Hot and cold for dogs: how to play
Hide a toy and guide your dog with your voice: quiet when they're far, excited when they're close.
- Time
- 5 min
- Energy
- Medium
- Space
- A room
You'll need
- favourite toy or treat
Set up
Hide a toy in a room while your dog waits outside.
How to play
Bring your dog in and say "Find it".
When your dog moves toward the toy, talk in an excited, happy voice.
When your dog moves away, go quiet and calm.
Let your dog solve it. Point only if they're truly stuck.
Celebrate the find with a short game with the toy.
House rules
- Voice gets warmer as the dog gets closer, never sharp or scolding.
- Make it easier
- Hide the toy half visible and use lots of happy talk.
- Make it harder
- Hide in another room or up on a low chair.
Signs it's having fun
Your dog listens, turns toward your happy voice, then sniffs hard.
Stop if you see
Your dog gets overwhelmed and starts barking or spinning.
Safety
Safety- Keep hides at safe heights; don't hide toys where your dog will jump onto counters.
Sources
Written from these sources and checked against vet and trainer guidance. General guidance, not veterinary advice.
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