The Best DIY Enrichment Games for Dogs
Easy & Budget-Friendly!
Introduction
Keeping your dog mentally and physically engaged doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming! Enrichment is all about providing dogs with activities that stimulate their minds, encourage problem-solving, and satisfy their natural instincts.
At Dirty Dog, we incorporate enrichment into everything we do, but you can also bring the fun home with simple, DIY enrichment activities. Whether you have an energetic puppy or a senior dog who needs gentle stimulation, these easy and budget-friendly enrichment games will keep your pup happy and engaged.
Why Enrichment Matters for Dogs
Dogs aren’t meant to just sit around all day—without enough mental and physical stimulation, they can become bored, anxious, and even destructive. Enrichment helps by:
✅ Preventing boredom-related behaviors like chewing and excessive barking
✅ Boosting confidence through problem-solving challenges
✅ Encouraging dogs to use their natural instincts (sniffing, hunting, foraging)
✅ Providing fun and rewarding ways to bond with your dog
Ready to give it a try? Here are some of our favorite DIY dog enrichment games that you can create with household items!
DIY Enrichment Games for Mental Stimulation
🧠 1. Muffin Tin Puzzle Game
📌 What You Need: A muffin tin, tennis balls, and treats
🔹 How to Play:
Place treats in a few muffin tin cups and cover each cup with a tennis ball.
Encourage your dog to figure out how to remove the balls to get to the treats!
Increase difficulty by covering all cups but only hiding treats in some.
👃 2. Snuffle Mat Alternative (Towel Roll-Up Game)
📌 What You Need: A towel and treats/kibble
🔹 How to Play:
Lay a towel flat and scatter kibble or treats along its surface.
Roll it up tightly and let your dog sniff and unroll it to find the rewards.
Perfect for dogs who love nose work and foraging!
🔎 3. The Shell Game
📌 What You Need: Three cups and a treat
🔹 How to Play:
Place a treat under one of the cups and shuffle them around.
Encourage your dog to pick the right cup using their nose or paw.
Great for engaging their scent detection skills!
DIY Enrichment Games for Physical Activity
🏃 4. Flirt Pole Fun
📌 What You Need: A PVC pipe or sturdy stick, rope, and a toy
🔹 How to Play:
Attach a toy to the end of the rope and drag it around like a lure.
Encourage your dog to chase and “catch” the toy—great for burning energy!
Ideal for high-energy dogs who love a good chase.
🎾 5. Indoor Obstacle Course
📌 What You Need: Household objects like chairs, broomsticks, and cushions
🔹 How to Play:
Set up a mini agility course in your home using chairs for tunnels, broomsticks for jumps, and cushions for balance training.
Lead your dog through the course using treats or toys.
A great way to exercise on rainy days!
DIY Enrichment Games for Sensory Stimulation
👅 6. Frozen Treat Treasure Hunt
📌 What You Need: Ice cube tray, broth/yogurt, and dog-safe add-ins
🔹 How to Play:
Freeze broth, yogurt, or peanut butter in an ice cube tray with small treats inside.
Hide the frozen treats around the yard or house for your dog to find.
Engages your dog’s sense of smell and taste while providing a refreshing snack!
🌿 7. Scent Exploration Walk
📌 What You Need: A leash and a little extra time
🔹 How to Play:
Instead of a regular walk, let your dog lead with their nose.
Stop and allow them to sniff as much as they want—scent work is mentally exhausting!
A great way to provide enrichment without needing extra supplies.
How to Add More Enrichment to Your Dog’s Life
These DIY enrichment activities are a fantastic way to keep your dog entertained at home, but structured enrichment can take it to the next level! At Dirty Dog, we incorporate scent games, puzzle challenges, agility exercises, and interactive play into our daycare and boarding programs to ensure every pup thrives.
Want to see enrichment in action? Book a visit to Dirty Dog today and give your pup the ultimate enrichment experience!