Inventing Inspector Boru’s Scent Search

Meet Boru, our spirited Old English Sheepdog with a boundless love for adventure and play. On most days, you'll find Boru romping around the yard or accompanying us on long walks. But today was different. The sky was a gloomy grey, and the rain poured relentlessly, leaving us all cooped up inside.

Boru, with his thick, shaggy coat and bright, inquisitive eyes, gazed at us imploringly. He was clearly bored, and a simple game of fetch or tug-of-war just wouldn’t cut it. We needed something new, something that would engage his sharp mind and keep him entertained despite the dreary weather. That's when inspiration struck: the Scent Search Game.

Creating the Game

We gathered a couple of Boru's favorite teddy bears and two distinct scents – anise and vanilla. After applying a few drops of each scent to a teddy bear, we let Boru sniff them separately, introducing him to the new game.

The rules were simple: we’d hide the teddy bears around the house, and Boru would have to find the one we called out. “Find Anise Bear,” we commanded, hiding the anise-scented bear behind a curtain while Boru watched eagerly. His nose twitched as he sniffed the air, and off he went, tail wagging furiously.

The First Search

Boru’s enthusiasm was palpable. He darted around the living room, nose to the ground, sniffing out every corner. It wasn’t long before he honed in on the curtain, pawing it aside to reveal the anise-scented bear. Success! We showered him with treats and praises, and he pranced around, clearly proud of his achievement.

Next, we hid the vanilla-scented bear. This time, we made it a bit more challenging by tucking it under a pillow on the couch. “Find Vanilla Bear,” we prompted. Boru, now understanding the game, set off with determination. After a few moments of intense sniffing, he located the bear and brought it back, tail wagging even harder.

A New Favorite Activity

The Scent Search Game quickly became Boru’s favorite indoor activity. It not only kept him busy but also provided much-needed mental stimulation on those cold, rainy days. We were thrilled to see him so engaged and happy, knowing we had found a new way to bond with our beloved pup.

The Scent Search Game is now a staple in our household. On days Boru isn’t able to go outside  it transforms our home into an exciting playground where Boru’s natural talents can shine. It's amazing how a little creativity turned a boring day into a fun-filled adventure for Boru, keeping his spirits high despite the weather.

So next time the rain keeps you and your furry friend indoors, why not try creating your own scent search game? Your dog will love the challenge, and you'll enjoy the joy and excitement it brings to your rainy days. After all, every day can be an adventure with a little imagination and a loving companion like Boru.

Here’s a link to Boru playing his game: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8QI09CyHIm/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==