DIY Brain Games for Dogs

Did you know mental stimulation is just as important for your dogs health as physical exercise? When dogs are left with nothing to do, they get bored, just like humans! Interactive dog toys are great boredom busters for our furry friends, but they can get expensive. Luckily, you can make them pretty easily with supplies you already have at home! Today I’m sharing 5 DIY brain games for dogs. 

Cupcake Tin Puzzle

For this DIY brain game you’re going to need 3 supplies:

• A cupcake or muffin tin
• Various balls or toys
• Treats

This game is extremely simple to set up and great for working your dogs brain. To start, simply put a treat or two in each cup of your cupcake tin. Then cover the treats with balls, plush toys, Kong’s or anything else from your pups toy box. Using a variety of different toys can be some added fun for your pup. 

To play, your dog will have to sniff out the treats in each cup and move the ball or toy in order to get to them. Start off easy by only covering some of the treats. Once your pup catches on you can cover them all!

Busy Box

A busy box is a great way to keep your dog entertained while you’re busy. You will need:

• An empty cardboard box
• Various toys
• Variety of treats
• Fabric, cardboard, etc

To make a busy box, take your empty box and fill it with all your supplies. Try to hide treats throughout the box by wrapping them in fabric or hiding them in a cardboard tube. Add a stuffed Kong as a prize at the bottom. 

This is a great place to introduce new toys or toys your dog hasn’t seen in awhile. The more you add to your box, the better! Let Fido go to town pulling everything out and searching for hidden treasures.

Cardboard Treat Holder

For the cardboard treat holder you will need an empty cardboard tube (like a toilet paper roll) and some treats. 

Place the treats inside the tube and seal the edges. You can fold the edges or seal them closed with a yummy treat like peanut butter or yogurt. This is another brain game that is great on it’s own or can be added to your busy box.

Note: Monitor your dog closely while they play with this and stop them if they attempt to eat the cardboard tube. 

Towel Roll

When it comes to DIY brain games for dogs, the towel roll is the easiest to make. All you’ll need is:

• A towel
• Treats or kibble

To start, lay your towel flat and sprinkle small treats or kibble throughout it. Then roll it into a tight roll and allow your dog to sniff out the treats and figure out how to unroll the towel to get to them!

The towel roll can be added to your busy box or be used on it’s own!

Stuffed Kong

Stuffed Kong’s are my favorite way to keep my pup busy! There are so many Kong stuffing recipes to choose from and most dogs will be busy for hours while they attempt to get all the food out of the toy.

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