Bored dogs find trouble.
Chewed shoes, shredded pillows, nonstop barking… sound familiar? Whether you're working from home or just need a little more inner peace from the chaos of a reactive dog, keeping your furry friend mentally and physically engaged isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for a calmer, more content household!
Luckily, with just a few everyday items that you probably already have lying around your house, you can create pup-approved activities that tap into your dog’s instincts and keep them happily occupied. Let’s dive in and make your dog’s day a whole lot more exciting with DIY dog enrichment toys!
Why Enrichment Matters for All Pups
No matter your dog’s age, breed, or size, one thing is universal: pups thrive when they have a job to do. When you challenge your pup to sniff, think, paw, or problem-solve, you’re helping to promote their natural drives. The result? A happy, tired pup who’s less likely to develop nuisance behaviors out of boredom—from zoomy, playful puppies to sweet, golden seniors and every beloved furry BFF in between.
With a little creativity (and maybe a cardboard box or two), you can create a rotating stash of homemade toys and activities that match your dog’s needs and that they will go nuts for. Whether your pup needs an outlet for extra energy or just a fun new challenge, rotating enrichment options can help support a more stimulating and satisfying routine. Bonus: they’re budget-friendly, beginner-approved, and easy to customize based on your dog’s play style.
Examples of Easy Doggy Enrichment
- Going on walks
- Playing fetch
- Tug-of-war
- Puzzle toys
- Decompression hikes
- Agility training
- Learning new tricks
So, are you searching for simple ways to keep your dog engaged at home? We’ve rounded up a few easy, do-it-yourself enrichment games and toys that can add variety, fun, and focus to your pup’s day—no fancy equipment required! These creative activities give your dog opportunities to explore new textures, follow their nose, and use their problem-solving instincts in a positive and rewarding way.
*Always supervise your dog during playtime to help ensure safety and maximize the fun.
5 DIY Enrichment Toys: Fun for Every Pup, Right at Home!
1. Destructible Treat Tubes
This easy DIY puzzle taps into your pup’s natural need to sniff, rip, tear, and problem-solve. Perfect for some well-deserved indoor dog enrichment and interactive mental stimulation!
What you’ll need:
- Clean toilet paper or paper towel rolls
- A soft, dog-safe reward (such as unsweetened peanut butter—free of xylitol or added sweeteners)
Instructions:
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Spread a small amount of the soft reward inside the cardboard tube.
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For an added challenge, fold in both ends to seal the tube.
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Optional: Freeze the tube overnight for a longer-lasting activity.
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Supervise your dog as they roll, paw, and chew their way to the center, without ingesting any cardboard.
Safety tip: Always supervise and remove the toy if it starts breaking apart. Consult your veterinarian before introducing new reward options.
2. Muffin Tin Hide-&-Seek
Looking for a quick brain game that encourages scent tracking and problem-solving? This one’s a winner. Perfect for scent enrichment, slow feeding, and cognitive stimulation at mealtime.
You’ll need:
- A muffin tin (6–12 cup)
- Tennis balls
- Dry dog food or bite-sized daily reward pieces
Instructions:
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Start easy: Drop rewards into each muffin cup without covering them. Let your pup sniff, lick, and investigate.
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Once your pup catches on, place a tennis ball over each reward.
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Your dog will need to sniff and remove the balls to find the hidden goodies beneath!
3. The Kiddie Pool Ball Pit
Got a pup obsessed with tennis balls? This one’s a total crowd-pleaser. Great for dogs who love to hunt, dig, or chase—this activity gets them moving while working their nose!
You’ll need:
- A plastic kiddie pool
- Plenty of tennis balls
- Dry food or daily rewards
Setup & Play:
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Fill the pool halfway with tennis balls.
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Sprinkle your pup’s dry rewards throughout the pool.
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Let your dog sniff, paw, and nose their way to find each piece—burning energy while having a blast and supporting dog sensory play.
Pro tip: Use it as a hot-day cool-down by chilling the rewards before hiding them in your kiddie pool ball pit.
4. Tea Towel Snuffle Mats
This homemade puzzle taps into your dog’s natural foraging instincts! Excellent for a bit more calm enrichment time and slowing down a high-energy pup.
Supplies needed:
- A clean tea towel (or two)
- Small, dry daily reward portions
How to create it:
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Lay the towel flat and scatter rewards in the center.
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Fold it longways over the rewards, hiding them inside.
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Tie it loosely in a knot or roll it up burrito-style.
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Let your dog sniff and unroll or untie it to uncover the hidden rewards.
For more advanced pups: Tie multiple towels together to create a snuffle “train.”
5. Backyard Agility Course
Got a zoomie-prone pup? Agility setups are a fantastic way to help dogs burn off that extra energy, build body awareness, and enjoy off-leash training in a controlled setting. Turn your backyard into a full-on obstacle course to support your dog’s coordination, confidence, and focus.
Build with household items:
- Weave poles: Bamboo stakes or sand-filled bottles
- Jump hurdles: Broom handle inside a pool noodle, balanced on chairs
- Tunnel: Child’s play tunnel or a sheet draped over two chairs
How to play:
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Set up 3–4 stations spaced apart.
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Use your dog’s favorite daily reward or their favorite toys to guide them through each section.
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Keep the vibe fun and stress-free—lots of praise, gentle encouragement, and high-value motivators. Make it a game! Celebrate all their wins, no matter how small.
Choosing the Right Rewards for Enrichment Play
When it comes to enrichment, what you use as a reward can make or break the experience. The right option should be tasty enough to grab your dog’s attention, small enough for frequent use, and made with quality ingredients you can feel good about. That way, your dog stays engaged—and you don’t have to worry about overdoing it.
For activities like sniff-and-find puzzles or DIY agility courses, go for rewards that are:
- Soft and easy to break up for repeat use
- Highly palatable to hold your dog’s interest
- Sized appropriately for your dog’s breed and chewing habits
- Mess-free (especially if you're stuffing them inside toys or using indoors!)
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They’ll never know it’s actually a pup wellness supplement. You’ll know. They’ll just be thrilled they “won” something so delicious.
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This information is intended for general purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet or health routine, especially if you notice persistent or concerning changes in your dog's movement or behavior.
**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
