1. Paper Towel Tube

 

You’ve probably gone through your fair share of paper towels cleaning up after your pup. Next time you’ve finished a roll wiping muddy paw prints off your floor, hang onto the tube!

 

Next, fold the ends of the tube into each other to close off one side. Toss in a few treats and close the other end. Now your dog has a fun challenge to hold them over until you finish your meetings.

 

Benefits:

• Mental stimulation

• Keeps your dog busy

• Reuses household items

 

2. Shoe Box

The secret to this deluxe puzzle toy? A box with a lid.

 

Grab a few sheets of newspaper (tissue, packing, or even printer will do in a pinch), place some treats in the center, crinkle them up, and stuff them into the box. Close the lid and voila, a multi-step puzzle for your pup to enjoy.

 

Once your dog has nailed this game, add a layer of difficulty by putting treats into clean yogurt cups, wrapping them in paper, and sticking them into the shoebox.

 

Benefits:

• Enhances problem-solving skills

• Provides extended entertainment

• Encourages natural foraging behavior

 

3. DIY Licky Mat

 

PSA: licking is your dog’s equivalent of a bubble bath. The action releases oxytocin in their little doggy brains and can help soothe anxiety.

 

Grab a muffin tin or ice cube tray, spread some (xylitol-free) peanut butter, plain low-fat yogurt, or wet food into the impressions, and let your dog lick it off.

 

If you’d like this activity to last a little longer, stick the trays into the freezer for an hour or so before giving them to your dog.

 

Benefits:

• Reduces anxiety

• Provides soothing comfort

• Keeps your dog occupied

 

4. More Muffin Tin Fun

 

What’s this? Another use for the muffin tin? Yes, indeed. This time, you’ll need a few tennis balls and a handful of treats.

 

Improve your dog’s snoot dexterity by placing a treat in each hole and then covering it up with a tennis ball. Present the puzzle to your dog and watch them work!

 

If your dog is new to nose work or puzzles, lift a tennis ball to show them that there’s something tasty underneath.

 

Benefits:

• Enhances nose work skills

• Provides physical activity

• Engages your dog’s instincts

 

5. Kitchen Towel

 

Easily create a DIY snuffle mat with a kitchen towel.

 

Lay it out flat, add something delicious along the center, and then fold it lengthways several times to enclose the treats.

 

Finally, tie several knots throughout the towel and give it to your dog!

Pro Tip: Use a bath towel for a bigger or more active dog.

 

Benefits:

• Stimulates natural foraging instincts

• Keeps your dog engaged

• Simple to make with household items

 

Enrichment doesn’t need to be pricy or complicated. With everyday objects and a little creativity, you can exercise your pup’s mental muscles, alleviate boredom, and strengthen the bond between you and your dog. You got this!

 

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