A dog-friendly Easter egg hunt is a fantastic way to add some extra joy (and tail wags) to one of the most egg-citing times of the year…see what we did there?! Not only does it make for adorable memories, but it also provides great mental stimulation for your pup.
Whether you’re a Pet Sitter or a proud pet parent, hereâs how to organise the pawfect Easter egg hunt for your dog.
What you’ll need:
Dog-safe treats (like kibble, jerky, or carrot sticks)
Treat-dispensing toys or large plastic eggs (supervised use only)
A safe, secure space (indoor or fenced outdoor area)
Optional: A doggy Easter basket with toys and goodies
A camera for capturing the cuteness đ¸
5 different dog-friendly Easter egg hunt ideas to try
1. Treat-filled toy hunt
Use toys that can hide treats – enrichment and interactive dog toys like KONGs, puzzle feeders, or treat balls. Stuff them with your dogâs favourite snack and hide them around the yard or house.
2. Supervised plastic egg search
Take inspo from leo.the.golden.pup and pop some treats inside plastic eggs. Hide them in easy-to-find spots, and supervise your dog as they sniff them out. Always open the eggs yourself to avoid accidental chewing or swallowing.
If you’d prefer to play it super safe, why not use hard-boiled eggs (cut into pieces and hidden)…that way it really is an egg hunt!
3. Scent trail adventure
Lay out a smelly trail using liver treats or jerky, leading your dog to a stash of Easter goodies. This plays into their natural sniffing instincts and keeps them mentally engaged.
4. Themed hunt zones
If you have more than one dog, set up different ‘zones’ for different energy levels. Think, a calm indoor hunt for older dogs, or an active outdoor search for energetic pups.
5. Easter basket surprise
Hide 6 of their toys, and when they bring all 6 back, reward them with a special Easter basket filled with fun toys, tasty chews, and maybe even an Easter-themed homemade dog treat or two!
How to set-up your dog-friendly Easter egg hunt
Step 1: Choose a safe space
Pick an area thatâs enclosed, free of hazards, and easy for your dog to explore. Remove anything that could be toxic, like chocolate, lillies, or plastic Easter decorations.
Step 2: Prep the goodies
Stick to treats you know your dog loves, and keep portions small. A few healthy snacks like dog-safe peanut butter, apple slices, or store-bought training treats work great.
Step 3: Hide the tasty treasures
Place the treats in safe, accessible spots at nose level. If you’re using toys or eggs, make sure theyâre too large to swallow and canât be easily broken (making them a choking hazard).
Step 4: Make it a game
Use a cue like ‘Find it!’ and cheer them on as they sniff out each hidden prize. Keep it upbeat and fun – theyâll love the encouragement, and the rewards at the end of course!
Step 5: Donât overdo it
Keep the hunt short and sweet, like 5 to 10 minutes. You want them excited and engaged, not overwhelmed or overstimulated.
Don’t forget to capture the moment!
Take photos or videos of your pup in action. Whether theyâre pouncing on a treat-stuffed toy or proudly showing off their Easter basket, itâs guaranteed to be a heart-melting memory. And we’d love to see how it goes! Tag @madpawsau on Instagram and/or use hashtag #madpawspack đž
