Level 1
- Begin with having your dog in a Stay/Wait position. If your dog does not know these commands, you can hold your dog on its leash.
- Get some bite-sized but high-value treats in your hand and show them to your dog.
- Scatter the treats on the ground in front of them, say “Find it” and allow your dog to get them. Praise them once they get it.
- Do this twice or thrice, gradually increasing the distance from your dog.
Level 2- Get your dog back in the Stay/Wait position.
- Show them a treat in your hand and while they are watching, place it at a short distance behind some furniture that is easily accessible.
- Say your cue word “Find It” and allow them to go get it.
- Repeat this exercise a few times, hiding the treat in different but visible spots while your dog is watching. Remember to say “Find it” each time before they are asked to go get the treat.
Level 3Once your dog understands the rules of the game, pretend to hide the treats in one spot. But actually, hide it in another close by. Now ask your dog to “Find It!”
And just like that, watch the magic of your dog using their nose!
Level 4Once your dog masters the “Find it” with treats, you can up their scenting game by teaching them to find their favourite toys or small objects like old socks, etc. To introduce scenting to your dog, follow the same steps mentioned above. Before you begin the game, however, build up the excitement towards the toy by being excited and teasing your dog with the toy before.
Level 5Take your “Find it” game to new heights by changing the surroundings you practise it in, be it in a different room, to begin with, to have small sessions on your walks outside. The more you challenge your dog, the more your dog is likely to be better at it.
Voila! Your dog is on its way to being the next best detection hound in town!