Why should your kids have all the fun at Easter? There is nothing many dogs like to do than sniff out items. Here are 12 creative ways to let your dog have some fun on Easter morning and give that nose of his a workout. Don’t worry about the weather, these hunts can be done inside or out!
#1 – Plastic Eggs with Treats
For dogs with really good noses, fill those plastic eggs with a high-smelling treat and have your dog sniff them out.
#2 – Hunt for Bones
Hide a bunch of antlers, dental chews, bones, etc. and have your dog sniff them out. Just be sure you collect them from his as he goes so he doesn’t eat them all!
#3 – Treated-filled Tennis Balls
Instead of eggs, slice an opening in tennis balls, fill with treats, and hide those for your dog to find. These are good for dogs who may try to break into the plastic egg, which could be hazardous.
#4 – Scented Eggs
Have a hound or a dog you have been doing nose work with? Cover each plastic egg with a scent and have your dog sniff them out.
#5 – Find the kids
If the whole family is getting together, this is a fun hunt that will keep the kids occupied and maybe even burn some of that sugar off. Have the kids hide and then release the dog to go find them one by one.
#6 – Dig for Eggs
If you have a sand or dirt area you allow your dog to dig in, why not bury the treat-filled eggs? This will make it more challenging for your dog and will probably burn more energy too.
#7 – Hard-boiled Eggs
If you are already making some for the kids, why not for the dogs. Did you know? Your dog can eat the WHOLE egg. According to Petmd.com, “There is evidence to support eggshells as an excellent source of calcium and protein for your pet.”
#8 – Easter Toy Hide ‘n’ Seek
Did you buy your dog some new toys for Easter? Make her work for them by hiding them around the house for her to find. Depending on your dog’s looking skills, you may need to show them to her first, so she knows there is something to find. Or, just hide his favorites, he’ll still in the enjoy the game.
#9 – Filled Eggshells
This is a bit tricky, but your dogs will LOVE them. Carefully break apart eggs, fill shell halves with peanut butter or anything else sticky your dog loves, put the two halves together and freeze. Hide on Easter morning and let your dog find them!
Image source: @StuartConner via Flickr
#10 – Egg Detection
If you have a lot of dogs and kids, pair each kid with a dog and have the dog’s find the eggs for the kids. This will make the game even more fun for everyone involved!
#11 – Bob for Eggs
If you live somewhere where it’s warm for Easter, consider filling a kiddie pool and putting plastic or hardboiled eggs in it for your dog to bob for. You’ll have as much fun watching your dog and he will try to grab the eggs.
#12 – Hide The Easter Basket
If you give your dog an Easter basket, hide it so he has to sniff it out before he gets to enjoy all those goodies. Just remember to not let him overeat!
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