Exercise and play
What are good DIY enrichment activities for dogs?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Cardboard boxes stuffed with treats and crumpled paper, a towel rolled around kibble, a cupcake tin puzzle, and a frozen treat made by freezing broth or mashed fruit in an ice cube tray are all low cost enrichment ideas using items most homes already have on hand.
Cardboard and paper based puzzles
Scattering treats between layers of scrunched up newspaper inside a cardboard box gives a dog a satisfying tearing and searching task, though this activity should be supervised so the dog does not swallow paper or cardboard pieces.
Towel and fabric puzzles
Rolling kibble inside a towel or hiding pieces in the folds of an old t-shirt tied in knots turns a spare piece of laundry into a nosing and unwrapping challenge that costs nothing to set up.
Frozen treats for a longer lasting activity
Freezing plain broth, mashed banana, or a mix of kibble and water in an ice cube tray or a paper cup creates a treat that takes far longer to finish than a normal snack, which is especially useful on a hot day.
Key takeaways
- Cardboard boxes and scrunched paper make an easy searching puzzle when supervised.
- A towel or old t-shirt with hidden kibble turns spare fabric into a free enrichment tool.
- Frozen treats in an ice tray or cup extend how long a snack keeps a dog occupied.