DIY Dog Enrichment 2025: Vet-Approved Boredom Busters 🐾🧩

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Keeping your dog mentally stimulated doesn’t have to mean expensive toys or complicated setups. In fact, some of the best enrichment activities come from everyday household items you already have—and they’re vet approved to fight boredom, boost confidence, and reduce unwanted behaviors.

I’m Dr. Duncan Houston, veterinarian and founder of Woopf. Below are simple, safe, and fun DIY enrichment ideas that will give your dog the mental workout they crave—without spending a cent.

🧠 Why Enrichment Matters

•  ✅ Reduces barking, chewing, digging, and anxiety
•  ✅ Increases calmness after mental exertion
•  ✅ Helps build independence and reduce separation issues

Vet Tip: Enrichment should be a daily habit, not just a rainy-day backup.

🎁 1. Muffin Tin Puzzle

What You’ll Need:

•  🧁 1 muffin tin
•  🎾 6–12 small balls or toys
•  🍗 A few pieces of kibble or high value treats

How to Play: Place treats in some (not all) of the muffin tin cups, then cover each cup with a ball or toy. Let your dog sniff, nudge, and discover.

📦 2. Cardboard Box “Shred & Seek”

What You’ll Need:

•  📦 A clean cardboard box
•  📰 Scrunched paper or tissue paper
•  🎁 A few hidden treats or toys

How to Play: Fill the box with paper and scatter treats inside. Let your dog dig, sniff, and forage to find them. Perfect for high-energy dogs and for mental decompression.

Optional: Use multiple boxes for advanced scent tracking.

🧻 3. Toilet Roll Tube Feeder

What You’ll Need:

•  ♻️ Empty toilet paper rolls
•  🥓 A small handful of kibble or soft treats

How to Play: Fold both ends of the roll closed after placing a treat inside. Let your dog figure out how to tear it open. Great for satisfying natural shredding instincts.

🪑 4. DIY Obstacle Course

What You’ll Need:

•  🪜 Cushions, chairs, boxes, or towels
•  🎯 Treats to guide them through

How to Play: Create a mini agility course in your lounge or hallway. Use a towel tunnel, a chair to crawl under, or cushions to jump over. Reward focus and calm movement.

Bonus: Practice “place” or “wait” commands at different stages.

🥣 5. Frozen Kong or Treat Cube

What You’ll Need:

•  🍌 Banana, plain yogurt, pumpkin, or kibble mix 
• 🧊 A food safe toy like a Kong or silicone ice mold

How to Play: Fill and freeze for 2–4 hours. Great for hot weather or when you need 20 minutes of quiet time.

🎓 6. "Find It" Game with Treats

What You’ll Need:

•  🥓 5–10 small treats
•  🏠 Indoor or outdoor space

How to Play: Show your dog the treat, say “Find it!”, and place it in an obvious location. Gradually increase difficulty by hiding in new spots. This builds focus and independence.

🪵 7. Blanket Burrito

What You’ll Need:

• A towel or blanket
• Small chewy or low calorie treat

How to Play: Place the treat inside, roll it up, and let your dog sniff and unroll. Layer multiple treats for extended activity.

⚠️ Enrichment Safety Tips

•  ✅ Supervise new activities to prevent chewing hazardous items
•  ✅ Use foodsafe, nontoxic materials
•  ❌ Avoid anything small enough to swallow whole

Always rotate games every few days to prevent boredom or frustration.

💬 What Owners Say

“I had no idea a cardboard box could keep my dog busy for 30 minutes. Now I save all our deliveries!” – Jamie & Tilly

“We use the muffin tin game every day now—it’s better than any toy I’ve bought.” – Mads & Rocket

🎁 Woopf Gear That Pairs Perfectly with DIY Enrichment

•  Explorer Harness – For post-enrichment sniff walks
•  Bungee Lead – Great after high-energy play
•  Dual Pocket Dispenser – Store treats for indoor & outdoor games

Final Thoughts

Enrichment doesn’t have to be expensive. With a little creativity and the right guidance, you can turn your recycling bin into your dog’s favorite playground—and build a happier, calmer companion in the process.