Egg-citing Easter Fun: Setting Up a Dog-Friendly Egg Hunt

Spring is in the air, and Easter is the pawfect excuse to enjoy some lighthearted fun with your favorite pup. Children hunting the yard for hidden eggs on Easter morning is a staple tradition in many homes, but why should the kids get to have all the fun?! There’s no reason your dog can’t join in the egg-citement too! It’s no secret that dogs love to sniff and search for treasure. Your pup is probably already trolling your yard every chance they get, taking in the spring scents and enjoying all that is awakening in the warmer weather – so, why not reward them with an egg hunt of their own?! Creating an Easter egg hunt for your dog is a delightful way to celebrate the season while providing valuable mental stimulation, physical activity, and bonding time for your favorite four-legged friend. Not to mention all the adorable pictures you’ll get!

If you’ve never tried it before, don’t worry – setting up a dog-friendly egg hunt is simple, safe, and incredibly rewarding. We’re here to help you hatch a plan and get the egg rolling.

1. Egg-celent Choices: Picking the Right “Eggs”

When planning any activity for pets, safety is always the top priority. Choosing the appropriate “eggs” for your dog-friendly hunt will depend on your dog. Select “eggs” large enough that your pup won’t swallow them. The colorful plastic eggs we all know and love, the ones that separate in two, come in a variety of sizes and can be a great choice for dogs who have no interest in chewing and who can be trusted to wait for you to open an egg once they have discovered it. For less patient dogs and those who like to explore with their mouths, we strongly recommend against using plastic eggs. Under the pressure of a bite, plastic eggs are prone to breaking into sharp, dangerous shards that can cause severe injury to your pup's mouth. If you have ANY concerns about your dog chomping down on the eggs it is much safer to hide hollow rubber toys like Kongs or other treat-dispensing toys instead. Or you may simply choose to hide the treats on their own or stuffed inside cardboard toilet paper tubes or something similar. Remember, your dog will enjoy a good game of sniff and seek with or without the eggs – they’ll never know what they’re missing.

2. Location, Location, Location: Choose a Safe, Dog-Friendly Spot

You can hold your egg hunt in your backyard, living room, or a quiet section of your local dog-friendly park. Just make sure the area is secure and free of hazards like toxic plants, sharp objects, or items like leftover Easter candy, wrappers, or decorations that might be chewed or swallowed. If this is your pup’s first egg hunt, consider using a familiar area to make the experience comfortable and minimize stress. A controlled environment will help your dog focus on the game without distractions or dangers.

3. Treat Time: Select the Right Treats and Surprises

Of course, the best part of any egg hunt is the goodies! Choose treats you know your dog loves – ideally something high value that they don’t get every day and stinky enough to pique their interest and get them searching (helpful tip: drilling a couple small holes into the plastic eggs will allow your dog to catch the smell of the treats inside). Small bits of cooked meat, cheese, or their favorite store-bought treats are all great options. Filling each “egg” with one small treat or treat piece will help ensure that your pet isn’t overeating. And you can mix things up by including a small toy, ball, or even a bully stick or chew among the hidden treasures. To get your pup in the spirit and ready for action, allow them to watch you filling the “eggs” in preparation for the hunt.

Note: This goes without saying, always avoid using human chocolates or candies as they can be toxic to dogs.

4. Happy Hiding: Hide the “Eggs” Strategically

With your dog out of sight, hide the "eggs" in easily accessible and safe spots. For beginners, place “eggs” in plain view or slightly concealed behind objects. As your dog gets the hang of it, you can increase the difficulty by placing eggs under bushes, behind furniture, on slightly elevated surfaces, or even partially buried in dog-safe digging areas. You can also use scent or treat trails to guide your dog to the hidden goodies. Rub a treat along the floor or grass leading to a hidden “egg” or sprinkle smaller treats or treat crumbs in the same manner to encourage sniffing and lead your pup to their reward! Make sure to take note of all your hiding places and the number of “eggs” you’ve used, so you know if there are any missing at the end of your pup’s hunt.

5. Let the Hunt Begin!

Once everything is in place, release your dog and give them a clear cue like “Find it” or “Go hunt!” Encourage them as they search, offering gentle guidance, then heap on the praise and excitement when they locate an “egg.” If your furry friend is new to the game, you can help them out by leading them to the first couple of hiding spots.

Remember to keep the energy light and playful – this isn’t about training, it’s about fun!

6. Keep Things Safe and Supervised

Always supervise the hunt, especially if you are using plastic eggs or other containers. Never allow your dog to chew or swallow anything that is not edible or might be poisonous to them. If you have multiple dogs you may want to consider having them do separate hunts or keeping them on a leash or long-lines during the activity (especially if they don’t share well). And, if you have children, while combining your kid’s egg hunt with that for your pup may seem like an adorable idea, we strongly recommend keeping them separate for safety. Keep track of all the eggs and hiding places you use for each hunt and make sure to clean up completely between the two. The chocolate and Easter candy your little ones love can be deadly if ingested by your four-legged friends. After all the goodies have been found and your pup is enjoying their haul, make sure you collect all the plastic eggs and other decorations to prevent any potential hazards and keep the area clean for future fun with your pet.

Hosting an Easter egg hunt for your dog is a joyful way to celebrate the season and make new memories. Whether you keep it small and simple in your living room or go all out in your backyard or local park with decorations and bunny ears for your pup, your dog will love the attention and the challenge.

This Easter, skip the chocolate bunnies and bring out the bacon bits – your dog has some eggs to find!