If you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate springtime or Easter with your dog, hosting a pet-friendly plastic egg hunt can be a great option! Not only is it a fantastic way to make some memories, but it’s also a mentally stimulating activity that’ll keep your pup engaged and let them show off their impressive sniffing skills. Here are some tips on how to set up a successful plastic egg hunt your dogs will love:
1. Egg Hunt Prep
The first step is to gather everything you need for a dog-friendly plastic egg hunt. You’ll need some plastic eggs, dog treats or kibble, and a basket or container to hold the eggs. Make sure to choose plastic eggs that are the appropriate size for your dog to avoid any choking hazards. Pick chews for your dog that are not only yummy but are also made with clean ingredients to hide in the plastic eggs!
2. Pick the Perfect Spot
Next, find a good spot to host the hunt. A fenced-in location is ideal, preferably in your backyard or in a friend’s backyard. If you don’t have access to a backyard, you can also do the egg hunt on a leash or hide the eggs around your home. Make sure the area is safe and clear of anything that could be harmful to your dog.
3. Strategically Hide the Eggs
Now it’s time to get sneaky with your hiding spots. To start, hide the eggs in areas that are easily accessible for your dog to sniff and find. Once your dog indicates they’ve found the egg, reward them. Try placing some eggs in plain sight and others hidden in more challenging areas, like under bushes or behind furniture. But remember, safety first – make sure your dog can reach them without getting into trouble.
4. Let the Hunt Begin
Once the eggs are hidden, it’s time to release your dog to start the hunt. Begin with a few easy-to-find eggs to help your dog understand the game, then gradually increase the difficulty. If they seem confused, help them out by showing how the game works with a few demonstration eggs. Start by showing your dog 3 plastic eggs – one with a treat inside and two without. Encourage your dog to sniff the eggs until they either paw at or otherwise indicate they’ve found the one with the treat.
5. Cheer On Your Pets
As your dog starts to find the eggs, it’s important to encourage them with lots of positive reinforcement. Cheering them on with enthusiastic verbal praises or offering treats for their successful finds helps to keep their spirits high. This not only reinforces their good behavior but also makes the hunt more exciting and rewarding for them. Mixing up the rewards and including affection like pats or belly rubs can keep the game interesting for your furry friend.
6. Supervise Your Dog
Always keep an eye on your dog during the egg hunt to make sure they’re safe. If your dog starts to chew on the plastic eggs, take them away immediately to prevent any accidents and remove choking hazards.
7. Egg Hunt Clean Up
After all the fun is over, make sure to pick up all the eggs. You don’t want to leave any litter behind, and you definitely don’t want your dog (or any other animal) finding an egg later on.
Hosting a human egg hunt too? Keep a close eye on your pup to ensure they don’t snag any eggs meant for people. Holidays and large gatherings can be overwhelming for some pets, so make sure to provide a safe and quiet space for your dog to relax if they’re feeling stressed. Hosting a plastic egg hunt for your dog is an easy way to celebrate spring and have a ton of fun together. Happy hunting!
