HQ Training Drill: Three Tubs, Two Treats - An Easy Investigation Game for Dogs

HQ has approved a simple investigation involving three tubs, two hidden treats, and one Agent who already suspects catering may be involved.

This drill is called Three Tubs, Two Treats. It is a dog-friendly version of the old three-card trick, except there is no shuffling, no trickery, and considerably more sniffing.

Your Agent watches while you hide treats beneath two of the tubs. Once released, the investigation begins. Will they find only the two tubs containing treats, or conduct a full inspection of everything?

What this drill helps with

This is a simple treat-finding game, but your dog also gets to practise:

• Waiting while the game is prepared
• Watching and focusing on you
• Moving only when released
• Using their nose and memory to investigate
• Working through a simple food puzzle

What you need

• Three clean yoghurt pots or similar lightweight tubs
• Two small treats
• Your Agent
• A release word, such as “Go” or “Okay”
• A carpet or non-slip floor if possible

1. Ask your Agent to wait

Ask your dog to sit, stand, or simply pause while you prepare the investigation area.

2. Put down three tubs

Place three lightweight tubs upside down on the floor near your dog.

3. Hide two treats

Let your Agent watch as you place one treat beneath each of two tubs. Leave the third tub empty.

4. Wait for their focus

Pause briefly and look for your dog’s attention to return to you.

5. Release the investigation

Use your release word, such as “Go”, and let your Agent investigate the tubs.

6. Watch what happens

Do they go straight to the two tubs containing treats, or inspect every possible snack location just to be thorough?

Commander notes

• Keep the first attempt very easy. Let your dog see exactly where both treats go.
• A carpeted or non-slip floor makes the tubs easier and safer to knock over.
• Use lightweight tubs without sharp or damaged edges.
• If your dog is nervous of the tubs, place the treats beside them first.
• Keep the session short. Two or three investigations are plenty.
• Do not worry if your Agent checks the empty tub. Thorough paperwork is encouraged at HQ.

Agent difficulty levels

Level 1: Recruit

Place the treats beside two of the tubs or leave the edges of the tubs slightly raised.

Level 2: Field Agent

Hide the treats fully beneath two tubs while your dog watches, then release them.

Level 3: Elite Snack Investigator

Once your Agent understands the game, slowly move the tubs into slightly different positions before releasing them. Keep it fair. HQ wants investigation, not an unsolved cold case.

Try it with your Agent

Give Three Tubs, Two Treats a go and report back in the comments.

Did your Agent find both treats immediately? Inspect every tub? Knock over the entire investigation area and declare the case closed?

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

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