How to play Hide n Seek with your dog?

To play Hide and Seek with your dog, it’s essential that your dog understands the commands “sit/stay,” “come,” and “find.” Lead your dog to a room or on his bed with the “place” command and say “sit.” Get your dog’s attention, then walk backward away from your dog telling him or her to sit and stay. Initially, make sure your canine pal can still see you as you back away. After your dog stays while you’ve walked away approximately ten feet, dash back toward your dog and reward him or her for sitting and staying. Next, position your dog with his or her back against the wall or furniture, then say, “Sit and stay.” Walk to the other side of the door or entryway so your dog can no longer see you. When you think your dog is ready, repeat this step again, then disappear from his or her field of vision, be silent and go hide. Once you are hidden, then say your dog’s name followed by “Come,” “Find me,” or “Come find me!” At the beginning of teaching your dog this new game, don’t make your hiding place too difficult for your dog to find you. Once your dog finds you, remember to lovingly reward him or her for successfully retrieving you.

To start playing with a pup that has never played before you will either need to teach your pup a rock solid sit stay or have a helper hold them while you hide. It is important to start easy so that the dog can build up their confidence and excitement toward the game. I would recommend starting the game inside of your home. Start by going one room away and standing in the middle of the room. When ready simply encourage your dog to find you by saying a phrase that you will repeat each time you play. We like to say the dog’s name and then “come and get me”. When they find you shower them with praise for a job well done. Each time you play you can hide in a harder and harder place. Anytime your dog seems to be stumped while playing the game you should call out their name along with the phrase that you chose to start the game. If you master this game in your home you can even start to play in the yard or at the dog park.

You hide and your dog finds you and gets a reward, either a food treat, or a toy, and play. You can teach your dog to find you or someone else by using the command “find” or “search” and letting your dog use his senses, including his nose, to locate the hidden person. Having an assistant to help hold your dog while you hide, unless your dog has very strong “stay” behavior mastered, will be required to teach hide and seek. You can use treats or a toy as a reward for finding you. Make sure you practice in a safe place where your dog can not get hurt or lost if he is off lead, and free from distractions so your dog can focus on finding you. Most dogs learn this game pretty easily. Young dogs especially are motivated to stick with their pack leader, that's you, and love to play, so getting them motivated to find you comes naturally.

Get ready to play Hide & Seek with your dog. This fun game strengthens your bond with your dog while improving their recall skills. Start by asking your dog to stay or having someone hold your dog in one room while you hide nearby with your dog’s favourite tug toy. Make it easy to start with so your dog gets the hang of the game before upping the ante. Once you’re ready, call your dog’s name and use your recall cue - for example, come. When your dog finds you, reward them with a big celebration and an exciting game of tug with their favourite toy. To make this game a success, keep it simple at first. Choose easy hiding spots so your dog learns the game quickly and stays motivated. As your dog gets the hang of the game, you can increase the challenge by hiding in more difficult spots. Use a squeaky toy to give your dog a clue if they’re struggling and need a hint.

It's a fun way to entertain with a simple challenge. It's pretty simple, but it will occupy your dog's time and engage their mind for a good long while. Begin with keeping your dog in one area, repeating your "STAY" command of choice. When you are first teaching this game to your dog, I recommend having your dog watch you hide the treats in the same room that he is in, while reinforcing the "STAY" command. Begin with easy locations, increasing their difficulty with your dogs abilities. After such patient restraint from your pooch, give them the "Go Get 'Em" command of choice. When first teaching them, it can be helpful to point out the treats until they catch on. Before long, your dog will hopefully learn and love this game.