One of the nose games I play with my dogs is to pop a pot of popcorn, then go out into the backyard, and plant the popped kernels all over the place. Â In grass, in toys, under empty upside-down flower pots, on lawn chairs, on lawn chair arm rests, in planters, palm trees, on tables, their dog walk, fence posts, on branches of bushes, etc. Â The main thing is that I plant the treats on the ground, at and above nose level giving the dogs ample exercise to use their schnozes.
While I do the planting, the dogs are behind the back door getting amped up. Â They love this activity. Â And their finds, the popcorn, instantly reinforces them for a good job on the sniffing out of the prize. Â They’re also racing all over the yard, which is a good exercise, especially for older dogs who may not move as much anymore.
This game can also be played in the house on a rainy day, or otherwise. Â Giving your dog a mental workout is important to their well being, in this case, it’s the concentrated effort of sniffing out the treats before other dogs get to it. Â Even if you have only one dog, finding good stuff is motivating enough for a dog, and provides entertainment for the dog and you! Â And this is an inexpensive game, too!
By Helen Verte
Certified Pet Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, Certified Trick Dog Instructor
Certified Dog Trainer Broward County Florida
