Have a pup that hits the witching hour every evening? Too much energy to burn it off adequately before work? A combination of physical exercise and mental enrichment (think: brain games!) is the ideal recipe.
Do you find your dog getting bored of the same 3 store-bought puzzle toys? No problem! We get it. Too much of the same thing may not be engaging their brain quite enough – BUT, put it in a rotation of 10-15 different games and they become more novel once again!
We’ve compiled 10 fun, DIY brain games using everyday household items. These enrichment ideas are designed to challenge your dog’s brain, build problem-solving skills, and boost confidence – all while strengthening your bond.
1) Recyclable Treasure Hunt: Engage Their Nose and Brain
Empty paper towel rolls, cereal boxes, and other clean recyclables make perfect puzzle toys. Add a few holes, hide some kibble inside, fold the ends closed, and seal with tape. Toss a few into a box filled with crumpled paper and let your dog rummage around. It’s an instant foraging adventure!
2) Adventure Box Layers: A Mini Escape Room for Dogs
Stack 2–3 cardboard boxes inside each other, each with holes punched in. Hide a different surprise inside each layer – like a smelly treat, a food toy, or even a chewy wrapped in a sock. This layered challenge keeps curious noses and paws busy for a while. Make it easier to start, and once they understand the assignment, add layers to make it more challenging!
3) Cupcake Tin Puzzle: Simple But Clever
Drop treats into a muffin tin and cover each opening with a tennis ball. Your dog will need to use their nose or paws to move the balls and reveal the rewards underneath. It’s a quick puzzle that encourages problem-solving and persistence.
4) Snuffle Towels and Mats: Scent Work on a Budget
No fancy gear needed! Hide treats in a rolled-up beach towel or a shaggy bath mat. For a DIY snuffle mat, tie strips of fleece through a rubber mat with holes. This encourages natural foraging behaviours and slows down fast eaters. Seriously, why not feed their entire meal this way?
5) The Shell Game: Boost Focus and Impulse Control
Hide a treat under one of three overturned containers – bowls, tupperware, or even old butter dishes. Shuffle them around, then let your pup guess where the treat is hidden. It’s a classic game that helps build patience and scent skills.
6) Frozen Pupsicles: Cool Enrichment for Warm Days
Drop treats, kibble, or freezer-safe toys into an ice cube tray or silicone mold, then top with water or low-sodium broth and freeze. Supervise your dog while they lick and gnaw their way through – especially if they’re heavy chewers.
7) “Find It!” Game: Turn Mealtime Into a Hunt
Hide kibble or treats around a room and encourage your pup to sniff them out. Start easy, then increase difficulty by hiding items under furniture, in corners, or inside toys. This is great nose work and helps build independent problem-solving skills. Build in obedience by asking for a Sit/Stay while you hide them, then release with a “Game on!” or “Find It!” cue!
8) Obstacle Courses at Home: Agility Without Equipment
Create a mini obstacle course using furniture, couch cushions, broomsticks, and blankets. Set up tunnels (blanket draped between chairs or over the coffee table), jumps (broom stick resting on stool legs), or low platforms to walk over. Add a few hidden treats for encouragement! It’s great for building confidence, coordination, and balance and engaging with you in a different way.
9) Homemade Chase Course: Chase the Lure
Tie a toy, braided cloth, or sock to a long string and gently drag it across the floor. Your pup will love chasing it—but be sure to stop just before they catch it to keep things safe and fun. If your dog struggles with impulse control or over-arousal, ensure you start slow, trade them the item for a treat when they catch it, and gradually build up to more excitement over time. Add built in stops or decompression breaks to make them use their brain even more.
10) Training Games That Reinforce Life Skills
Try one of these interactive games for more training fun:
- Doggie Ping Pong: Take turns with family members calling your dog across the room and rewarding them generously.
- Hide and Seek: Let your dog find you hiding behind a couch or door, then reward enthusiastically.
- Check-In Game: Toss a treat, let your dog chase it, and reward them again when they come back to you and focus.
- Red Light/Green Light (On Leash): Practice loose-leash walking by stopping when your dog pulls, and moving again when the leash slackens.
These games are fun and functional—helping your pup learn focus, recall, and calm behaviour.
A Few Safety Tips Before You Start
- Always supervise your pup with DIY puzzles and frozen treats, especially if they’re big chewers.
- Start easy—if your dog gets frustrated, simplify the game and gradually increase difficulty.
- Use high-value treats if your pup isn’t showing interest—think soft cheese, freeze-dried liver, or peanut butter.
- For games like chase, don’t let your dog catch or nip. This keeps the game safe and avoids bad habits.
Brain Games Build Better Behaved Dogs
These enrichment activities aren’t just about burning energy—they also build confidence, reduce boredom-related behaviours, and give your dog a mental workout they’ll love.
Looking for more support or structure?
? Our Foundation Skills and advanced class series are designed to help dogs and their people thrive together.
Let the games begin!
