10 DIY Dog Enrichment Games to Train Your Pup (While Keeping Them Calm & Happy)

Looking for fun, budget-friendly ways to mentally stimulate your dog and reinforce good behavior? Enrichment games are the secret weapon for reducing boredom, anxiety, and destructive habits—while strengthening your bond. Here are 10 easy DIY games to try at home, using everyday items! Of course I've added some affiliate links if you're not up to the DIY methods!

1. The Muffin Tin Puzzle

What You’ll Need: A muffin tin, tennis balls or crumpled paper, treats.

How to Make It:

- Place treats in a few muffin tin cups.

- Cover ALL cups with tennis balls or paper balls (even empty ones).

- Let your dog sniff and nudge the balls to find the hidden rewards.

Why It Works: Encourages problem-solving and nose work. Pro Tip: Start with only 2–3 treats to keep it challenging!

2. Frozen Kibble “Treasure” Blocks

What You’ll Need: A plastic container, kibble, low-sodium broth or water.

How to Make It:

- Mix kibble with broth/water in a container.

- Freeze for 4–6 hours.

- Pop the block out and let your dog lick, chew, and dig out the kibble.

Why It Works: Perfect for teething puppies or hot days. Pro Tip: Add carrot slices or blueberries for extra flavor.

3. Snuffle Mat Hide & Seek

What You’ll Need: A rubber sink mat (or DIY fleece strips tied to a grid), treats.

How to Make It:

- Sprinkle treats/kibble deep into the mat’s crevices or fleece layers.

- Let your dog sniff and forage for the food.

Why It Works: Mimics natural scavenging instincts. Bonus: Store-bought snuffle mats work too, but DIY saves money!

4. Toilet Paper Roll “Puzzle” Box

What You’ll Need: Empty toilet paper rolls, a small cardboard box, treats.

How to Make It:

- Stuff treats into the toilet paper rolls.

- Place the rolls loosely inside the box and close the lid loosely.

- Let your dog paw, nudge, and open the box to retrieve the rolls.

Why It Works: Combines shredding (safe for cardboard!) with problem-solving.

5. Agility Course with Household Items

What You’ll Need: Broomsticks (for jumps), chairs (tunnels), cushions (balance pads).

How to Make It:

- Create a mini obstacle course in your yard or living room.

- Lure your dog with treats to crawl under chairs, jump over broomsticks, or walk on cushions.

Why It Works: Builds confidence and burns energy. Pro Tip: Use the command “touch” to guide them through the course.

6. The Towel Burrito Game

What You’ll Need: An old towel, treats.

How to Make It:

- Lay the towel flat and sprinkle treats across it.

- Roll it up tightly into a burrito shape.

- Let your dog unravel it to find the snacks.

Why It Works: Engages their paws and nose. Level Up: Tie the towel in a knot for advanced pups.

7. Bottle Treat Dispenser

What You’ll Need: A clean plastic bottle (e.g., soda bottle), kibble.

How to Make It:

- Cut 3–4 small holes in the bottle (bigger than kibble).

- Fill with kibble and screw the lid on tightly.

- Let your dog bat, roll, and nudge the bottle to release food.

Why It Works: Great for play-driven dogs. Safety Note: Supervise to prevent chewing on plastic.

8. “Find It” Scent Game

What You’ll Need: High-value treats (e.g., cheese, chicken).

How to Make It:

- Start with your dog in a “stay” position.

- Hide treats in easy spots (e.g., under a rug, behind a pillow).

- Release them with the command “Find it!” and praise when they succeed.

Why It Works: Sharpens scent-tracking skills. Level Up: Hide treats in increasingly tricky spots.

9. DIY Digging Pit

What You’ll Need: A kiddie pool or large box, old blankets/towels, toys.

How to Make It:

- Fill the pool/box with crumpled blankets.

- Bury toys and treats deep in the fabric.

- Encourage digging with a command like “Search!”

Why It Works: Satisfies digging urges (and saves your garden!).

10. Frozen Kong Classic

What You’ll Need: A Kong toy, peanut butter (xylitol-free!), kibble.

How to Make It:

- Stuff the Kong with layers of kibble and peanut butter.

- Freeze for 2–3 hours.

- Give it to your dog to lick and chew.

Why It Works: The ultimate boredom buster for alone time. Pro Tip: Use canned pumpkin or yogurt for variety.

Final Tips for Success:

- Rotate toys to keep games exciting.

- Adjust difficulty based on your dog’s skill level.

- Pair games with training commands (e.g., “sit,” “leave it”) for added mental stimulation.

P.S. Always supervise playtime and remove broken or swallowed materials immediately.