Treat Searches

Treat searches are a great way to make our dogs feel calmer. They use their nose, concentrate and their pulse goes down.

Ripley and Rufus search for treats with a tractor in the background

All dogs can do treat searches - any age, any breed! We just need to make sure our dog is not hungry when we offer this activity.

And make sure fresh water is available as searching can make your dog very thirsty.

How to do a treat search?

Ecko treat searching during a break at a social walk

This is a simple, but wonderful nose game. All you need is a heaped handful of very small, tasty, meaty treats. Choose a calm, safe area. If possible, the dog can be off leash, otherwise use a long, loose leash and an H-harness.

Drop a treat onto the grass right in front of the dog's nose. When she eats it, drop two or three treats. When you see that she understands the game, scatter the whole handful of treats at once. Let her search without trying to help or direct her. Her nose will tell her what to do.

Your dog might take breaks. She will also show you when she is done. Make note of how long she can concentrate for - this will likely change with time and experience. You can also gradually increase the surface area of the treat search. Why not the whole garden?

Dogs love to search for treats. It helps them concentrate and calms them down. You can do a treat search with your dog every day, as a part of your walk or just a lovely, relaxing outdoor activity on its own. Enjoy!