Enrichment is a big part of life with my two active dogs, Luna, a Jack Russell, and Taner, a Taco Terrier. Working full-time means I don’t always have the time or energy to wear them out physically, so I’ve learned that keeping their minds busy matters just as much.

That’s why I rely on DIY enrichment. You don’t need complicated or expensive toys. Everyday items can become sniffing games, puzzles and problem-solving activities that keep your dogs busy, curious and out of trouble.

Scent Work & Foraging Games

DIY Snuffle Mat for Foraging

Make your own snuffle mat with a sink mat or non-slip rubber mat and some fleece. I prefer a non-slip mat because you can cut it to any size.

Cut the fleece into strips about 2.5 cm wide and 15 cm long. Push each strip through a hole in the mat and tie it securely. Keep going until the mat is covered in fleece.

Scatter kibble or treats through the fleece and let your dog sniff them out.

A snuffle mat is great for slowing fast eaters and providing mental stimulation. Taner can spend ages on his.

Luna, my brainiac Jack Russell, on the other hand, found a shortcut. She picks up the mat and shakes out the treats! 😂 So, I added suction cups underneath hers to keep it in place so she has to do the work.

Nose Work Puzzle

Tennis Ball Version

Turn a muffin tin into a simple nose work game. Place treats in a few cups and cover them with tennis balls. Your dog must use their nose or paws to move the balls and find the rewards.

This works well for smaller dogs like Taner, my Fox terrier, who has to put in a little extra effort to uncover the treats.

Egg Tray Version

If your dog gets too excited by tennis balls, try an egg tray instead. I use this for Luna, who quickly turns anything involving tennis balls into a game of fetch.

You’ll need two egg trays: one that holds the treats or kibble and one cut into cup pieces to cover the treats. Place treats in the base and cover them with pieces of the egg tray. Supervise your dog to make sure they don’t chew or swallow the cardboard.

Cardboard Box Scent Game

My online orders feel a little less wasteful when the boxes get a second life, and Luna and Taner get to enjoy them.

Remove all packaging tape from both sides of the box. I do this because some tape is reinforced with thread. Add crumpled paper, fabric or an old piece of clothing. If using paper, scrunch it well to reduce the risk of paper cuts.

Hide a few treats or pieces of kibble inside and let your dog sniff them out. For a harder version, use several boxes and hide treats in only some of them.

It’s a simple way to encourage sniffing and foraging while keeping your dog busy.

Puzzle & Problem-Solving Feeders

DIY Bottle Puzzle Feeder

Turn an empty water or soda bottle into a simple puzzle feeder. Remove the cap and plastic ring, poke a few holes in the sides, and add some kibble.

Your dog will need to roll and bat the bottle to get the food out. It adds mental stimulation and can slow down fast eaters.

It works especially well for clever dogs like Luna, who love figuring out exactly what they need to do to get the reward.

Treat-Dispensing Toilet Paper Rolls

Fold both ends of a toilet paper roll closed and hide a few treats inside. Your dog will need to tear or work through the cardboard to get them out.

For dogs that solve it quickly, fill only some of the rolls with treats and place them together in a basin or playpen. They’ll first need to find the rolls with treats, then figure out how to open them.

Frozen Treat Enrichment

One of my favourite dog-mom hacks, especially before a run, hike or long drive. Keep frozen treats ready in the freezer using broth, plain yoghurt, or puréed fruit and vegetables.

Freeze them in ice cube trays, silicone moulds or KONG-style toys. After an outing, give your dog one to work on while they cool down and settle.

It keeps them cool, occupied and mentally engaged, making it a great post-adventure activity in warm weather.

Active Play & High-Energy Toys

Flirt Pole for Impulse Control

A flirt pole is a great fetch alternative when you’re short on space. It’s easy to make with a light, sturdy stick, rope and your dog’s favourite toy. We use a ball-shaped toy for Luna and Taner.

Swing the toy around and let your dog chase it to burn energy and practise impulse control. Ask for “wait” or “leave it” before giving the chase cue.

Garden Agility Course with PVC Pipes

I love a good PVC pipe DIY. The pipes are cheap, need no power tools and can be packed away when you’re done.

Use PVC pipes and connectors to make low jumps or weave poles for your garden or home. Add simple stands to keep them in place. You can adjust the height or spacing as your dog gets more confident, so the setup grows with them.

For more variety, add a collapsible laundry hamper as a tunnel or build a basic A-frame from scrap wood and plywood.

Agility helps with coordination, focus and fitness, while giving high-energy dogs something to work on.

Braided Tug Toys from Old T-Shirts

Give an old cotton T-shirt a second life by turning it into a simple tug toy. Cut the shirt into three long strips, pull them to stretch the fabric, then braid them tightly. Tie a firm knot at both ends and trim away any loose pieces.

The finished toy is soft on your hands and easy to wash. It’s also a good way to get your dog moving without needing much space. Use it for tug, short training sessions or a quick game of fetch.

For a thicker tug toy, use more strips or braid several smaller braids together. You can also make different sizes depending on your dog.

Safety Guidelines for Homemade Dog Toys

Safety comes first with DIY dog toys. Use non-toxic, durable materials and avoid anything that can easily break, shred or be swallowed. Skip buttons, plastic eyes, loose threads, small clips, and other detachable parts that could pose a choking hazard.

Always supervise your dog, especially when introducing a new toy. If they start chewing, shredding or swallowing pieces instead of playing with the toy, take it away immediately. Inspect toys regularly and replace them when they become damaged.