The Scent "Find It" Game for Anxious Dogs
Hiding treats around the house for your dog to sniff out and find.
Is this right for your dog?
Good for most dogs. Skip it in multi-pet homes where dogs are prone to resource guarding over food.
What you'll need
Kibble or small treats, and a few minutes to hide them before you go.
How to do it
- Start easy: scatter a few treats in plain view around one room.
- Let your dog find and eat them, and stop while they're still interested.
- Progress gradually to partly hidden, then fully hidden, spots around the room.
Why it works
This is sensory and cognitive enrichment that doesn't require you to be present for the 'finding' part — you set it up before you leave, and the search itself can continue.
Safety & precautions
Use treats sized appropriately for your dog to avoid choking. Supervise the hiding process, though the eating itself doesn't need supervision.
When this isn't enough
If your dog won't search for treats even with you standing right there, it likely won't work as an alone-time activity either — and reduced interest in food can itself be a sign of anxiety.
See what's actually helping
Track which activities you try and how your dog responds — Qualma turns it into a pattern you can see.
Try it in Qualma