oil to a cotton swab (or scent absorption object included in your kit), and then place it inside a small ventilated container, like a metal tin with holes or pouch.
Dogs with asthma or respiratory issues can be extra sensitive to essential oil scents or concentrated scent, so speak with your veterinarian about precautions you should take.
Check out our list of scents that are harmful to dogs here.
Option 1: Pairing the Scent "Hides" with Food During the Game
- Start with one to three scent tins and place them in easy-to-find locations in the area your dog will be searching.
- On top of each tin, place a few high-value food treats.
- Bring your dog into the area and give them their start cue ("Find it!" or "Search!"). You can have them on or off leash.
- When they find each tin, let them eat the food that's been placed there and give them more food treats from your hand as close to the tin as possible.
- As you practice, keep placing food treats on the hidden tins, but make the hiding spots harder and harder.
- When your dog has had good practice and lots of positive associations between the scent tin and food happening, then you can try out a search without the treats already on the scent tins. At this point, be sure to reward heavily from your hand as close to the tin as possible when your dog finds it. Make a deal about how amazing they are!
Option 2: Pairing the Scent with Food Before the Game
- Hold the container with the scent near your dog and immediately reward them with a high-value treat as soon as they show interest in the scent.
- Practice this pairing multiple times in short, fun sessions. With practice, your dog learns that the scent predicts a reward.
- Start with very simple searches. Hide the scent container in an easy-to-find spot and encourage them to locate it. Reward them with lots of treats and praise when they find it.
- Over time, make the hiding spots more difficult.
Practice in New Environments
As your dog gains confidence, try scent games in different locations, such as a another room, your backyard, or a local park. New environments add an extra challenge and prepare your dog for the variability of trial settings. Scent moves in different ways depending on air flow, humidity, temperature, surface area and type of surface, and how long the scent has "aged" in that place. Keeping the game challenging for your dog maintains their engagement and increases the enrichment level.
Nose Work Games for Dogs
The Box Bonanza Game
This game mimics container searches commonly used in scent work trials.
You'll need an open space, several boxes or containers (NOT air tight), and prepared scent containers (tins or pouches) – start with the same number of boxes as scent containers, ideally 4 to 6. Have your high-value treats ready!
Set up the boxes: Arrange your boxes in a line or cluster, leaving enough space for your dog to move around each comfortably. Place a scent container inside each box.
Introduce the game: Bring your dog into the area and use your cue to encourage them to search the boxes. Watch for their natural indication (e.g., sniffing intensely, freezing, looking at you, etc.) at each box.
Reward the find: As soon as your dog alerts on each box, mark the moment with praise and reward them with their treats right at the box.
Increase the challenge: Next time you play the game, leave one box empty, then two, then three ... eventually only one container has the scent! Gradually add more boxes or spread them farther apart to make the search more difficult. Shuffle the boxes between rounds to ensure your dog relies on their nose rather than memory. Once your dog is confident with the game and higher difficulty levels, start playing in different locations or use containers of different materials.
If your dog is struggling, make it easier by using fewer containers or leaving the containers open or partially open.
Hot Dog on a String Game
This nose work game introduces a dog to the basics of scent tracking. This is a great game for kids to get involved in, as they can create the trails and cheer on your dog as they follow it.
You'll need a turkey hot dog (or similar highly fragrant and moist treat), a sturdy string that's long enough to drag behind you without breaking, and a safe environment to play the game (e.g., backyard, park, or large indoor area).
Create a scent trial: Securely tie one end of the string to the hot dog, making sure it's firmly attached so it won't fall off as it's dragged around. Without your dog present, choose a starting point and then drag the hot dog along the ground to leave a scent trail. Weave around obstacles like trees, chairs, or furniture for added complexity. End the trail in a spot where the hot dog will be easy to spot, such as at the base of a tree or under a chair.
Let the search begin: Bring your dog to the starting point and encourage them to sniff and follow the train at their own pace. Resist the urge to guide them too much – you want them to use their nose to solve the puzzle!
Celebrate the reward: When your dog finds the hot dog at the end of the trail, praise and let them enjoy their well-earned snack. If the hot dog isn't something they can eat safely whole, break it into small pieces when you originally leave it at the end of the trail.
The Sausage Tree Game
The Sausage Tree game, which I first learned about from renowned dog trainer Simone Mueller, is a fun scent activity that taps into your dog's natural hunting instincts.
You'll need bite-sized dog-safe sausages or other smelly high-value treats. Choose a tree or bush with branches that are low enough for your dog to reach, but high enough to make them work a little to find the treats. Ensure the area is free from hazards, such as thorns or sharp objects.
Set up the sausage tree: Without your dog, go and set up the sausage tree. Distribute the treats across the branches, varying the heights and locations. If you're using multiple trees or bushes, scatter the treats between them to extend the game.
Get hunting: Bring your dog to the tree and get excited about what you've both found! Encourage them to start sniffing and searching. Supervise your dog during the game to make sure they stay safe and don't get too frustrated. Celebrate each find with lots of praise!
Here's a video showing some dogs having a blast with the Sausage Tree game:
Getting Started in Scent Work Trials
If you're interested in taking nose work to the next level, scent work trials offer structured challenges with specific rules and objectives. These trials require preparation and education on the rules beforehand, so it can be incredibly helpful to attend nose work classes and work with an instructor familiar with the nose work trial level requirements. Look for local classes or clubs specializing in nose work, as these will provide an environment where you can practice nose work in mock trial run-throughs and level-specific training exercises.
For competition-level nose work, it's important to let your dog take the lead during searches and learn their body language so you can be a responsive handler. Resist the urge to point or guide them and trust their nose! When I'm practicing in nose work class, I find that I'm usually the one who misses my dog alerting to the hide or I call an alert too soon before my dog pinpoints it. It really is about learning to trust your dog and watching for their alert signal (whether pre trained or not).
AKC and NACSW
The two primary organizations for scent work trials in the United States are the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW). Choosing between the AKC and NACSW often depends on your personal preference, your dog's skills, and the trial opportunities in your area.
AKC scent work offers a variety of titling opportunities in elements such as Containers, Interiors, Exteriors, and Buried hides. Difficulty levels include novice, advanced, excellent, and master, and the AKC incorporates a broad range of scent options: birch, anise, clove, and cypress.
NACSW pioneered the concept of nose work as a dog sport and focuses their foundational training techniques on the dog's independence in searching. Their trials only use three scents – birch, anise, and clove – and trials include a variety of elements, including vehicle searches and elite division challenges.
Scent Work in Other Dog Sports
Nose work isn't just a standalone activity; it also plays a crucial role in other dog sports and working dog tasks. Sports like tracking, mantrailing, search and rescue, Earthdog, and Barn Hunt all rely on a dog's scenting ability and desire to "hunt" for the scent. This crossover of skills shows the versatility and importance of nose work.
Final Tips for Nose Work Success
- Start Slow: Allow your dog to work at their own pace. Nose work (and all training) should always be a positive and enjoyable experience.
- Use High-Value Rewards: Reinforce your dog's success with delicious treats they rarely get otherwise. This maintains a high drive to find the scent for them, because it predicts such a high-value reward.
- Stay Consistent: Practice regularly to build your dog's skills and confidence, as well as refine your handling skills.
- Have Fun! Whether you're playing in the living room or competing at a trial, the joy of nose work comes from watching your dog engage in an activity they love and that shows off their amazing scenting abilities.
- Get Help When You Need It: Having a supportive coach if you plan on trialing with your dog goes a long way in reducing your stress and keeping nose work fun.
Even though I am a certified dog trainer and understand how nose work "works," I rely on my instructor to give me tips and tidbits in each class so that I get better at working with Fozzie Bear. She has years of experience specifically in nose work and understands how scent moves and why we might be struggling finding a particular hide. Here's Fozzie showing off his skills in one of his classes:
Ready to get started? Grab some treats, pick a scent, and watch your dog's nose lead the way!
