5 Simple Enrichment Games to Make with Things You Have at Home
Keeping our dogs mentally stimulated doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated! You can create fun enrichment activities using items you probably already have lying around your house. Here are five creative ideas to keep your furry friend engaged without breaking the bank.
1. DIY Treat Scavenger Hunt
Turn mealtime into an adventure! Take some of your dog’s kibble or a few favorite treats and hide them around your home. Start with easy spots near like under a chair or around a corner, then gradually make it more challenging. This activity encourages your dog to use their nose and problem-solving skills, turning a simple treat or mealtime into a fun treasure hunt!
How to Do It:
Make small piles of kibble, about 5-10 pieces.
Hide them in various locations around your home.
If your dog has trouble getting started, point to one of the piles and encourage them by excitedly saying “find it!”
2. Towel Roll-Up Puzzle
Transform an old towel into a puzzle toy. Roll up a clean bath towel and tuck treats or kibble inside. Your dog will have to unroll the towel to get to the goodies, providing both mental and physical stimulation.
How to Do It:
Lay a towel flat on the floor. Place treats and kibble along the center.
Fold the towel in half long ways and roll it up tightly.
Set the towels on the floor and let your dog figure out how to unroll the towel and get the goodies out.
3. Cardboard Box Challenge
Don’t throw away those empty cardboard boxes! They can be transformed into an exciting playtime challenge. Cut holes in the sides, fill the box with paper towel tubes or old towels, and hide treats inside. Your dog will enjoy digging through the materials to discover the hidden treasures.
How to Do It:
Find a clean, empty cardboard box.
Fill the box with paper towel tubes or towels.
Sprinkle kibbles and some treats around the inside of the box.
Allow your dog to explore and find the goodies inside!
4. Homemade Dog-Sicle
On a hot day, a refreshing homemade dog-sicle can be a delightful treat! Use a metal bowl or ice cube tray to combine your dog’s favorite treats, fruits and veggies, yogurt, or low-sodium broth with water. Freeze it overnight, and your pup will love licking and chewing on their icy surprise.
How to Do It:
Gather ingredients like dog-friendly fruits and veggies (e.g., blueberries, carrots), yogurt, or low-sodium broth.
Fill a metal bowl or ice cube tray with the ingredients and cover with broth or water.
Freeze until solid, then serve to your dog for a cool snack!
5. Muffin Tin Puzzle
Turn an ordinary muffin tin into a fun puzzle! Place veggies, fruit, treats, or kibble in the cups of the tin and cover the cups with tennis balls or small toys. Your dog will have fun figuring out how to remove the balls to access the goodies, providing a great mental challenge.
How to Do It:
Take a muffin tin and place treats in each cup.
Cover the treats with tennis balls or small toys.
Encourage your dog to find a way to uncover the treats!
Enrichment doesn’t have to come from fancy toys or expensive equipment. By using common household items, you can create engaging activities that will keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated. These simple and fun ideas can help strengthen your bond with your dog while providing them with the enrichment they need. So, gather some items from around the house and get started—your dog will love the challenge!
