How to Teach Your Dog to Play Hide and Seek

Are you ready to play a REAL game of hide and seek with your dog? Not the kind where you hide and then have to call their name to get them to find you (which is more of a recall game)! In this article, we'll show you how to teach your dog to play hide and seek in a way that challenges their problem-solving skills — using their incredible sense of smell to track you down. Hide and Seek is a fun and mentally stimulating way to bond with your dog while keeping them engaged, exercised, and entertained. The best part? It’s an ideal indoor activity for dogs, especially on rainy days when you’re stuck inside! Plus, it's a fantastic boredom buster that encourages your dog to use their natural tracking and scenting abilities.

Ready to get started? Let's dive into the steps of teaching your dog to play a REAL game of hide and seek using scent tracking.

What You'll Need:

• A scent (like the one found in the Hide&Scent game kit)
• A quiet space (start indoors in one room)
• Patience, enthusiasm and an upbeat attitude!

Step 1: Scent Imprinting

Before you can teach your dog to track you down, you need to help them learn which scent they’ll be searching for. This process is called scent imprinting, and it’s the first step in playing hide and seek. You can learn more about scent imprinting here. 

Start by introducing your dog to the scent you’ll be using. Present the scent to your dog, allow them to sniff it, and reward them for showing interest. The process is sniff, treat, sniff, treat etc. On average you'll need to do this about 20 times, but every dog is different. Scent imprinting is the initial, vital step. It teaches your dog what smell they should be paying attention to and that finding it leads to good things. By creating this positive link, you're setting the stage for them to understand the goal of the game and develop the skills to track and locate that particular scent (and eventually you!). 

Tip: Before each game of hide and seek you play, do a few repetitions of "sniff, treat, sniff, treat" to remind your dog what scent they are tracking.

Step 2: Easy Hides and Adding a Cue Word

Once your dog is familiar with and values the scent, it’s time to start the game! Begin by placing the scent in the middle of the room a treat next to it. Use the cue word “Find It” or “Search” and release your dog to move towards the scent. When they reach it, reward them with treats as close to the scent as possible, so they associate finding it with rewards. Repeat this a few times with the scent in plain sight.

Once your dog understands the cue and moves toward the scent, it’s time to start hiding it. While your dog is out of the room, hide the scent pouch with a treat next to it in an open box, behind a table leg, or in a similar easy spot. After hiding the scent, bring your dog back into the room, use the cue word, and release them to search. Reward them with praise and treats as soon as they find the scent.

Pro Tip: Keep the first few hides simple so your dog can get the hang of the game and build confidence. Stay in one room, starting with easy spots, and gradually increase the difficulty as they improve. You can scatter objects around the room (boxes, shoes, cones, etc.) to make it more challenging. See the video below for a visual example of this.

Step 3: Leveling Up with More Challenging Hides

Now that your dog has a basic understanding of the game, it’s time to challenge them! Start hiding the scent in more difficult locations, like under a blanket, behind a pillow, or in a slightly more hidden spot within the room.

As your dog becomes more proficient, you can increase the difficulty by hiding the scent in higher places (vertical hides), behind objects, or in tricky corners of the room (by a vent). 

Note: Always reward your dog with praise and/or treats when they successfully find the scent. At this stage, you no longer need to place a treat beside the hidden scent. Positive reinforcement is key to keeping them motivated and engaged. If your dog gets frustrated and quits go back to an easier hide.

Step 4: Multi-Room Hides

Once your dog is getting good at finding the scent in one room, it’s time to introduce multiple rooms! This will further develop their tracking skills and make the game more challenging. Start hiding the scent in different rooms around your home. Follow the same steps as previously laid out. 

Step 5: Hide and Seek Where You Are Hiding

Now, the moment you’ve been waiting for — it's your turn to hide! Ask a friend or family member to join in the fun. Keeping the scent on your person (you can wear it if you're using the Hide&Scent game kit), run off and hide while your helper keeps your dog in another room. Once you're ready, signal to your helper to release your dog with the cue word "Find It" or "Search." Now your dog will use their nose to track you down! Sit tight and wait for your dog to find you. When they do, reward them with lots of praise and repeat the game.

Playing hide and seek with your dog using scent training is a fun, mentally engaging activity that challenges both their minds and bodies. By teaching them to track and find the scent, you’re letting them engage in one of their favorite activities—sniffing—while giving them an outlet for their energy. It’s a fantastic indoor activity for dogs and a great way to tire them out on days when outdoor play isn’t an option. Plus, it’s fun for you too, and likely to be the most memorable game of hide and seek you’ll ever play! If you have kids at home who want to join the fun, there’s also a Hide&Scent Kids Edition of the Hide&Scent game kit that brings everyone into the action!