HQ Training Drill: Tubs of Treats - An Easy Puzzle Game for Dogs

HQ has approved an easy indoor puzzle that can become more challenging as your Agent gains experience.

This drill is called Tubs of Treats. Place several tubs upside down, hide treats beneath them and release your dog to uncover the evidence.

The shape of the tubs and the surface beneath them both affect the difficulty. Tall yoghurt pots are usually easier to knock over, while flatter takeaway tubs can demand considerably more investigative effort.

What this drill helps with

Tubs of Treats gives your dog a chance to practise:

• Waiting while the investigation is prepared
• Looking towards you before being released
• Responding to a consistent release word
• Using their nose to locate hidden treats
• Working out how to move the tubs

What you need

• Several clean, lightweight tubs
• A handful of small treats
• Your Agent
• A release word, such as “Go” or “Okay”
• A safe floor surface with enough grip

1. Gather your equipment

Collect several clean tubs and a handful of small treats.

2. Ask your Agent to wait

Ask your dog to sit, lie down or simply pause while you prepare the game.

3. Place the tubs

Put the tubs upside down on the floor, leaving enough room between them for your dog to investigate safely.

4. Hide the treats

While your Agent watches, place treats beneath the tubs.

5. Wait for their focus

Pause until your dog looks away from the tubs and back towards you. A brief glance is enough when first learning the game.

6. Release the investigation

Use your usual release word, such as “Go”, and let your Agent begin searching.

7. Help them succeed

If your dog struggles to move the tubs, make the game easier by changing the tubs, moving onto carpet or placing them against a wall.

Commander notes

• Use clean, lightweight tubs without sharp or damaged edges.
• Start with taller tubs, which are generally easier for a dog to knock over.
• Carpet gives the tubs more resistance than lino or another slippery floor.
• If the tubs keep sliding, position them against a wall or another safe barrier.
• If your Agent makes an early break, still say your release word so they begin connecting the cue with the action.
• Supervise the game and remove the tubs if your dog begins chewing or eating them.

Agent difficulty levels

Level 1: Recruit

Use taller tubs on carpet and leave the edge of each tub slightly raised so the treats are easy to uncover.

Level 2: Field Agent

Place the tubs fully over the treats and let your Agent work out how to knock them aside.

Level 3: Elite Tub Operative

Use flatter tubs or move the investigation onto a slightly smoother surface. Increase the difficulty gradually and step in if the operation becomes more frustrating than fun.

Try it with your Agent

Give Tubs of Treats a go and report back in the comments.

Did your Agent uncover every treat? Send the tubs skidding across the room? Decide that overturning the entire investigation area was the most efficient approach?

Leave a comment below and add a photo of the investigation if you caught one.

Return to Agent HQ