Why Enrichment Matters
When I first brought home my puppy, I thought “dog enrichment” meant buying fancier toys. If it squeaked or crinkled, I figured it counted. But here’s the truth I learned quickly: real enrichment isn’t about stuff. It’s about experiences that let our dogs do what dogs are wired to do—sniff, chew, lick, dig, shred, solve, forage.
Think about it this way: imagine being stuck in a quiet house all day with nothing but one book you’ve already read. Boring, right? That’s what life feels like for a puppy without enrichment. Their brains crave activity, novelty, and little “missions” to accomplish.
And here’s the best part: when you give a dog the right kind of enrichment, it doesn’t just entertain them. It helps them relax. A dog who spends 10 minutes sniffing out kibble hidden in a towel will flop down afterward with the same satisfaction you feel finishing a crossword puzzle or a workout. Their needs are met. Their brain is happy. And you get that blissful moment of quiet to drink your coffee while it’s still hot.
So, when should you use enrichment for your dog?
- When your puppy is buzzing with extra energy
- Before you hop on a Zoom call and need 20 minutes of peace
- On rainy days when walks are shorter
- Or honestly—just because it’s fun
At My Loyal Hound, we’re all about making life easier for puppy parents while raising calmer, happier dogs. The best news? Enrichment doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, some of the best activities cost less than a latte.
Ready to try? Here are 5 DIY enrichment activities you can set up today for under $5.
*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you!
Muffin Tin Puzzle
This one’s a classic for a reason—it’s easy to set up, endlessly entertaining, uses supplies you already have on hand, and your dog will think you’ve just invented the best game ever.
What you need:
- A muffin tin
- Dog treats or kibble
- Tennis balls (or similar-sized toys)
How to play:
Drop a few treats into the muffin tin cups, then cover every cup with a tennis ball. Your pup has to use their nose, paws, and brain to figure out how to move the balls and uncover the snacks. It’s part scavenger hunt, part problem-solving puzzle—and dogs absolutely love the little “aha!” moments when they succeed.
Why it works:
The unpredictability is what makes it so good. Some cups have food, some don’t, and your dog doesn’t know until they check. That mystery keeps them engaged, builds confidence, and helps them burn off mental energy in a healthy way. Moving the ball out of the tin requires problem solving too, and that keeps it fun!
Make it harder:
As your pup gets better, leave more cups empty so they have to keep trying, or use smaller treats that are harder to sniff out. Try different size balls, or fill tin holes with creative alternatives that give the search variety.
Variation – Muffin Tin Lick Mat:
If your dog is more of a licker than a forager, smear a soft treat (like peanut butter, plain yogurt, or canned pumpkin) into the bottom and sides of each cup. Toss in some kibble or freeze dried raw food that sticks to your smear of choice. Freeze it to make the fun last longer.
Bonus combo:
Switch between puzzle mode and lick mat mode—your pup will never know which version they’re getting, and that variety keeps the game fresh.
Dre recommends:
Freeze Dried Raw Kibble (Beef) is ideal for this puzzle, so the ‘treats’ are actually a highly nutritious meal replacement! This kibble is a nutrient-dense, complete meal, but it also works well as a high-value treat—which is why I love it so much.
Twisted Towel Game
Sometimes the best dog enrichment toy isn’t bought—it’s hiding in your laundry pile. This easy DIY enrichment game turns an old towel into a foraging adventure your dog will beg to play again.
What you need:
- An old towel
- A handful of treats or kibble
How to play:
Lay the towel flat and sprinkle the treats across it. Roll it up into a log, then twist it or tie it loosely in a knot. Hand it over and let your pup get to work! They’ll sniff, nudge, paw, scratch, and unroll the towel piece by piece until they uncover every last snack.
Why it works:
This homemade puzzle taps directly into your dog’s natural foraging instincts. The soft resistance of the towel makes the reward feel earned—like digging up buried treasure. It’s satisfying, builds problem-solving skills, and is a great way to tire your dog’s brain (and nose) without spending a dime.
Pro tip:
If your dog is new to puzzles, start with the towel rolled loosely so it’s easy to find the first few treats. As they get better, twist it tighter or add extra folds to increase the challenge.
Dre recommends:
Freeze Dried Chicken Liver is a great choice for this game because it’s a healthy, single-ingredient, guilt-free treat that can be broken down into smaller pieces to last longer.
Water Bottle Tumbler
You know that empty water bottle rolling around in your car or stuck at the back of the fridge? Don’t recycle it just yet—it’s about to become your dog’s new favorite game.
What you need:
- An empty plastic water bottle
- Dog treats or kibble
How to play:
Remove the cap and label (those small pieces aren’t safe if swallowed). Drop a handful of kibble or treats inside, then place the bottle on the floor. Put a few treats outside the water bottle to get your dog interested, and maybe even one right at the mouth of the bottle to give your dog an easy win. Watch as your dog bats, paws, spins, and nudges it around until the food rattles out of the opening. It’s noisy, it’s silly, and to your dog—it’s jackpot-level fun.
Why it works:
Dogs are natural problem-solvers, and this recycled rolling puzzle gives instant feedback. Every nudge makes a rattle, every rattle means “maybe a snack!” That mix of sound, movement, and reward keeps them hooked until the last crumb is gone. It’s enrichment at its best!
Size tip:
- Small dogs: try an 8 oz. bottle they can push easily.
- Bigger pups: a sturdier 16 oz. bottle will hold up better to enthusiastic play.
Pro tip:
Once your dog is a pro at rolling the bottle, make it trickier by slipping the whole bottle into an old sock. Tie a knot at the open end of the bottle so the bottle is fully enclosed. Now your pup has to work through the knot of the sock to get the treats to fall out. The food still comes out through the bottle opening, but the extra layer of fabric slows things down and makes the puzzle more challenging.
Safety note:
Supervise this game the first few times. Some dogs get the bright idea to shred the sock or chew the plastic bottle directly—neither of which we want. If your pup starts focusing more on destroying than puzzling, take the toy away and try one of the other budget friendly dog enrichment games instead.
Dre recommends:
Rabbit Bites are a lot of fun in this game because they’re so small that the dog has to be a little creative to get them out. They’re also very healthy, natural, single-ingredient treats.
DIY Snuffle Mat
If dogs had a favorite hobby, it would be sniffing. Sniffing lowers stress, calms their nervous system, and taps into thousands of years of natural instinct. A snuffle mat is basically a nose-powered treasure hunt—and the best part? You can make one at home for just a few bucks.
What you need:
- A rubber sink mat or doormat with holes
(Maybe you already have one at home or can find one at a Dollar Store) - An old fleece blanket or t-shirt
- Scissors
How to play:
Cut the fabric into strips about 1 inch wide and 6–8 inches long. Thread each strip through the holes of the mat and tie with a double knot until the whole thing looks like a shaggy rug. Once it’s ready, sprinkle kibble or small treats across the surface and let your dog go to work. They’ll snuffle, snort, and root around until every last crumb is found.
Why it works:
For dogs, sniffing isn’t just “cute”—it’s deeply fulfilling. Using their nose this way lowers cortisol (the stress hormone), builds confidence, and tires them out in a way a quick walk never could. Ten minutes of foraging in a snuffle mat can feel like an hour-long adventure for your pup.
Pro tip:
Start by sprinkling treats on top of the fleece so it’s easy. As your dog gets the hang of it, bury the treats deeper in the mat for an extra challenge.
Dre recommends:
Pupford 3 Ingredient Bites are nice and stinky (in a good way). They’re higher-value treats that dogs are willing to work for. Pupford is a trusted, well-known brand that’s easy to find in local pet stores.
The “Find It” Game
Sometimes dog enrichment doesn’t require a toy at all—just a handful of treats and your dog’s natural curiosity. “Find it!” quickly becomes a favorite game, and once your pup knows the cue, you can use it anywhere as a great training distraction: on rainy days indoors, in the backyard, or even out on a trail when you need to redirect their attention from oncoming bikers.
What you need:
- A handful of treats or kibble
How to play:
How to play (start simple):
Stand in front of your dog with treats in hand. Toss a few on the floor like confetti and say “Find it!” as your dog sniffs for treasure. Your pup will immediately put their nose to work hunting down each piece. After a few rounds, they’ll start to perk up the moment they hear the cue, “Find it!” and be ready to search.
Level it up:
Once your dog is excited about the game, ask them to “sit” and “stay” while you hide treats around the room. Start with obvious spots—like under the kitchen stool or in the corner of a rug. Then release them with “Find it!” and enjoy watching their nose lead the way.
As they improve, increase the difficulty: tuck treats slightly out of sight, scatter them in the grass, or even hide them under lightweight objects. Each round boosts confidence and burns mental energy.
Why it works:
Dogs live through their noses, and this game channels that instinct in a way that’s rewarding, calming, and easy for you. It keeps them busy, sharpens focus, and gives you a tool you can use anywhere to shift their attention back to you. (Trust me, on a hiking trail with strangers approaching, “Find it!” is pure magic. It also works when you need to leave the park, but your dog doesn’t want to!)
Pro tip:
To teach your dog the cue, drop a single treat right in front of them, say “Find it!” and let them eat it. Then toss a second one slightly farther away. Before long, your pup will perk up and start scanning eagerly every time they hear the phrase.
Dre recommends:
Turkey Apples and Cinnamon or Zukes Beef work well for ‘find it’ because dogs absolutely love them! Zukes Beef was historically my go-to brand. They’re stinky, soft, and easier to break into smaller pieces. Turkey Apples and Cinnamon is my new fave because they’re so nutritious (and delicious).
Because a Tired Brain = a Calm Dog
At the end of the day, enrichment isn’t just about keeping your dog busy—it’s about giving them a chance to think.
Dogs need more than walks and cuddles (though those matter too!). They thrive when they’re solving little problems, following their nose, using their brain, and working through challenges designed just for them.
That mental engagement builds confidence, eases stress, and creates a calmer, happier companion. And the best part? You don’t need to spend a fortune. Budget friendly enrichment supplies can be found in everyday household items; a muffin tin, an old towel, a plastic bottle, or even a handful of kibble can turn an ordinary day into an adventure for your pup’s brain.
When we give our dogs the joy of problem-solving, they give us back something even better: a peaceful home, a stronger bond, and the satisfaction of knowing we’ve met their deepest needs.
I hope you and your pup love these DIY dog enrichment games as much as we have. For even more practical training tips, come hang out with me over on Instagram at My Loyal Hound for daily inspiration—and don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter so you’ll never run out of fun ideas for your dog.
Cheers to raising happy, healthy pups!
Dre
Treat recommendations:
- Freeze Dried Raw Kibble (Beef) for Muffin Tin Puzzle
- Freeze Dried Chicken Liver for the Twisted Towel Game
- Rabbit Bites for the Water Tumble Game
- Pupford 3 Ingredient Bites for the Snuffle Mat Game
- Turkey Apples and Cinnamon or Zukes Beef for the Find It Game
Here are some of the links mentioned in this post:
- My Loyal Hound resources for raising calmer, happier dogs
- Rubber Sink Mat for DIY Snuffle Mat
- Video tutorial on making DIY Snuffle Mat at home
- My Loyal Hound Instagram for daily inspiration