Before you recycle that cardboard box, save it. It could become a brilliant little game for your dog.
The Box Game is a firm favourite in our house and in our Insight Hounds classes. I love watching how differently sighthounds approach it. Some have a good sniff and carefully pick out each treat. Others find the food and then get on with what seems to be their favourite part: ripping the box to bits.
How to play the Box Game
Start with a shallow cardboard box. Choose a clean one and remove any tape, staples and plastic packaging. Put it somewhere steady so it won’t slide about as your dog sniffs.
Pop a few treats in the middle. Leave them uncovered so they’re easy to see and reach. A few pieces of your dog’s usual dry food can work too.
Give your dog a choice. Let them decide whether to come over and investigate. A quick sniff and a wander away is absolutely fine.
Add a little more when they’re comfortable. If they’re happily looking for treats, try adding one or two loosely scrunched pieces of plain paper and putting a few treats around them. Keep the treats easy to find.
If your sighthound is unsure, make it easier
Putting their head into a box can feel like quite a lot for some dogs. The sides can block part of their view, and the box might move or make a noise when they touch it. It’s easy to miss that when all we can see is a box with a few treats in it.
If your dog stretches their neck towards the box and then backs away, try a shallower box or put a couple of treats next to it. You could even start with a flat piece of cardboard. Give them time to have a sniff and see what they choose to do.
A quick note about shredding
Lots of dogs love the shredding part. Keep an eye on your dog while they play. If they start swallowing cardboard or paper, end the game. Scatter a few treats away from the box or in another room for your dog to find while you clear away the box and any loose pieces.
And a little heads-up for Christmas. If your sighthound loves this game, the presents under the tree might look like the Box Game on a whole new level! I’d keep any tempting parcels out of reach.
Is your sighthound a careful searcher or an enthusiastic shredder? I’d love to know what they make of it.
For more sighthound-specific training tips and enrichment ideas, sign up for the Weekly Insight newsletter at the bottom of the page.
