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5 Cosy Scent Games for Dogs That Are Perfect for Cold Days
When the weather turns cold, wet and downright miserable, leaving the house suddenly feels a lot less appealing. And for some dogs, although certainly not all of them, the idea of getting cold and wet isn’t ideal either. So on those days when the rain is relentless, the wind feels a little more threatening than usual and it’s so cold your pup’s little toe beans might start to feel it, you might want to consider some indoor enrichment instead.
While physical exercise is a must if the weather allows it, including some mental enrichment when it’s extra cold outside is a fantastic way to add some mental stimulation to your dog’s day. And while there’s plenty of types of dog enrichment, scent games for dogs are some of the best.
They work for dogs of any age, skill level and breed and offer a calm, enriching way to burn off energy without the need of muddy paws and frozen fingers. A short scent-based activity can be just as tiring as a walk, often more so, and it helps your dog feel fulfilled, settled and mentally satisfied.
Why Scent Games for Dogs Are Perfect for Enrichment
If you’ve ever wondered why your dog insists on stopping to sniff absolutely everything on a walk, this is why. A dog’s sense of smell is truly incredible. While humans have around 5 million scent receptors, dogs can have over 300 million. Their noses are built to analyse the world in layers, picking up information we can’t even begin to imagine.
For dogs, sniffing isn’t just something they do randomly when they’re out and about. Their scent is actually stronger than their sight so it’s how they make sense of the world. They use their nose to figure out who’s been around, what’s changed and where things might be hiding. In the wild, that skill would be essential for finding food and staying safe, and scent games for dogs give them a chance to tap into that instinct in a safe, everyday way at home.
That’s why scent-based enrichment works so well. When a dog is using their nose, they’re properly switched on. They’re thinking, making choices and working things out for themselves which is incredibly satisfying for them. It’s also why scent work tends to leave dogs calmer and more settled afterwards, because they’ve used their brain, not just their body.
There are lots of different types of enrichment, from physical toys to training exercises, but scent games for dogs stand out because they meet your dog on an instinctive level. They don’t require speed, strength or perfect obedience, just curiosity and a nose. Especially on cold days, they’re an easy, accessible way to keep your dog happy, tired and content without stepping foot outside.
5 Cosy Scent Games for Dogs
Now that we’ve explored why scent games for dogs are such a brilliant form of enrichment, it’s time to put theory into practice. These games are not only mentally stimulating, but they’re also fun, low-mess and perfect for keeping your pup happily engaged when the cold weather keeps you inside. Here are five cosy scent games for dogs that you can try today to turn a dreary winter day into an exciting nose-work adventure.
The Indoor Treasure Hunt
The Indoor Treasure Hunt is exactly what it sounds like and it’s one of the easiest scent games for dogs to set up at home. All you need are a handful of small dog treats and a few minutes to hide them around the house. If your dog isn’t great at staying put, simply pop them in another room while you hide the treats, then bring them back in and encourage them with the words “find it!”. You’ll be amazed how quickly they catch on once they realise food is involved.
If your dog is an angel, you can make this even more enriching by hiding treats while they stay in the room, turning it into a combined leave-it exercise and scent game. We suggest using small training treats or breaking up larger chews into tiny pieces so you don’t overdo it with too many goodies.
Hide treats in safe, reachable places like blankets, along skirting boards, on stair edges or tucked into corners. This scent game for dogs works their brain, builds confidence and even adds a bit of gentle movement as they pace the house tracking down every last crumb.
Stimulating Burrow Toys
Burrow toys are one of the most accessible scent games for dogs, especially if you want something pre-made and ready to go. They’re designed to mimic sniffing in the grass or undergrowth and allow you to hide treats deep within the folds for your dog to sniff out.
To set one up, simply sprinkle small treats or even their dried food, pushing them down into the fabric pockets rather than leaving them on top. Place the toy on the floor and let your dog investigate at their own pace. There’s no rush, no pressure and no instructions needed once they get started.
What makes burrow toys so brilliant for scent dog games is how naturally they tap into a dog’s instinct to forage. It slows them down, encourages problem-solving and can be incredibly calming, especially on cold days when outdoor exercise is limited. Plus, it’s enrichment that requires minimal effort from you and maximum focus from them.
The Muffin Tin Challenge
The Muffin Tin Challenge is a brilliant DIY scent game for dogs that you can make using things you already have at home. Grab a muffin or cupcake tin, drop a few treats into some of the cups, then cover each section with something dog-safe like tennis balls, rolled-up socks or even crumpled paper.
You can make it easier by putting treats in every cup, or more challenging by only placing treats in a few spots so your dog has to really use their nose to figure out which ones are worth investigating. Place the tin on the floor and let them work it out.
This scent game for dogs encourages problem-solving, patience and persistence. They have to sniff, nudge and experiment to uncover the rewards, which makes it far more mentally tiring than it looks. It’s also easy to adapt to different skill levels, making it a great option for beginners and puzzle pros alike.
The Which Hand Game
The Which Hand Game is a classic that many of us have played as humans, but for dogs, it becomes a powerful scent-based challenge. To play, hide a small treat in one closed hand, present both hands at your dog’s nose level and let them sniff to decide which one holds the prize.
Once they choose a hand, open it and reward them if they’re correct. If not, simply show them where the treat was and try again. Keep sessions short and upbeat so it stays fun rather than frustrating.
This is one of the simplest scent games for dogs, but don’t underestimate it. It builds focus, confidence and teaches your dog to trust their nose rather than guessing. It’s perfect for small spaces and for dogs who might feel overwhelmed by more complex puzzles.
The Puzzle Feeder Toy
Puzzle feeder toys are like the next-level version of homemade scent games for dogs. These toys are designed with compartments, sliders, flaps or spinners that your dog has to manipulate to access treats hidden inside.
To set one up, simply load it with small treats or dried food, place it on the floor and let your dog explore. Some dogs dive straight in, while others take a bit of time to figure out how things move, which is all part of the enrichment.
What makes dog puzzle feeders such effective scent games for dogs is the combination of scent, touch and problem-solving. Your dog has to sniff out where the treats are, then work out how to release them. It’s mentally demanding, deeply satisfying and an excellent way to keep your dog engaged and content when staying cosy indoors is the best option.
Conclusion
When the weather isn’t very appealing and the temperature outside makes staying indoors feel like the only sensible option, scent games for dogs really do come in handy. They offer a simple but incredibly effective way to keep your dog mentally fulfilled without battling the elements, muddy paws or frozen fingers. While walks are always encouraged when conditions allow, it’s reassuring to know there are enriching alternatives that still meet your dog’s needs.
Scent games for dogs are especially valuable because they tap into something instinctive. Using their nose gives your dog a proper mental workout, helping to burn off energy, ease restlessness and prevent boredom when their routine changes. Even short sessions can leave dogs feeling calmer, more settled and genuinely satisfied, which is exactly what we want when we need a cosy, warm day indoors.
At WOOOF, we’re huge believers in enrichment that feels natural and rewarding. That’s why we offer a wide range of enrichment toys designed to put your dog’s nose to work, from puzzle feeders and treat dispensers to burrow toys and training treats that are perfect for scent-based games. So no matter whether you’re battling a rainy afternoon or a freezing winter’s day, it’s always a good idea to have some enrichment tools at the ready to keep your dog happy and mentally stimulated, all while staying warm and cosy at home.
Scent games for dogs are a super easy way to provide mental enrichment when cold or wet weather makes walks less appealing
Using their nose gives dogs a proper brain workout, helping reduce boredom, restlessness and excess energy indoors.
From DIY scent games to enrichment toys, scent-based activities keep dogs calm, fulfilled and happily occupied on cosy days at home.
The Author: Charlotte Harris
Charlotte has been a writer and dog owner her whole life, so combining these two things together is a dream come true. Her greatest love is her oversized Golden Retriever, Milo, who has a love of tough chews and anything filled with peanut butter!
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When is it too cold to walk my dog?
There’s no single temperature that’s too cold for every dog. Size, breed, coat type, age and health all matter. Small dogs, puppies, seniors and short-haired breeds often feel the cold much faster. If it’s icy, extremely windy or your dog seems reluctant, shivery or uncomfortable, it’s okay to shorten walks and rely on indoor enrichment instead.
Should I still walk my dog when the weather is bad?
If conditions are safe and your dog is comfortable, walks are still encouraged, even in poor weather. However, bad weather doesn’t mean you’re failing your dog if you stay indoors occasionally. On particularly cold, wet or stormy days, scent games for dogs can provide meaningful mental enrichment that helps meet their needs without going outside.
Why do dogs love sniffing so much?
Dogs experience the world primarily through scent. Their noses are designed to gather and analyse information, from who’s been nearby to what’s changed in their environment, so sniffing helps them to communicate, explore and problem-solve. Scent games for dogs tap directly into this instinct, allowing them to use their most powerful sense in a rewarding, natural way.
What treats work best for scent games?
Small, smelly treats tend to work best for scent games for dogs. Training treats, broken-up chews or even pieces of your dog’s regular food can all work well. Using smaller treats allows you to run longer games without overfeeding. You can also mix up textures and smells to keep things interesting and engaging for your dog.
