Fun Game for Your Dog: Hide & Seek!

Rosko sniffing for treats during hide & Seek!

Did you know dogs also love to play Hide & Seek? Especially working or hunting dogs like Shepherds or Hounds. Teaching your dog to play Hide & Seek will not only keep him happy and challenged, but it will also keep your pup occupied while you're eating dinner or entertaining guests. In fact, we can't even say "Hide & Seek" without Rosko barking and jumping!

No Peeking! Rosko's waiting while I hide his treats!

How you teach your dog to play Hide & Seek: 

1. Let the dog sniff a treat before you hide. 
2. Start small. At first you'll need two people -- one person will keep the dog in one room, while the other person will hide with the treat. 
3. Say a phrase, like "Ready, set, go." Make sure to say this every time so that the dog learns this is his cue. 
4. Let the dog go to find the hidden person. Once he finds you, celebrate and give him the treat. 

Note: At first the hider may need to give him guidance by whispering his name or making a noise.

Sorry for the blurred photo! Once he gets sniffin' it's hard to capture him!

Once he's learned, here's how you play:

1. Have your dog sit in an area where he cannot see you hiding the treats. 
2. At first, start small, only hide the treats in one room, you can even hide the treats in the same spot every time. As he gets better at it, start adding hiding spots or moving one of the hiding spots. Then, start adding rooms. 
3. Say your cue, and let him find his treats. 
4. When he's found them all, make sure to let him know. If he hasn't and it's been a long time, we will say "Rosko, I see one!" and stand near it. 

It takes patience to teach this trick to your dog, but once you have, it will make him feel challenged and happy!

 

Happy Seeking!