How-To • Scent Games • Nose Work • Enrichment • Breed Instincts
Rainy day? Too cold to spend much time outside? Or maybe your dog is staring at you because apparently YOU are the entertainment department.
Here's something you can do with your dog that requires very little equipment, almost no money, and a whole lot of something he already knows how to use.
His nose!
Dogs experience the world through scent in ways we can barely imagine. While we're looking at the tree, the grass, and the neighbor walking down the street, our dogs are gathering information from all the smells around them.
Who was here?
What passed through the yard?
Is there another animal nearby?
Where did that person go?
And is there something interesting hidden underneath those leaves?
Sniffing is not simply something dogs do when they're bored. It's a major part of how they investigate and interact with their environment.
And we can turn that natural ability into some terrific games.
Scent games are fun for almost every dog.
Young puppies, adolescents, energetic working breeds, family companions, and even senior dogs who may no longer be physically capable of intense exercise can enjoy an appropriately designed scent game.
And when the weather makes outdoor activities less appealing, scent games give you another way to spend meaningful time together.
No elaborate equipment necessary.
No expensive training program required.
Just a few minutes, a little creativity, and that wonderful nose your dog already has.
Here's what I love about scent games:
We're not trying to suppress the dog's natural instincts. We're finding an appropriate way to USE them.
And unlike simply throwing a ball until the dog is exhausted, scent games challenge him to investigate, make decisions, solve problems, and work toward a goal.
Why Scent Games Matter: Your Dog Was Born to Use His Nose
Dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell to understand the world.
Their olfactory system is substantially more developed than ours, allowing them to detect and distinguish odors that people may not even notice.
They can investigate information through scent, follow odor trails, and use smell to locate food, animals, people, and familiar objects.
Different dogs have different abilities and interests, of course.
But scent investigation is a natural canine behavior.
And when we provide opportunities to use that sense intentionally, we're giving the dog something more meaningful than another toy tossed into the living room.
We're allowing him to do something that comes naturally.
This Connects Directly to Understanding Your Dog's Breed Instincts
One of the subjects I frequently discuss is the importance of understanding what your dog was originally developed to do.
We often choose dogs because we love how they look or because we have wonderful memories of another dog from the same breed.
But then we forget that many breeds were selectively developed over generations for particular jobs.
Tracking.
Hunting.
Retrieving.
Herding.
Searching.
Guarding.
And working closely with humans.
Those tendencies don't simply disappear because a dog now lives in a suburban home and sleeps on the couch.
And even mixed-breed dogs may have strong behavioral tendencies related to their ancestry.
Understanding breed instincts isn't about labeling every dog. It's about recognizing what kinds of activities may be naturally fulfilling for the individual dog in front of you.
Some Dogs Are Particularly Enthusiastic About Scent Work
Think about a Beagle following a rabbit trail.
A Bloodhound tracking a person.
A Basset Hound working through a scent trail.
Or a Dachshund investigating something moving underneath the ground.
These dogs weren't developed simply to sit beside us looking adorable.
They have histories connected to scent, pursuit, and persistence.
Now imagine living with one of those dogs and never giving him an appropriate opportunity to use those instincts.
That doesn't mean every Beagle will behave identically, or that every Dachshund will love the same game.
But understanding the breed's history can give us useful clues about what may be rewarding.
What About Herding Dogs, Retrievers, and Working Breeds?
They can enjoy scent games, too.
A retriever may love searching for a favorite toy and bringing it back.
A herding dog may enjoy the problem-solving challenge of finding a particular object.
A working or sporting breed may thrive when given a structured searching assignment.
And an ordinary mixed-breed family companion may surprise you by becoming absolutely obsessed with finding hidden treats.
Not every dog needs the same activity.
But every dog benefits from having appropriate opportunities to engage with the world in ways that make sense for him.
That's the bigger message in my work on breed instincts and natural needs: don't simply ask what behavior you want to stop. Ask what your dog needs an appropriate outlet to DO.
Explore the Behavior and Whole-Dog Wellness Library for more on breed tendencies, natural behavior, and enrichment.
A Tired Dog Is Not Necessarily a Fulfilled Dog
Here's something else I want you considering.
Pet parents often assume that if a dog is restless, demanding, or difficult to settle, he simply needs more exercise.
So they walk longer.
Throw the ball more.
Run harder.
And try to physically exhaust the dog.
But physical fatigue isn't the only thing that matters.
Some dogs need more opportunities for investigation, problem-solving, and meaningful engagement.
And some dogs need help learning how to transition from activity into actual rest.
That's where scent games can become useful.
They provide a focused activity that allows the dog to investigate and solve a problem without necessarily requiring a tremendous amount of physical exertion.
That can be especially valuable for dogs who aren't able to participate in long walks or intense exercise.
But here's the distinction.
Enrichment isn't supposed to become another way to keep the dog endlessly stimulated.
We play.
We engage.
We allow the dog to work.
Then the activity ends.
And the dog has an opportunity to rest.
That's part of a balanced lifestyle, too.
Rainy Days, Winter Weather, and When Outdoor Exercise Is Limited
Here's where scent games really shine.
It's pouring outside.
Or the sidewalks are icy.
Maybe it's freezing cold, unbearably hot, or simply one of those days when you're not interested in spending an hour outdoors.
Your dog still needs appropriate activity and engagement.
But that doesn't mean you need to invent an indoor obstacle course or throw a ball down the hallway fifty times.
You can create a terrific scent-searching game right in the living room.
And we're not limited to bad weather.
Scent games are useful during:
- Rainy days and extended periods of wet weather.
- Cold winter afternoons or icy conditions.
- Extremely hot summer days when outdoor exercise needs to be limited.
- Travel and hotel stays, when space is limited.
- Periods of reduced activity for senior dogs.
- Some recovery periods when gentle activity has been approved by the veterinarian.
- Ordinary days when you want to spend meaningful time with your dog.
And they're easy to adapt.
Sometimes you have fifteen minutes for a more elaborate game.
Other times you may have only three or four minutes.
Both can be useful.
What Do You Need to Begin?
Not much.
You probably already have everything you need.
- A few small, high-value food rewards your dog enjoys.
- A favorite toy, if your dog prefers toy rewards.
- A handful of clean cardboard boxes, cups, or containers.
- A quiet room with a non-slip floor.
- A clear verbal cue such as FIND IT.
- A reward marker such as GOOD.
- A release or finish cue such as ALL DONE.
That's it.
We are not starting by teaching the dog to detect a specific essential oil or professional detection odor.
We're simply introducing the idea that using his nose to locate something is a fun, rewarding activity.
Once he understands the game, there are countless ways to make it more interesting.
First, Teach FIND IT
Before hiding something behind furniture or inside a box, I want your dog understanding that FIND IT means there's something worthwhile to search for.
So we begin with an extremely easy game.
And I mean easy.
Don't make your dog work through a difficult puzzle before he even understands what we're asking.
Choose a Quiet Location
Begin in a familiar room without major distractions.
Use a small food reward your dog enjoys.
Have the dog nearby and able to see what you're doing.
Let Him See the Reward
Show him the food.
Place it on the floor a short distance in front of him.
Don't hide it yet.
At this stage, we're simply helping him connect your cue with finding something rewarding.
Say FIND IT
Give the cue once in a clear, upbeat voice.
Allow the dog to move toward the food and collect it.
When he finds it, say GOOD.
Let him enjoy the reward.
Repeat Several Easy Searches
Place another treat a few feet away.
Say FIND IT.
Allow him to collect it.
Repeat in different directions.
We're building a clear association between the cue, searching, and successfully finding something.
Make the Placement Slightly Less Obvious
Once he understands, place the food near the leg of a chair or beside a safe object.
Keep the food accessible and easy to locate.
Let him begin using his nose rather than simply watching your hand.
Finish While the Dog Is Still Enjoying the Game
After several successful searches, give your finish cue.
ALL DONE.
Put the remaining food away.
And allow the dog to move on to another activity or settle.
We don't need to keep searching until he's exhausted or frustrated.
Progression 2: Stop Showing Him Exactly Where the Food Is
Now that your dog understands FIND IT, we're ready to make the game a little more interesting.
We're going to stop relying entirely on his eyesight.
Instead of letting him watch you place the reward, have him wait briefly while you prepare a simple search.
You can use Sit/Stay if he already knows it, or have another person gently keep him with them while you hide the reward.
Begin with easy locations.
Beside a chair leg.
Near the baseboard.
On an accessible section of the floor behind a piece of furniture.
Or inside an open cardboard box.
Then bring him into the area and say FIND IT.
Now watch.
He may initially look around, expecting to see the food.
But when he begins sniffing and investigating, we've started shifting the exercise toward scent searching.
And that's exactly what I want.
Let him investigate.
Don't immediately point to the answer.
Don't repeat FIND IT fifteen times.
And don't rush to help because he hasn't located the reward within three seconds.
Give him a reasonable opportunity to solve the problem.
If he's genuinely stuck, make the next hide easier or guide him toward the general area without turning the game into a guessing contest.
Successful repetitions are what build confidence.
Progression 3: The Box Game
This is one of my favorite ways to build scent-game skills because it's inexpensive, easy to set up, and very adaptable.
Game 1: One Box
Place one clean cardboard box on the floor.
Put a small food reward inside the open box while your dog watches.
Give FIND IT.
Allow him to investigate and collect the reward.
Repeat until the dog comfortably approaches and searches the box.
Don't force his head inside a container he's uncertain about. Let him investigate voluntarily.
Game 2: Two or Three Boxes
Now place two or three identical open boxes on the floor.
Have your dog briefly wait somewhere he cannot watch the setup.
Put the food reward in one box.
Return with your dog and give FIND IT.
Let him investigate all the boxes.
He may check an empty one first.
That's fine!
We are not punishing mistakes.
He's gathering information.
When he finds the rewarded box, mark GOOD and let him collect the food.
Game 3: More Boxes, Different Locations
Once your dog understands the game, increase the number of boxes gradually.
Move them farther apart.
Change their arrangement.
Or place them in different areas of the room.
Only one box needs to contain a reward.
With repetition, the dog begins searching each option rather than simply running to the same location every time.
Don't create an impossible puzzle.
And don't close or tape a box so securely that the dog has to tear it apart to reach the reward unless you've intentionally created a separate, safe destruction-enrichment activity.
For this game, I want the dog using his nose to locate the target, not risking injury or swallowing cardboard.
Progression 4: Hide the Favorite Toy
Now let's give the food-motivated dogs a break and talk about toys.
Because some dogs will work enthusiastically to locate a favorite ball, stuffed toy, or tug.
And that's terrific.
The reward doesn't always need to be food.
Start by letting the dog see the toy.
Place it in an easy location.
Give FIND IT.
When he locates the toy, celebrate.
Play a short game.
Maybe a little tug.
Or an appropriate retrieve.
Then reset and repeat.
Over time, make the toy less visible.
Hide it behind the couch.
Beside a chair.
Under the edge of an accessible blanket.
Or in another safe location.
The dog begins searching for the familiar odor of the toy instead of simply chasing something he watched you throw.
And here's an important distinction.
Finding the toy and returning it to you are two separate skills.
If you want the dog to retrieve the toy to your hand, that's another training lesson.
For scent games, finding it is already a success.
Progression 5: Hide and Seek With People
Here's another game I love.
And this one can become a terrific family activity when everyone understands the rules.
Begin with two adults.
One person stays with the dog.
The other steps a short distance away and hides somewhere easy.
Perhaps behind a doorway or around the corner.
Initially, the dog may see the person leave.
That's fine.
The person hiding can call the dog once, or the handler can use FIND IT once the dog understands the game.
When the dog locates the hidden person, celebrate!
Offer praise, a toy, or an appropriate reward.
Then repeat.
As your dog improves, the hidden person can move farther away and eventually hide without the dog watching.
Now the dog may begin using scent to help locate the person.
You're combining a natural searching activity with shared interaction.
And that's one of the reasons I like this game so much.
What About Children?
Children can enjoy helping with hide and seek when the dog is safe, comfortable, and appropriate for the activity.
But I don't want a child hiding behind furniture while an overexcited dog races toward them, jumps, mouths, or body-slams them.
Keep the game organized and supervised by adults.
Use calm rewards and appropriate distances.
And never use an unfamiliar or potentially aggressive dog for child-directed searching games.
Progression 6: Search an Entire Room
Once your dog understands easy searches and no longer needs to watch every placement, you can begin creating slightly larger searches.
Have him wait outside a familiar room.
Hide several small rewards in safe, accessible locations.
Perhaps one beside a chair.
Another near the leg of a table.
One inside an open box.
And another tucked near a safe piece of furniture.
Bring the dog into the room and say FIND IT.
Now allow him to work.
You'll likely begin noticing how differently dogs approach a search.
Some move quickly.
Some methodically check every corner.
Some begin circling an area when they detect an odor.
Others stop and investigate tiny spaces you never expected them to notice.
Don't feel the need to direct every step.
Let the dog use his nose.
That's the entire point of the game.
When all the rewards are found, use your finish cue.
And make sure you know how many items were hidden so no food or object is left behind.
How Do You Make Scent Games More Difficult?
Once the dog understands the game, you have several ways to increase the challenge.
But I don't recommend increasing everything at once.
Change one thing at a time and watch how the dog responds.
| Make It Harder By... | Example |
|---|---|
| Increasing search area | Move from one corner to the entire living room. |
| Reducing visibility | Hide the reward behind a safe object instead of in plain sight. |
| Adding search options | Use five boxes instead of two. |
| Changing locations | Practice in a different room or familiar safe outdoor space. |
| Introducing a different target | Search for a familiar toy instead of food. |
| Varying placement | Use accessible locations at different positions within the dog's comfortable reach. |
| Increasing the number of searches | Find several separate rewards instead of one. |
Remember that the dog still needs opportunities to succeed.
If he begins wandering away, becoming frustrated, or repeatedly checking with you for help, the search may be too difficult.
Make the next repetition easier.
Help him finish successfully.
And stop while the game is still enjoyable.
What About Teaching a Specific Scent?
Everything we've discussed so far involves finding food, toys, or familiar people.
But you can also teach dogs to search for a specific target odor.
That's the foundation of more formal scent-detection and nose-work activities.
The difference is that we're no longer simply asking the dog to find something he naturally wants.
We're teaching him that detecting a particular odor predicts a reward.
Start With an Object Carrying a Distinct Odor
For an introductory household version, choose a safe, familiar scented object that your dog can investigate without ingesting anything hazardous.
Keep the target consistent.
Initially, place the target in plain sight.
When the dog approaches and investigates it, mark GOOD and deliver a reward from your hand.
Repeat until he clearly associates investigating that target with receiving a reward.
Then begin placing the target among a few empty containers.
When he identifies the correct one, mark and reward.
As the dog improves, move the target to other accessible locations.
Don't expect a dog to understand a new target odor simply because he knows how to find food.
The association needs to be taught.
Teach a Clear Indication
For more structured scent work, you may eventually want your dog to indicate that he has found the source without grabbing it.
Some dogs naturally stop and sniff intently.
Others may sit near the container or look back at the handler.
Choose a suitable behavior and reinforce it consistently.
The goal is a dog who can locate the target and communicate his discovery.
For formal detection sports, specialized instruction is worthwhile because odor preparation, handling, contamination, and indication training become more precise.
Keep Essential Oils Separate From Beginner Scent Games
Because I work extensively with essential oils, people sometimes assume scent work automatically means hiding essential oils for the dog to locate.
It doesn't.
For ordinary family scent games, I prefer beginning with food, safe toys, and familiar household objects.
Concentrated essential oils aren't interchangeable with food or toy scents, and some can be irritating or unsafe if improperly prepared or ingested.
If you're pursuing formal odor-detection work, use appropriate professional guidance and materials intended for that purpose.
And please don't place drops of essential oil onto a toy or inside an object that the dog may chew or swallow just to create a stronger scent.
The dog's nose is already excellent.
We don't need to overwhelm it.
Can Senior Dogs Enjoy Scent Games?
Absolutely.
And this is one of the reasons I love them.
A senior dog may no longer enjoy running across the yard chasing a ball.
Perhaps he has arthritis.
Or reduced mobility.
Maybe he's recovering from an injury or simply doesn't have the stamina he once had.
That doesn't mean he has to give up enjoyable activities.
We can modify scent games so he doesn't need to run, jump, climb, or get into awkward positions.
Use a smaller search area.
Place rewards at a comfortable height.
Choose non-slip flooring.
Keep the sessions brief.
And allow him to search at his own pace.
Some senior dogs may also have declining olfactory ability, cognitive changes, or sensory challenges. In those cases, adapt the difficulty and make the rewards easier to locate.
I'm not interested in making the game frustrating for a senior dog.
I want him enjoying something meaningful and achievable.
What About Puppies?
Puppies are wonderful candidates for simple scent games.
They're naturally curious.
They're learning about their environment.
And we can use food searches or simple toy games to give them appropriate opportunities for exploration.
But keep the activities age-appropriate.
A few easy searches.
A little praise.
Perhaps a toy game.
Then rest.
Puppies don't need complicated scent-detection challenges.
They need successful experiences and an opportunity to enjoy learning.
Remember: puppies don't just play. They practice.
Let's give them something worthwhile to practice.
Can Scent Games Help a Dog Who Is Restless or Over-Aroused?
They may be useful as one part of the dog's daily enrichment.
For some dogs, a predictable search game gives them a focused task instead of another high-speed activity.
And it can be a nice transition between excitement and a quieter part of the day.
For example, after an appropriate walk or play session, you might introduce a few simple searches before moving toward rest.
But I want you observing the individual dog.
Some become calmer and more focused during sniffing activities.
Others become increasingly excited or frustrated, particularly when the search is too difficult or the reward is highly stimulating.
And scent games aren't a substitute for addressing chronic anxiety, pain, frustration, or other behavioral concerns.
Read Why Won't My Dog Settle? Over-Arousal and Hypervigilance for the bigger picture.
What If My Dog Isn't Food Motivated?
First, don't assume the game is impossible.
Some dogs aren't particularly interested in the reward you've chosen.
Others may be distracted, stressed, recently fed, or unsure what they're being asked to do.
And some dogs simply prefer toys or social interaction to food rewards.
That's fine.
Experiment with suitable rewards.
Perhaps your dog loves finding a particular ball.
Or enjoys tug after locating a hidden toy.
Maybe an enthusiastic game with you is more rewarding than a small food treat.
Use what genuinely motivates your dog.
And if a dog shows a persistent or unexpected loss of interest in food, don't automatically call it a training issue. Consider whether appetite, illness, medication, or another health concern deserves attention.
Common Mistakes When Teaching Scent Games
| Mistake | Why It Matters | Better Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Starting with a difficult hiding place | The dog may not understand the game yet. | Begin with visible, easy rewards. |
| Repeating FIND IT continuously | The cue becomes background noise. | Give the cue clearly and allow time to search. |
| Immediately pointing to the reward | The dog may rely on the handler instead of investigating. | Allow appropriate independent problem-solving. |
| Making every repetition harder | Success decreases and frustration may increase. | Mix easy searches with manageable challenges. |
| Using inaccessible or unsafe hiding spots | The dog may climb, scratch, swallow objects, or injure himself. | Choose secure, accessible locations. |
| Letting the dog chew search containers | Cardboard or other materials may be swallowed. | Supervise and remove unsafe materials promptly. |
| Using rewards the dog doesn't value | Motivation and engagement may be low. | Choose food, toys, or interaction the dog enjoys. |
| Practicing until the dog is exhausted | The game may become frustrating or overstimulating. | Finish after several successful searches. |
| Turning scent games into constant entertainment | The dog may learn to demand another activity continually. | Use a clear finish cue and allow appropriate rest. |
A Simple Rainy-Day Scent Game Session
Here's an example of what I might do on a cold, rainy afternoon.
First Two Minutes: Easy FIND IT
Begin with several easy food placements on the floor or in an open box so the dog quickly recognizes the game.
Next Three Minutes: Box Searches
Use three or four boxes. Hide one reward at a time and let the dog investigate.
Next Three Minutes: Search the Room
Place two or three rewards in safe locations. Let him search without watching where you put them.
Final Two Minutes: Favorite Toy
Hide a familiar toy and reward the dog with an enjoyable, appropriate game when he finds it.
Finish: ALL DONE
Use your finish cue, put the equipment away, and allow your dog to settle or continue with normal household activities.
That's simply an example.
Your dog's session might be five minutes.
Or fifteen.
Perhaps your senior dog needs only three easy searches.
Or your experienced hound is ready for a much more complicated room search.
Adapt the game to the dog rather than forcing the dog into a rigid program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are scent games for dogs?
Scent games are activities that encourage a dog to use his sense of smell to locate food, toys, people, or trained target odors. They provide opportunities for investigation, problem-solving, and enjoyable interaction.
How do I teach my dog FIND IT?
Begin by placing a visible food reward a short distance away, saying FIND IT, and allowing your dog to collect it. Repeat successfully before gradually introducing partially hidden rewards and more challenging searches.
Are scent games good for rainy days?
Yes. Many scent games can be played indoors with very little equipment. They're especially convenient when rain, ice, extreme temperatures, or other conditions limit outdoor activities.
Can every breed enjoy scent games?
Most dogs can participate in an appropriately adapted scent activity. Some breeds have particularly strong histories of scent-focused work, but other breeds and mixed-breed companions may enjoy searching, too.
Do scent games tire dogs out?
Scent searches can provide mental engagement and may be satisfying or tiring for some dogs. But they are not a substitute for all physical activity, social needs, rest, or appropriate behavioral support.
Can puppies learn scent games?
Absolutely. Begin with simple, short searches using puppy-appropriate rewards and safe environments. Focus on success and enjoyment rather than complicated challenges.
Can senior dogs do scent work?
Yes. Choose accessible hiding places, non-slip surfaces, and a comfortable search area. Adapt the difficulty to the dog's mobility, sensory abilities, and stamina.
Do I need a scent-work kit?
No. For ordinary household games, food, toys, boxes, and a few safe hiding locations are sufficient. Formal detection sports use additional specialized techniques and equipment.
What if my dog can't find the hidden reward?
Make the next search easier. Use a more accessible location, reduce the search area, or return briefly to a visible placement. The goal is to build understanding and confidence through successful repetitions.
Should I point to the hidden treat?
Initially you may help your dog understand the game, but once he's searching, give him an opportunity to investigate independently. Excessive pointing can turn a scent game into a game of following your hands.
Can I use toys instead of food?
Yes. Many dogs enjoy locating familiar toys and receiving play as the reward. Choose what genuinely motivates the individual dog.
Can I use essential oils for scent games?
Beginner family scent games don't require essential oils. Use food, safe toys, or familiar objects. Formal odor work requires appropriate materials and safe handling, particularly if concentrated aromatic substances are involved.
Let Your Dog Be a Dog
Here's what I want you taking away from this lesson.
We spend a lot of time teaching dogs what NOT to do.
Don't bark.
Don't jump.
Don't pull.
Don't chase.
Don't dig.
Don't do this.
Don't do that.
But sometimes we forget to ask what those dogs were naturally designed and motivated to do.
For many dogs, searching and investigating with their noses is an enormous part of that picture.
And it's an activity we can encourage without needing a giant backyard, expensive equipment, or a professional training facility.
We can hide food.
Hide toys.
Play find the person.
Search boxes.
Investigate a room.
And gradually develop more challenging scent-searching skills.
It's a wonderful way to engage with your dog.
It's adaptable for puppies, adults, and seniors.
And it's particularly useful on those rainy days, winter afternoons, or other occasions when our usual outdoor activities aren't an option.
But remember the bigger point.
This isn't simply about keeping your dog busy.
It's about recognizing natural instincts, providing appropriate outlets, and spending meaningful time together.
And when the game is finished, your dog can return to normal life, rest, and enjoy the rest of his day.
Stop trying to entertain your dog with more and more activity. Start thinking about what kinds of experiences are genuinely fulfilling for HIM.
Let him sniff. Let him investigate. Let him search. Give him opportunities to use the abilities he was born with.
And the next time the weather is miserable, grab a few boxes and some treats. Your dog already has the most important piece of equipment—his nose!
Is Your Dog Getting What He Actually Needs?
Sometimes the issue isn't a lack of obedience. It's a lack of appropriate outlets for natural behavior, insufficient mental and physical engagement, or a daily routine that doesn't fit the dog.
Other times, chronic restlessness, anxiety, frustration, or behavior challenges involve more than simply needing another activity.
My behavior work considers the dog's breed tendencies, history, lifestyle, environment, emotional state, physical health, nutrition, and relationship with the family.
Every behavior case begins with an initial evaluation to determine appropriate next steps and whether continued coaching is suitable.
Let's understand your dog's needs instead of simply trying to keep him busy.
Tell Me About Your DogEducational Information: Supervise scent games and select rewards, toys, containers, and hiding places suitable for your dog's size, health, age, and abilities. Avoid hazardous substances, choking risks, sharp materials, unstable furniture, and inaccessible hiding places. Scent games are enrichment activities, not substitutes for appropriate physical exercise, veterinary care, or individualized behavior treatment.