Start with this easy game:

 

Step 1:  Sit or stand in front of your dog with a treat in each hand.  Put both hands behind your back.  Bring both hands to the front of your body about shoulder width apart.  Wait for you dog to sniff one hand.  Give him the treat.  It's an easy game and, at this point, your dog is loving it because he gets a treat no matter what!

 

Step 2:  Have a treat in only one hand and repeat above.  If your dog chooses the correct hand, he gets the treat.  If he sniffs the wrong hand, open your hand to show him that it's empty; show him where the treat really is but don't let him get it.  Put both hands behind your back and start again.  Your dog will learn to think and use his nose to make the choice that earns him a treat.  The wrong choice brings no treat. 

 

Step 3:  Now that your dog is playing the game, you can add a cue word or phrase such as "Which hand?" or "Where is it?"  Now you've got a simple trick to show off to your friends!

 

This game teaches your dog that training is fun and rewarding.  It also teaches him to focus on you and to watch your hands for signals.  Not bad for a silly game!