Hide the puppy’s kibble 

…and have him find them.

Space the treats out every couple of feet in a trail around the room. In this diagram “X” equals a treat. The Jackpot! is a toy filled with treats, hidden, and ready at the end of the food trail as a final extra special treat.

While you get ready to set this game up, pop your puppy in the crate, in another room, or have someone else holding him.
Start by hiding the puppy’s kibble, or some tiny tasty treats, in obvious places around the room.
Hide anywhere from 5 to 10 pieces.
Once you have the food in place, go and fetch the puppy.

In an excited tone of voice ask the puppy to ‘find it!’. Tap your finger on the ground next to the treat.
As he gobbles his treats, tell him what a good pup he is, continue to use your voice to get him excited about the game and the prospects of the hunt. “What a good puppy!” “Do you wanna find it?” “Where is it?” “Hunt it up!”

Once he has found all of the treats and enjoyed the extra special Jackpot, the round is over.
After you have played the game a few times, the puppy will start to get the hang of it.
Begin to hide the treats in more difficult spots so that the game becomes more challenging and interesting for your pup.

• The biggest benefit of this game is that it is an opportunity for your puppy to do something he loves, sniff and find things!
• This is a great game to play in the house, the yard, or the park. It is very transportable and can be played anywhere.
• Children can safely and effectively be involved when supervised.

Once the puppy is a pro with treats, if he has favorite toys, begin to alternate by using them instead of, or in combination with, the treats.

A tug toy hidden and found can be followed with a game of tug. Or, hide the puppy’s favorite food stuffed toys. A few food stuffed toys and puzzles is a great way to spend quality time if the weather is keeping you inside.

Once the puppy is a keen participant in the game of Find it! (which should not take very long) you can vary the game; where you play it, what level of distractions are present, and the things that you have the puppy search for.

The success of your dog games truly depends on how far you will let your imagination go!

Use your Treat ball; this, itself, is a form of searching for the puppy. The toys are designed to provide enrichment opportunities. 

The puppy can smell the hidden food inside the ball…

…and is reinforced by the effort it takes to get it out as well as the food he finds.

Hide yourself.

Once the puppy finds you, treat him! Use his favorite toy, a delicious chew bone, a walk, or a romp in the park.