As we discussed in our recent article Keeping Your Dog Happy and Engaged: Enrichment Activities for Every Pup, enrichment activities are essential for keeping your dog mentally stimulated and physically active. While store-bought toys can be great, there are plenty of easy and affordable do-it-yourself (DIY) options that provide just as much, if not more, engagement for your furry friend. Here are some creative and simple DIY enrichment ideas to try at home on any budget!
Foraging Fun
Your dog is naturally inclined to forage and snuffle mats and treasure hunts are perfect for just that, encouraging them to slow down their eating while providing mental and tactile stimulation.
- Snuffle Mats: Take an old rubber mat or a piece of cardboard and punch holes into it. Then tie strips of fleece or old t-shirts through the holes to create a shaggy texture. Sprinkle kibble or treats throughout the fabric and let your dog “sniff and search.”
- Cardboard Box Treasure Hunt: Take an empty cardboard box and fill it with crumpled paper or safe, shredded material. Hide treats, kibble, or a favorite toy inside and let your dog dig and search for their prize.
DIY Treat Dispensers
Pups love to problem solve! Treat Dispensers are a great way to keep your dog entertained for extended periods of time while encouraging physical activity:
- Plastic Bottle Dispenser: Take a clean, empty plastic bottle and remove the cap and label. Cut small holes around the bottle, just large enough for kibble to fall out. Fill with treats or dry food and let your dog roll it around to release the goodies.
- Towel Roll-Ups: Lay out a towel and sprinkle kibble or small treats along its length. Roll or fold the towel up, making it harder for your dog to reach the treats. Let your dog unroll it using their paws and nose.
Fun with Muffin Tins
Muffin tin treats can encourage problem-solving and exploration and frozen treats are perfect for hot summer days! Muffin tin fun can prolong treat time and provide sensory stimulation through taste and texture.
- Frozen Delights: Layer pieces of fruit, veggies or meat in an ice cube tray or muffin tin and then fill compartments with a tasty freezable liquid like unsweetened applesauce, peanut butter, yogurt, coconut oil, or low-sodium broth. Freeze overnight and offer as a cooling treat.
- Muffin Tin Game: Place treats in several cups of a muffin tin then cover each cup with a tennis ball or crumpled paper. Let your dog figure out how to move the balls to find the treats.
DIY Tug Toys
Tug toys are great for bonding and exercise. They satisfy your dog’s chewing instincts and are customizable with different materials and sizes, though we should note, this is not recommended for heavy chewers.
How to Make: Cut three long strips of an old t-shirt, fleece, or rope. Braid them together and tie knots at both ends and use for a fun game of tug-of-war.
Music & TV
Some dogs enjoy calming music or dog-friendly TV channels, which can help ease anxiety when they’re home alone!
Final Thoughts
DIY enrichment activities provide a fantastic way to keep your dog engaged while using affordable, everyday materials. Whether through scent games, puzzles, or physical play, these activities will help enrich your dog’s life while strengthening your bond. Try a few and see which ones your pup enjoys the most!
