Schnuzzle is much more than an enrichment toy.
It's a chew toy, a throw toy and it's a Game.
Follow these steps to create a game your dog will love to play.
Game 1
If your dog is a ball game lover, use this recipe
Hide the Schnuzzle – Find the Schnuzzle – Throw the Schnuzzle – Chase the Schnuzzle
Teach your dog to hunt for their Schnuzzle!
1. Choose a scent for this game and use the same one every time
2. Roll, throw or toss the Schnuzzle for your dog to get the game going
3. Load your Schnuzzle
4. When your dog is bringing the
Schnuzzle back reliably – hold the Schnuzzle out for them to sniff
5. Say ‘Find it!’ and toss/throw the Schnuzzle
6. Repeat this 10 times
7. Hide the Schnuzzle somewhere easy
8. ‘Find it!’ - when your dog finds the Schnuzzle, throw it for them to chase!
9. Your dog will start using their nose to find the Schnuzzle - use their nose to start the game of chase!
10. Gradually hide the Schnuzzle in new and harder places inside, and then outside
Take the game to play in outdoor areas and see if they can find their Schnuzzle at the park!
Game 2
If your dog is less interested in a game of ball – use this recipe
Hide the Schnuzzle; Search for Schnuzzle; Treat for finding the Schnuzzle – play!
Teach your dog to hunt for their Schnuzzle!
1. Choose a scent for this game and use the same one every time
2. Load your Schnuzzle
3. Create smell memory: Hold Schnuzzle out to sniff, give a treat with other hand
4. Repeat 5 times
5. Say ‘Find it’ - hold Schnuzzle out for sniff – treat
6. Repeat 10 times
7. Put the Schnuzzle on ground – ‘Find it’! if they sniff, give them a treat
8. Hide the Schnuzzle somewhere easy close by – ‘Find it!’ – Reward them for sniffing it
9. Get them hunting for it – hide under pillows, under the couch, in another room, try outside for something more challenging
Game 3
Play version
Teach your dog to find the hidden Schnuzzle. Extra fun if played with multiple Schnuzzles.
1. Choose a scent for this game and use the same one every time
2. Load your Schnuzzle
3. Place two similar sized items either side with nothing under them and ask your dog to find the treat. Praise them for finding the treat
4. Cover the Schnuzzle, and the two other items with cloths or towels. See if your dog can find the scent by smell
5. Mix up the order and placement of where your dog finds the Schnuzzle each time
If you have multiple Schnuzzle toys – you can make this game harder for your dog by first using 2 blank Schnuzzles, and one Schnuzzle loaded with the game scent. They must only pick the Schnuzzle with the right scent disc in.
Game 4
Treat version
Teach your dog to find the treat hidden under the Schnuzzle. Extra fun if played with multiple Schnuzzles.
1. Choose a scent for this game and use the same one every time
2. Load your Schnuzzle
3. Hold Schnuzzle out to sniff, give a treat with other hand
4. Create smell memory: Repeat: ‘Find it’, - Sniff Schnuzzle – treat. 10 times
5. Line up three Schnuzzles, one with your target scent, and two empty Schnuzzles
6. Ask your dog to find the scent, picking the one with the scent out of the line up. Give them a treat or a game as a reward for getting it right!
Make the game more challenging by adding different scent discs to two other Schnuzzles and training your dog to find only the target scent, disregarding the others.
Game 5
Teach your dog to do a trick when they smell a certain scent disc.
1. Teach your dog a trick, and when they know it well – add the Schnuzzle
2. Choose a scent for this game and use the same one every time.
3. Load your Schnuzzle
4. Let your dog sniff the Schnuzzle, immediately say the cue word or gesture for their favourite trick (ie. Spin!). Give them a treat or throw the Schnuzzle as a reward when they do the trick.
5. Repeat this 10 times |
6. Show your dog the Schnuzzle to sniff, and wait to see if they do their trick. Make sure to give them a reward if they do the trick!
Game 6
Three Schnuzzle discrimination
Teach your dog to locate a specific scent disc in a line up.
1. Choose a scent for this game and use the same one every time.
2. Load your Schnuzzle
3. Let your dog sniff the Schnuzzle, give a treat with other hand
4. Create smell memory: Repeat: ‘Find it’, - Sniff Schnuzzle – treat. 10 times.
5. Line up three Schnuzzles, one with your target scent, and two empty Schnuzzles.
6. Ask your dog to find the scent, picking the one with the scent out of the line up. Give them a treat or a game as a reward for getting it right!
Make this game harder by putting other scent discs into the two other Schnuzzles and teach your dog to find only the target scent, ignoring the other two.
Tips from Schnuzzle
Teach your dog to do a trick when they smell a certain scent disc.
1. Pick one scent to play the game and use the same scent every time. Our disks last a long time; you can simply remove the disk from the ball and reuse it next time you want to play the game.
2. The beginner version is just a basic game to play inside or outside with your dog, suitable for rainy days, convalescent dogs, and blind dogs.
3. ‘Find it’ verbal cue could be replaced with anything – ie. ‘Where’s the Schnuzzle?’ or, make up your own? It’s your and your pup’s secret word!
4. Schnuzzling can be taken from indoors to outdoors, from the living room to another room and then the whole house.
5. So, get ready to create paws-itively unforgettable memories with your Schnuzzle balls. Happy Schnuzzling, and may the fun never end!
Get ready for a Schnuzzling adventure like no other!
We’ve crafted three fantastic levels to ensure you and your beloved pooch have an absolute blast. At Schnuzzle, we believe in creating scent memories that will have you both laughing and cherishing the good times. Please remember, depending on how you’re already playing with your pooch, going to find the Schnuzzle might need a reinforcer initially. Some dogs find toys rewarding, some will find the scent rewarding, and others find treats rewarding. The food reward can be used initially if your pup needs a motivator; treats are removed with a cuddle or their favourite rub once the game is known. You could emphasize low calorie treats and refer to one treat at a time for getting it right.
Beginner: The Gateway to Schnuzzling
Fun For those cozy days indoors or when your pup needs a gentle game, our Beginner level is here to save the day. Choose a scent, any scent, and let the Schnuzzle magic begin! Whether your dog is a toy enthusiast or a treat lover, we’ve got you covered. The game evolves from a simple indoor quest to an adventurous house-wide search. On rainy days or sunny afternoons, the Schnuzzle fun never stops!
Intermediate: A Notch Up on the Schnuzzle Scale
Stepping it up a bit, our Intermediate level adds an extra layer of excitement for both you and your furry friend. Engage in playful interactions that go beyond the basics, making each Schnuzzling session a thrilling experience. It’s the perfect blend of challenge and enjoyment, ensuring that every moment spent with your pup is filled with joy.
Advanced: Unleash the Schnuzzle Mastery
For those seeking the ultimate Schnuzzle challenge, our Advanced level is where the magic truly happens. This level demands a bit more skill, either from your pup or from the tricks up your sleeve. Imagine combining Schnuzzling with other cool tricks your dog already knows—endless possibilities!
Stay tuned as we unveil more options for playing with multiple Schnuzzle balls because, at Schnuzzle, we’re all about keeping the Schnuzzle happiness rolling.
