Heads up: this page contains an affiliate link. If you buy through it we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.

Brain game · Easy · 5-10 min

Towel Roll Sniff Game: A Calming DIY Puzzle

Sniffing is naturally calming for many dogs. This is a good wind-down game after visitors or a noisy day.

You need

How to play

  1. Lay the towel flat and scatter treats across it.
  2. Roll the towel up loosely from one end.
  3. Put it down and encourage your dog to sniff it out.
  4. Let your dog nose and paw it open. Praise their effort.
  5. Next time, roll it tighter or tie a loose knot.

Make it harder

Safety

Supervise and put the towel away afterwards so it doesn't get chewed and swallowed.

This game works well alongside this 7-day plan.

Free

The 10-Minute-a-Day Starter Kit

A printable weekly training calendar and a one-page cheat sheet of 8 brain games, plus one short training tip by email every few days. Unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.

Want a full program?

Our plans cover one problem at a time. If you'd like a complete step-by-step course built around brain games, Brain Training for Dogs by certified trainer Adrienne Farricelli is the one we point people to. Read our honest take first, including who it's not for.

See Brain Training for Dogs