The basics: “Sniff” and “Find”

To train a good detective, you must start with the basics: “Sniff” and “Find.”

What better way to get that sniffer going than with some tasty treats? I’ve

divided this foundational skill into three, easy-to-master stages. Make sure

your dog feels confident and successful at every stage.

Stage 1

1. Gather some good-smelling treats, go to a large room or hallway, and

place your dog in a “Sit–Stay” on-leash.

2. Say “Sniff” as you hold a treat in front of your dog’s nose.

Discourage any taste-testing with “Ep, ep.”

3. Remind “Stay,” and toss the treat no more than 3 feet in front of you.

If your dog moves, snap the leash and remind “Stay.”

4. Release with “Okay, find.”

Praise your dog for locating and gobbling the treat.

5. Gradually extend your toss to not more than 10 feet.

Once your dog perfects this part of the trick, move on to the next stage.

Always vary the amount of time you pause before releasing your dog so that

he won’t jump the gun. Pause 3, 10, 14, or 20 seconds — mix it up. The pauses

encourage your dog to concentrate on your commands.

Stage 2

1. Command “Sniff” and “Stay” as before, but leave your dog’s side and

place the treat inches in front of him.

2. Return to your dog’s side, pause, and release him with “Okay– Find.”

3. Gradually extend your distance to not more than 15 feet.

At this point, your dog may lose sight of the treat and have to rely on his

sniffer to find it.

Unlike humans, dogs have better peripheral vision than they do distance

vision. That’s why when you see something in front of you, your dog may not.

Stage 3

Now you’re ready to put your four-footed detective to the test:

1. Place your dog on a “Stay” about 4 feet from the entrance to the room.

2. Instruct “Sniff,” remind “Stay,” and place your treat out of sight

around the corner.

3. Return to your dog, pause, and then send him off with “Okay– Find.”
Cheer him on if he seems confused. You may have to get on all fours
yourself and sniff around, though you should praise him enthusiastically
regardless of how he locates the treat.

Once your dog has the idea and is racing to put his nose to work, you can
progressively hide the treat in more challenging places. And who’s to say
that you have to hide just one?

This game was my dog Kyia’s favorite one to play. I used vegetables, hiding
four or five while I was making a salad, just to keep her busy.