Exercise and play
How do you play the muffin tin game with dogs?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Place a treat in each cup of a muffin tin, then cover each one with a tennis ball, letting the dog work out how to move the balls to reach the food underneath. It is a cheap, five minute problem solving game that needs no special equipment beyond items most kitchens already have.
Setting it up
A standard 12 cup muffin tin with a treat dropped into each cup, then a tennis ball or similarly sized toy placed on top of each one, creates a simple puzzle a dog solves by nosing or pawing the balls out of the way.
Adjusting the difficulty
Starting with only two or three cups covered makes the game easy for a first attempt, and gradually covering all 12 raises the challenge once the dog understands the concept and works through it confidently.
Why it suits food motivated dogs particularly well
Dogs that are highly food driven often find this game especially engaging since every ball moved reveals an immediate reward, making it a good option for a food motivated dog that needs a mental outlet on a low energy day.
Key takeaways
- A muffin tin with treats hidden under balls makes a five minute problem solving game from household items.
- Starting with fewer covered cups keeps the first attempt achievable before raising the difficulty.
- Food motivated dogs tend to find this game particularly engaging.