How to Help a Dog Who Is Scared of the Snuffle Box

A snuffle box is supposed to be a fun, enriching activity for dogs - a way to encourage natural foraging behavior and provide mental stimulation. But new objects, strange textures, unexpected noises, and limited visibility can turn what’s supposed to be a fun food-finding game into a stressful situation. So what do you do, if your dog is scared of it?

Lacy, my foster dog, feeling a little wary of this new snuffle box. Don't worry, we followed the steps in this post and got her comfy and even excited to snuffle!

If your pup hesitates to go near the box or jumps back at the sound of crinkling paper, don’t worry. You’re not alone, and your dog isn’t broken. In this post, I’m breaking down exactly why this happens and how to support your dog through it, step by step.

First, What Does “Scared of the Snuffle Box” Look Like?

First, let's talk about what fear actually looks like. When a dog is scared of a snuffle box, you'll typically see hesitance to approach or reluctance to stick their nose inside. They might lean forward curiously, but then jump back or run away suddenly, especially if they hear paper rustling or encounter an unexpected texture. You might notice conflict in their body language - they want those treats, but their need to feel safe is winning out. The approach is timid, careful, and sometimes marked by those backward jumps.

This isn’t stubbornness or “being dramatic.” It’s a dog saying that something about this feels risky.

Why Are Some Dogs Afraid of Snuffle Boxes?

There are a few common reasons:

Fear of novelty: For some dogs, the box itself is a weird new object. That alone can trigger avoidance.

Noise sensitivity: Crinkling paper or bags can be too startling.

Impaired vision while sniffing: With their head down, some dogs feel vulnerable - they can’t see what’s happening around them and feel unsafe.

Pain or discomfort: For dogs with physical discomfort, bending or reaching into a box can be stressful, especially if they're on slippery ground

Understanding the “why” helps you tailor the fix.

What Kind of Snuffle Box Are We Talking About?

I typically use a cardboard box (like your average Amazon delivery box), filled with some combination of paper bags, towels, packing paper, fabric scraps, or toys. And of course, hidden treats! The goal is to simulate natural foraging, but you’ve got to work with your dog’s abilities and comfort.

Your Snuffle Box Comfort Checklist

If your dog is fearful of the snuffle box, here’s what I always check:

Box Size: Is it too tall or too wide for your dog to reach into easily?

Box Flaps: Flaps that move can be scary. Cut them off to start.

Noise Level: Use quieter materials like towels or washcloths before introducing crinkly paper.

Traction: Make sure the area around the box isn’t slippery. Move from hardwoood floors to a rug or carpeted area, or put down yoga mats, to help your dog feel secure.

Treat Value: Use mid-value treats (not too bland, not too irresistible). Avoid motivating them into something scary just for food.

Hunger Level: Don't use this as a way to feed a super-hungry dog. It shouldn't feel coercive.

Other Pets: Remove them from the room.

You: Don’t hover. Standing too close can make dogs feel pressure or fear of being touched while vulnerable.

Step-by-Step Plan for Helping a Scared Dog Use a Snuffle Box

Here’s a progression I recommend:

Level 1: Treats on the Ground

Let your dog practice sniffing out treats in plain sight. Build confidence first.

Level 2: Shallow, Open Box

Use a VERY shallow box with no flaps. Scatter a few treats loosely inside, so they know that boxes are sources of good things.

Lacy the foster dog eats a few treats from a shallow box with the flaps cut off. I left a small paper towel roll in there, just because she had already been chewing on that cardboard roll, and I knew it didn't bother her at all.

Level 3: Add Familiar Items

Place a favorite toy, or a towel, or just some small object in the box. Keep it quiet and low-pressure.

Level 4: Increase Complexity Slowly

Gradually add more:

• Depth (if that's your goal, and most boxes you have access to are not super shallow)

• Noise and novelty, like crinkly paper or treat-filled paper bags.

Lacy learns to snuffle for treats around some crinkly paper, which no longer scares her!

Let your dog guide the pace. Never move to the next level if they’re still uncertain. We're not just looking for tolerance of a certain level of difficulty - we're looking for total comfort and enthusiasm. I'd rather they stay at a level that's too easy, than move on too fast.

Bridge Activities for Extra Scared Dogs

If your dog won't put their nose in a box at all, that's okay. Some dogs need an alternate route. There's nothing wrong with using a snuffle mat from Amazon or making your own, or simply scattering treats on the ground. Maybe even a "treasure hunt" of treats hidden around the room. (Check out this blog post on indoor games for dogs for more ideas!) Snuffle boxes are meant to be an added challenge and a confidence-building exercise for dogs who are ready. They're not mandatory, and pushing a dog who isn't ready does more harm than good. These alternatives are all legit and effective enrichment games, not "less than." Confidence, play, exploration, and mental exercise is the goal.

What Not to Do: Avoid These Common Mistakes

• Even the most well-meaning humans can push training too fast. Here’s what to avoid:

• Using super high-value treats that drive the dog to do something scary

• Making them “earn” food through fear

• Hovering and petting while they’re investigating, when they're already jumpy

• Rushing through progression levels

It’s totally okay for this to feel easy for them, for a while. Confidence comes from repeated success and positive experiences, not from being pushed beyond their comfort level.

Real-Life Example: Lacey the Foster Dog

Let me share what happened with my own foster dog, Lacy. I gave her a normal-sized Amazon box stuffed with packing paper and treats. She wanted those treats badly - I could see her sniffing and starting to put her head in. But the moment she felt the cardboard flaps move against her neck, she jumped backward. She kept trying but couldn't quite commit to reaching over those flaps.

My first adjustment was simple: I cut off the flaps with scissors and gave her the box back. She tried again, but this time the crinkling of the paper made her jump back. So I removed the paper entirely and handed it back. She was totally fine with the empty box and treats. From there, I could slowly reintroduce those elements - first a little paper, then more, then eventually switching to a box with the flaps still on. (I don't want to have to cut the flaps off every box I make for her! It's kind of annoying.) It took a few days, but she got there.

Lacy successfully enjoying a snuffle box WITH flaps, WITH crinkly paper, and having a great time!

Safety First

Here’s your red light list:

• Your dog is swallowing cardboard or fabric

• Your dog is not finding the activity fun

• You feel yourself feeling overwhelmed (yep, that’s important too!)

If this happens, pause, reassess, and go back a level - or switch to a different enrichment activity altogether.

Final Thoughts

The most important thing to remember is that snuffle boxes should be fun and rewarding. If your dog is showing fear, they're telling you something important, and it's our job to listen and adjust. Go at your dog's pace, celebrate small victories, and remember that success might look like a dog confidently eating treats from a shallow box with a couple familiar toys and the flaps removed. And that's perfectly fine! Not every dog needs to tackle a complex box stuffed with crinkly paper and bags to tear open. Meet your dog where they are, and let them guide the journey.

And if you want some extra guidance with choosing appropriate activities for your dog, or if you're unsure how to help your nervous dog with life in general, I offer private dog training lessons to give you one-on-one guidance!