NOSE GAME TIPS FROM OUR VETERINARIAN IN HOUSTON TX

Keep Your Pet’s Mind Sharp With Nose Games

A dog’s nose is 10,000 times more powerful than a human nose. They can pick up scents easily and are naturally curious creatures. Keeping your dog’s nose busy is not only a great way to keep them occupied, it is also a great exercise for their mind! Our dogs have a natural curiosity and like to follow all the different scents in their environment. Nose work and scent games can help strengthen your pet’s natural instincts and they will love the challenge! Our veterinarian in Houston TX has some simple tips to help you teach your dog how to use their nose.

Find the Right Motivation

Providing fun scent challenges for your pet can have several benefits for their overall wellbeing. Nose games can improve mental health, increase physical activity, improve confidence, provide your pup with purpose, and it is an excellent bonding activity. Your pet will feel encouraged and rewarded every time they find the treat or object they are searching for. Your puppy needs some personal attention from you every day so that they can stay happy and healthy, so this can be a different way to bond with them! Nose games are easy to train and easy for your pet to understand, so you can get really creative with challenges. As your dog progresses, don’t be afraid to make the challenge a bit more difficult!

Pets have a lot of energy that they need to get out every day to help keep them healthy and reduce anxiety. It isn’t always possible to get outside due to weather or even just to a demanding schedule during the day, so nose games can be an excellent back up plan. Nose games can be difficult or easy, and they can help your dog exert their energy in a safe and controlled environment. Tiring out your pup can help them manage their behavior, so you want to make sure that they are thoroughly entertained every day.

Benefits of Nose Games

Dogs love to please their owner, so chances are they will be eager to participate, but it doesn’t hurt to provide them with some motivation. Our veterinarian in Houston TX recommends finding the right treat or toy to really encourage them to learn. Once your dog understands that they are going to benefit from this game, they will be thrilled to pay attention. Use a treat that is of high value to them, like a piece of chicken or their favorite treat.

How to Train a Nose Game

Let your dog see and smell the treat. While you are in their line of sight, place the treat somewhere in the room and give a command of your choosing, like “go” or “find it”. Do this a few times so they understand what you mean. When your pet understands the task, try hiding the treat somewhere they can’t see it. As you work with your dog on this task, they will get better at finding the treat even as it becomes more of a challenge. When they get really good at sniffing out their treat, you can start to change up the location and use more distracting environments.

An easier nose game could be to just put a treat in one hand and ask your pet to choose the right hand. It might confuse them at first because they won’t be able to see the treat, but they should catch on once they start using their nose. This game is best for dogs who know how to sit and are less likely to try to gnaw at your hand. If your dog chooses the wrong hand, open your hands to show them the treat but don’t give it to them. Try again until they understand, but chances are they’ll catch on quick once they realize they’re getting a treat.

Nose games are so fun for your pet and rewarding to see as a dog parent. They are great exercises for dogs of all ages and can help keep their mind sharp. Be sure to follow up every success with praise and love so that your pet knows they did a good job. Their confidence will soar and they will sharpen their natural skills. Your pup will appreciate the opportunity to do something for you and your bond will strengthen if you successfully teach them how to use their nose. Ask our veterinarian in Houston TX for more tips on how to help keep your pet’s mind sharp and engaged. Call our office with any pet-related questions or if you would like to schedule a visit with us.