Easter isn’t just about chocolate bunnies and colorful eggs. It’s also the perfect time to include your dog in the fun! A dog-friendly Easter egg hunt is easy to set up and brings joy to both you and your pup. You can hide treats in the backyard, around the house, or even in your living room. If the weather’s nice, take it outside for a little sunshine and playtime.
This game isn’t just about snacks. It also gives your dog a chance to use their nose and stay active. Plus, it’s a sweet way to spend quality time together.
Just make sure to use plastic eggs with small holes so the scent can come through. And most importantly, skip the candy! Stick to healthy treats made just for dogs.
How to set up an Easter egg hunt for your dog
Ready to get started? Here’s how to create a safe and fun Easter egg hunt your dog will love.
1. Choose the right eggs
Pick plastic Easter eggs that are large enough to fit a few small treats but not so small that your dog could swallow them. They should have small air holes so your dog can smell what’s inside. Thin, lightweight eggs work best and are easier for your dog to paw or nudge open.
2. Pick the perfect treats
Choose treats with a strong scent. This will make them easier for your dog to find. Stick to snacks your dog already knows and loves, especially small soft treats that won’t upset their tummy. Avoid anything new on the day of the hunt to keep things simple and stress-free.
If you have a Labrador Retriever, you probably already know how much they love food. For food-driven pups like them, this game will be a dream! On the other hand, senior dogs might prefer softer treats that are easier to chew – just as tasty but gentler on their teeth.
💡 Want to make it extra special? Try baking your own dog treats! It’s a fun way to personalize the experience and use healthy ingredients you trust.
3. Fill the eggs
Add one or two small treats to each egg. If you like, mix different types of treats to keep things interesting for your pup. Just don’t overfill them – your dog will eat the treats as they go, and too many at once could spoil their appetite or upset their stomach.
Got a Cocker Spaniel or a Dachshund? These curious little explorers love discovering surprises, so mixing up treat types can turn each egg into a mini adventure.
🎁 Add a little surprise! Hide a note inside one egg that says “Prize.” When your dog finds it, swap the egg for a new toy. It’ll make the game even more fun and memorable!
4. Hide the eggs (but not with your dog watching!)
Before hiding the eggs, distract your dog with a quick game or wait until they’re busy or napping. You want the hunt to feel like a real search, not a game they helped set up. Plus, it adds to the excitement when they “discover” the eggs on their own.
5. Choose the right hiding spots
For your dog’s first egg hunt, keep things simple. Hide eggs in open areas – like mowed grass, along a pathway, or under a chair – where they’re easy to spot and sniff out. Once your dog understands the game, you can get creative and place eggs in more challenging spots like behind flower pots, under bushes, or inside a garden bucket.
Some breeds, like Beagles, are especially great at sniffing out treats thanks to their incredible sense of smell. If your dog loves using their nose, don’t be afraid to make the hiding spots a little trickier. They’ll love the challenge!
But if you have a smaller dog like a Yorkshire Terrier or a Shih Tzu, place the eggs in spots that are easy to reach without needing to jump or climb.
6. Let the hunt begin!
Now it’s time to play! Walk your dog to the first egg, point it out, and use a cheerful tone to say something like, “What’s that?” When they touch the egg or get close, help open it and hand over the treat. After a few tries, your pup will get the idea – and start hunting with confidence.
High-energy breeds like Border Collies or Jack Russells, like my Leksi, may race through the hunt once they catch on, while senior dogs might take their time – and that’s totally fine! Go at your dog’s pace and keep the focus on fun, not speed.
Be sure to follow along and celebrate each find with praise or a happy “Good job!” That way, your dog knows they’re doing great and stays excited for more.
🐶 Not sure what kind of games your dog enjoys most? It often depends on their personality and breed. Check out this guide to find out what type of dog you have – it might inspire even more fun activities!
Planning a group egg hunt for dogs
Want to make the fun even bigger? Organize a group Easter egg hunt and invite your friends and their dogs to join in! It’s a great way to spend time outdoors, share some laughs, and let the pups play together.
Here’s how to host a stress-free group egg hunt every dog can enjoy.
- Keep it simple and safe
The rules are just like a regular dog egg hunt, but with more wagging tails involved. Each owner hides treats for their own dog and helps them hunt. That way, every dog gets a fair chance to enjoy the game without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
- Mind the energy levels
Some dogs like Golden Retrievers, Australian Shepherds, or Boxers may get super excited when other pups are around. That’s normal! Just be ready to step in if playtime gets a little too intense. If a dog becomes overstimulated, take a short break on the sidelines to help them reset.
- Let every dog shine
Not every dog will sprint from egg to egg, and that’s okay. Smaller breeds like Pugs or Cavalier King Charles Spaniels may need more time to explore. Senior dogs might take slower steps but enjoy the activity just as much. Celebrate every sniff and discovery, no matter the pace.
- Keep an eye on sharing
Make sure each dog only eats the treats their owner provides. Some pups have sensitive stomachs or allergies, so it’s best to avoid food swapping. If you’re hosting, remind everyone to bring their own treats and label them if needed.
- End with a surprise
After the hunt, hand out small take-home goodies like a chew toy, a healthy snack, or a fun bandana. It’s a thoughtful way to wrap up the day and thank your guests for coming.
A group dog egg hunt isn’t about who finds the most eggs. It’s all about connection – between dogs and their humans, and between fellow dog lovers. So grab your eggs, treats, and furry friends, and turn Easter into a celebration everyone can enjoy!
Final thoughts
An Easter egg hunt is such a simple way to make your dog feel loved and included in the holiday fun. Whether it’s just the two of you or a whole group of pups, the joy is in spending quality time together.
With the right treats, a few plastic eggs, and a bit of planning, you can turn an ordinary afternoon into a playful memory your dog will absolutely adore. And the best part? You’ll be smiling just as much as they are.
So get creative, stay safe, and enjoy every wag, sniff, and happy moment because Easter isn’t just for humans anymore!