Ready to learn the best DIY Dog Enrichment Ideas?
As a dog trainer (who also lives in western NY during the winter seasons), I've become pretty creative with some of the things I entertain my dog with.
In this post, I'll share all of the things my dog and I have tried!
DIY Dog Enrichment Ideas
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Dog Enrichment Ideas Without Food
1. Training
Well, you did come to a training website for advice about enrichment, so of course we'll include this idea!
Many people hear the word training and immediately think of tricks like sit, down, come and shake.
But what about training your dog to understand leadership and direction? What about training your dog to relax and trust you?
How about teaching your dog that when they pull on the leash, they are supposed to give and come back to you?
All of these can be done without using treats. Because instead of treats, they use relaxation, praise and connection as the reward.
Getting your dog to use their brain will definitely tire out your dog!
2. Sit on the Dog
This exercise is a great way to teach your dog about life. It's the one of the most common exercises I recommend to my clients.
3. Surfaces
Cognitive Enrichment for Dogs
4. Structured Play with Obedience
5. Go for a run
Running is a fantastic way to get your dog some mental and physical stimulation.
6. Go for a sniff walk on a long leash
Use a retractable or long leash, take your dog to a field, park, or area and allow them to sniff.
Related: 2 Easy Dog Long Leash Training Exercises to Improve Recall
Worried your dog will pull? Time to incorporate some training!
Dog Enrichment Food Ideas
7. The pit of doom
It's not as scary as it sounds.. Grab yourself a kiddie pool and toss a bunch of treats or kibble on the bottom.
Then, throw a bunch of plastic water bottles in there (or styrofoam, or paper bags- or any combination of these)
Your dog will have to brave the sounds and movement to get the kibble, which will build up their confidence!
Add or subtract obstacles to make the task easier or harder.
8. Box Games
Next time Amazon or Chewy delivers a package.. Just keep that box!
Throw your dog's kibble in the box and package it up in a way that challenges your dog in a way where they can still be successful.
You can play with the size of the box to make it easier or harder for your dog.
If your dog isn't confident enough with the box, try starting with something softer and less scary- like a blanket or towel (see #9 for more ideas!). Or just throwing their kibble on the carpet or grass.
9. Towel
This is the same as the box games, and definitely a place to start with dogs who are too fearful of the box games or just need a boost of confidence.
Scatter your dog's food in a towel and roll it up. You can modify to meet their degree of confidence.
Some dogs may be so scared, you can just put the kibble on top of the towel, or just gently fold a corner over to boost their confidence in using their nose.
Mental Enrichment for Dogs DIY
10. Treadmill Train Your Dog
Teach your dog to use a treadmill if you have one! This is such a great outlet for any dog- and a great way to keep them in shape in the winter.
Related: Petsite Treadmill Review
11. Flirt Poles
For high chase-drive dogs, use a flirt pole to encourage exercise and play chase and tug.
If you have a larger dog, you may want to look at using a lunge line whip with a toy or rag tied to the end of it.
12. Take Your Dog to a Dog-Friendly Store
Take your dog to a dog friendly store and do some people watching! Don't be in a rush to let people pet or give treats.
Just help your dog relax and focus on you! This is a great place to play The Focus Game!
What is the best homemade dog enrichment
13. Blanket
Wrap your dog's favorite toy up in a blanket so they have to figure out how to pull the toy out.
14. Snuffle Mats
Snuffle mats are an easy way to help your dog enjoy their nose and use their brain! Not feeling like you want to invest in a snuffle mat?
Don't worry, you can make a snuffle mat yourself or remember- the original snuffle mat was the grass in your backyard!
One of the easiest ways to slow your dog down during meals and get them to use their brain. These can take up to 30 minutes for some dogs to search the whole mat!
DIY Dog Puzzles
15. Scent Work
Get yourself started in some scent work! This is an easy enough activity to get started on by yourself as Youtube has hundreds of videos about starting scent work.
If you're wanting to spend a little bit of money too, you can grab a starter kit from Leerburg and teach yourself!
16. Paper Bag
This one is super simple- roll up your dog's treats or food in a paper bag or two. For extra complexity, put the bags in a box, kiddie pool or combine with any of the other options!
Homemade Food Puzzles for Dogs
17. Egg Cartons
Also a super easy method to create- put your dog's kibble or treats in an egg carton. Then, tape or secure as necessary for your dog's skill level.
18. Recycling Puzzles
Instead of recycling your plastic bottles and cardboard, use those items to create a complex puzzle for your dog.
Use all the items mentioned from above- tissue boxes, paper towel rolls, paper bags, egg cartons, plastic jugs and bottles and put them all together in a big box.
Then, scatter your dog's food in and around the obstacles.
19. Frozen Snacks
Frozen snacks are a fun way to increase your dog's hydration, or keep them cool in the summer! Check out some DIY recipes from The Kind Pet.
In my opinion, frozen snacks are fun treats, but they don't require a lot of thought process or problem solving skills from a dog.
So lick mats or frozen snacks won't necessarily drain your dog's energy physically or mentally. But, they are a good way to entertain your dog for a good amount of time!
Dog Enrichment Ideas While at work
You're about to hear my pretty strong personal opinion on this.
Your dog doesn't need to be entertained while you're at work. In fact, if you're not home, it's probably a very good idea to make sure your dog is able to be calm and relaxed without you or the aid of anything else.
Teaching your dog to self sooth is such an important part of having a healthy, balanced dog.
Related: Crate Training a Rescue Dog | 5 Tips for Teaching Your Dog to Love the Crate
I'm not going to fault anyone for using snacks or calm activities to help their dog in the crate, but it shouldn't be an expectation from your dog for them to want to go in the crate or be calm once they're in the crate.
However, if you're crate training or your dog is struggling with separation anxiety, using frozen calming aides or a PB kong might be a good idea for you and your dog.
I do recommend staying away from including stuffed toys in their crate. The crate should be a place to go relax, and maybe chew on a bone.
Ripping and dissecting a stuffed toy usually is an exciting process that can amp a dog up more.
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