Hide and seek for dogs: how to play
Hide somewhere in the house, call your dog once, and celebrate when they find you. Recall and nose work in one.
- Time
- 10 min
- Energy
- Medium
- Space
- A room
You'll need
- treats or a favourite toy
- a helper to hold your dog (optional; a solid stay works too)
Set up
Your dog needs a stay or someone to hold them gently. Solo? Hide while your dog is busy with a scatter of treats.
How to play
Ask your dog to sit and stay, or have a helper hold the harness.
Walk into the next room and hide somewhere easy, like behind a door, with part of you showing.
Call your dog's name once.
When they find you, throw a party: treats, praise, a quick game of tug.
Next round, pick a slightly harder spot: behind the shower curtain, under a duvet, in another room.
Play 4 to 6 rounds and end while your dog still wants more.
House rules
- Call once only, then stay quiet and let the nose work.
- Pick spots your dog can reach without climbing or jumping.
- Every find gets a reward.
- Make it easier
- Hide in the same room, let your dog watch you go, or keep talking softly.
- Make it harder
- Hide without calling, so your dog has to search by scent; hide upstairs or outdoors in a fenced garden.
Signs it's having fun
Excited search, nose working at doorways, a happy bounce when they find you.
Stop if you see
Whining, panting, or frantic running. Some dogs find losing you stressful; make it easier or stop.
Safety
Safety- Avoid hiding places on stairs for puppies, seniors or long-backed breeds.
- Don't jump out to scare your dog.
- Keep doors open so your dog can't get shut in.
Sources
Written from these sources and checked against vet and trainer guidance. General guidance, not veterinary advice.
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