Bernie's Dog Training and Pet Care Services

“Find It” is a great activity to share with your dog. It helps stimulate the dog’s mind (dogs get bored!), burns physical energy (a tired dog is a happy dog) and increases human/dog bond.

Place a treat in the middle of the room, allowing your dog to see where you’ve placed it. Tell the dog “find it” in an excited voice using a hand signal to encourage your dog to retrieve the treat. Praise the dog when he runs up to the treat. Repeat this activity several times. If your dog consistently runs to the treat you are ready to move onto the next stage – hiding the treat behind or inside an object, but still allowing the dog to see where you’ve hidden it. Again, give the command “find it” with a hand signal. If your dog does not retrieve the treat, return to the first stage. If he DOES retrieve the treat, after several repetitions, it’s time for stage three – hiding the treat without allowing the dog to see where you’ve hidden it. Again, if you need to move back one stage, do so, otherwise praise the dog and continue to hide the treat in different areas in your house and yard. You can try hiding the treat before leaving the house with the dog, and asking him to “find it” upon your return.

When your dog is consistently finding a treat no matter where you hide it, you can try hiding toys or items of clothing or anything else you’d like your dog to find. Keep upping the ante and making the game more challenging. Use your imagination and have fun!