7 fun DIY Enrichment Ideas for your pup!

The look of pure joy on your dog's face as they chase a favorite toy is priceless, but did you know you can tap into their natural instincts and keep them mentally sharp with DIY enrichment toys? Far beyond a simple chew session, enrichment is about providing challenges that satisfy your pup's instinct to sniff, forage, and problem-solve. The best part? You don't need to spend a fortune on fancy gadgets. With a few common household items, you can create engaging puzzles that are not only fun for your dog but also a great way to relieve boredom and reduce destructive behavior. Get ready to roll up your sleeves—and maybe raid your recycling bin—because here are some easy, budget-friendly ways to make playtime more meaningful for your best friend!

** Safety first…always supervise your pup! Some dogs want to consume things and for these pups some of these ideas might not be a good idea…. but for those that like to rip and tear…or just make some noise... have fun!!!

Muffin tin

1. Put some treats/kibble in a muffin tin.

2. Place tennis balls or other toys over the treats.

3. You can make this easy by leaving most of the treats uncovered at first, then covering more as your puppy gets the hang of it.

Snuffle Experience:  Start easy and supervise!

1. Take a blanket or a towel, scrunch it all up.

2. Scatter treats around in the folds.

3. Add even more challenge by tossing a towel or blanket on top…now they really have to work!

4. Add  a larger towel or blanket, or add something textured or that makes a  sound…now it’s a different experience!

   
   

Dig Pit: digging is a natural enriching behavior for dogs…

1. Build your pup a dig pit or purchase a sandbox, something that they can differentiate from the rest of your yard.

2. You can bury their toys or treats in their dig pit.

3. You’ll still need to supervise so that you can interrupt and redirect when needed; if left to their own devices, they will get into mischief!😁

DIY Foraging Box:

1. Take a box. If your dog is bothered by the flaps, cut them off.

2. Place scrunched up newspaper, paper towel rolls, toilet paper rolls, inside the box.

3. Sprinkle some kibble or treats over all the stuff in the box.

4. Your dog will love to forage through all the stuff to get their treats.

5. Always supervise your dog while playing this game.

6. Fair warning this might be messy.

An Enriching Game:

1. Have your dog in another room.

2. Hide some high-value treats around in another room, and at first, make them easy to find.

3. Bring your dog into the room and tell them to “find the treats” or just “find it.” You may need to point out a few so that your dog gets the hang of it.

4. This is a fun, engaging game that your dog will love!

5. Change it up by having your dog in the room with you, have them in a sit or on leash with an assistant.

6. Place a few treats around the room while they are watching.

7. Release them to go “find the treats” and see if they can remember where you put the treats.

8. Now it’s a memory game!!! 

9. Make it more challenging by hiding more treats at a time.

Pop Bottle Fun: Always supervise!

1. Take an old pop bottle, regular size for small to medium dogs, or a 2-liter bottle for large dogs.

2. Take the cap off and the cap and little plastic ring, discard it, remove the label, and give it a good rinse.

3. Once dried, you can place kibble or treats inside the bottle (even an entire meal) and let your dog roll it around, trying to figure out how to get the food out of the skinny neck of the bottle.

4. If your dog is struggling, you can add holes to the bottle, the larger the holes, the easier the game.

Water Bottle: 

1. Take a water bottle, remove the cap and little plastic ring.

2.  Put it into an old sock and tie a knot at the top…now you have a new crinkle toy.

Jill Kudera

CPDT-KA Certified Professional Dog Trainer

Licensed and Insured

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Canine and Feline CPR and First Aid Certified