Which hand? for dogs: how to play
Hide a treat in one closed fist and let your dog sniff out the right one. A one-minute game you can play anywhere.
- Time
- 3 min
- Energy
- Low
- Space
- Small room
You'll need
- small smelly treats
Set up
Sit or kneel in front of your dog. Put a treat in one hand behind your back.
How to play
Bring both closed fists forward at your dog's nose height, about 30 cm apart.
Wait. Let your dog sniff both.
When your dog nudges, paws or stares at the right hand, open it and let them eat the treat.
If they choose the empty hand, open it to show it's empty and try again.
Swap hands randomly so your dog can't guess a pattern.
Play 6 to 10 rounds.
House rules
- Hold fists still; let the nose decide.
- Don't let your dog mug or nip your hand; if they do, stand up and try later with calmer energy.
- Make it easier
- Show your dog which hand gets the treat first, or use a very smelly treat.
- Make it harder
- Use three "hands": add a closed cup or a folded sock.
Signs it's having fun
Careful sniffing, a clear choice, tail wags.
Stop if you see
Your dog nips or paws hard at your hands.
Safety
Safety- Skip with dogs who grab at hands; play the shell game instead.
Sources
Written from these sources and checked against vet and trainer guidance. General guidance, not veterinary advice.
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