3 Nose Games to Play When the Weather is Sh!t
We all know that dogs have an incredible sense of smell that is far superior to ours.
We can use this superior sense during times when we can't get out for our usual walks and adventures.
Did you know that your dog sniffs with each nostril individually and that is how they orientate towards a scent? And the lumps and bumps on their noses are designed so they can take in scent particles even as they breathe out?
Sniffing also has some interesting effects on their brain as well. When sniffing the brain releases dopamine, which is relaxing and feels good! This release also suppresses cortisol production, the stress hormone.
And lastly, the olfactory bulb in the brain that processes scent, as well as the tissue and structure of the nasal cavities, are waaaaay larger and more complex than ours, which means they use more brain power.
So dogs that sniff are more relaxed, less anxious and more tired!
Playing nose-games with your dog is lots of fun for them and an easy way to tire your dog when it isn’t possible to take them out. Here are my favourite three nose-games that will make your dog’s life better today:
- Scatter feed - The easiest of them all! Instead of dropping their kibble in a bowl, drop it on the floor or toss it on the pavers or grass. They will spend ages sniffing out every little piece!
- Recycling bin raid – find an empty egg carton or cereal box and put the kibble inside. You can now either give it to your dog open or close it up for a little extra challenge for them. This game is great for destructive puppies who are going to destroy something anyway. For all dogs I do recommend giving it to them open the first few times, so they do not get frustrated and give up too quickly. Once your dog is a pro at getting into closed boxes you can make it harder by putting boxes inside boxes, hiding the boxes or even wrapping the box in a towel.
- Easter hunt – for this game you need to secure your dog somewhere such as behind a door, in a crate, or tethered with a leash. With your dog out of the way, take five pieces of kibble and hide them somewhere your dog can find them. On the floor is best, or low shelves. Take another five pieces and hide them somewhere else and keep going until you are out of food. Release your dog to sniff them all out! This is another game to start with very obvious “hiding” spots and build up to harder ones. If your dog is really struggling to figure out the game, you can secure them in the room with you so they watch you “hiding” their food.
With all of these games it can be tempting to help our dogs when they get stuck, or look like they do not understand the game. Try to avoid pointing out where the food is specifically! You will end up in a cycle of the dog looking to you, you showing them where the food is, your dog eating and then looking to you again. The part of these games that tires them out is the problem solving – just like humans can be tired after a big day of learning or doing something new.
For the wet food feeders, toys like Kongs can be stuffed and hidden for your dog to find. The wet food can be smeared onto a rubber mat for licking off or fed in a muffin tin as a DIY puzzle feeder bowl.
Have fun with these games and I hope your dog loves them! Stay safe during this wild weather and I hope you keep warm and dry ❤️
Send me photos or videos of your sniffy games to @jaricastledogtraining on Facebook or Instagram or email me on hello@jaricastle.com.au.
Happy sniffing!
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