Simple Homemade Brain Games, Scent Activities and Calm Indoor Enrichment

You do not need a cupboard full of expensive puzzle toys to enrich your dog’s day.

Some of the most useful activities can be created with things you already have at home, including cardboard boxes, towels, paper cups, baking trays and your dog’s normal food.

I have worked professionally with dogs since 2011. During that time, I have found that the simplest activities are often the most useful.

A nervous rescue dog may enjoy searching for five visible pieces of food on a towel. A confident young dog may enjoy investigating several cardboard boxes. A senior dog may prefer choosing between two familiar toys without needing to move very far.

The activity should fit the dog.

It should not be made difficult simply to keep your dog occupied for longer.

This guide contains 50 easy dog enrichment ideas using household items. You do not need to try all of them. Choose one simple activity, watch how your dog responds and keep the ideas that genuinely help.

For a broader explanation of scent work, food enrichment, play, problem-solving, choice and rest, begin with my complete dog enrichment guide.

Affiliate disclaimer: This guide contains affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. You do not need to buy anything to use most of the ideas in this guide.

Important Safety Advice Before You Begin

Homemade enrichment should always be supervised.

Many household items were not designed to be dog toys. A cardboard box, towel or paper cup may be suitable for one dog and completely unsuitable for another.

Before starting:

• remove staples, tape, string, elastic bands, plastic windows and packaging
• avoid sharp, brittle or damaged objects
• avoid anything containing cleaning products or food residue
• do not use objects small enough to swallow
• use non-slip flooring
• separate dogs when food is involved
• keep children away from a dog using a food activity
• remove damaged materials immediately
• stop if your dog begins eating cardboard, paper or fabric
• stop if your dog becomes frustrated, worried or possessive

Do not leave a dog alone with a homemade activity until you are certain the item is safe. Even then, many cardboard and fabric games should remain supervised.

The Blue Cross guide to dog enrichment recommends choosing activities that suit the individual dog and gradually increasing difficulty. Dogs Trust also recommends supervision, particularly with homemade food activities.

Read my complete guide to dog enrichment safety and frustration before introducing complicated puzzles or destruction games.

Use Your Dog’s Normal Food Where Possible

Food games can quietly add a large number of calories to your dog’s day.

Where appropriate, take food from your dog’s normal daily allowance rather than adding endless treats.

You might use:

• dry food
• small training treats
• suitable pieces of your dog’s usual diet
• wet food on a suitable washable surface
• prescription food when approved by your vet

Speak to your vet before changing how you feed your dog if they have allergies, digestive problems, pancreatitis, diabetes, kidney disease, dental pain, weight concerns or a prescribed diet.

My guide to enrichment feeding and ditching the bowl explains how to use part of a normal meal without turning every mealtime into a difficult puzzle.

How to Introduce a Homemade Enrichment Game

Begin at the easiest possible level.

Let your dog see where the food is. Use an open box rather than a closed one. Place the food on a towel before folding it. Allow your dog to investigate without repeatedly pointing, pushing or giving instructions.

A good first session may last less than two minutes.

Make the game easier if your dog:

• barks at the activity
• bites or throws the object
• paws repeatedly without success
• becomes frantic
• walks away several times
• freezes or backs away
• begins swallowing material
• guards the item
• appears physically uncomfortable

Helping your dog succeed does not spoil the game.

The activity is there for your dog. Your dog is not there to complete the activity.

50 Easy Dog Enrichment Ideas Using Household Items

Scent and Searching Games

1. The One-Piece Find It Game

Let your dog watch you place one piece of food on the floor.

Say “find it” once and allow your dog to collect it. Repeat this several times before placing the food slightly further away.

This is one of the easiest enrichment games for puppies, senior dogs and dogs that have never used puzzles.

2. A Small-Area Scatter Feed

Scatter several pieces of your dog’s food across a clean section of floor.

Keep the search area small so that your dog succeeds quickly. Once they understand the activity, you can gradually spread the food slightly further apart.

Avoid slippery floors and areas containing cleaning-product residue.

3. Search Around the Edges of a Room

Place several pieces of food beside skirting boards, chair legs or the edge of a rug.

Keep everything visible during the first attempt.

Do not hide food underneath heavy furniture or anywhere your dog could become trapped or knock something over.

4. Make a Simple Treat Trail

Create a short trail by placing several pieces of food at comfortable distances apart.

The trail might lead:

• across one room
• towards your dog’s bed
• into the garden
• towards their normal food bowl
• towards a favourite toy

Keep the trail obvious at first.

5. Create a Three-Location Treasure Hunt

Place food in three easy locations around one room.

Let your dog watch you prepare the hunt. Once they understand, ask them to wait in another room while you set it up.

Do not immediately turn the whole house into a difficult search area.

6. Hide a Familiar Toy

Let your dog watch you place a favourite toy partly behind a chair or doorway.

Encourage them to find it.

Gradually make the toy less visible, but do not hide it somewhere difficult to reach.

7. Find a Family Member

Ask someone your dog knows well to hide behind a doorway or in another room.

Let your dog search for them. The person can reward the dog with calm praise, play or a small piece of food.

Do not use this game with someone your dog is nervous around.

8. Which Hand?

Place one piece of food in one hand.

Hold both closed hands at a comfortable height and allow your dog to sniff. Open the correct hand as soon as they indicate it.

Do not repeatedly pull your hands away or turn the game into teasing.

9. Which Cup?

Place two lightweight, unbreakable cups on the floor.

Let your dog watch you place food beside or underneath the edge of one cup. Keep the correct cup slightly raised during the first few attempts.

Do not use glass, ceramic or brittle plastic.

10. Which Box?

Place two open cardboard boxes several feet apart.

Put food in one box and allow your dog to investigate.

When your dog understands the game, you can add a third open box. All boxes should remain easy to inspect.

Towel, Blanket and Mat Activities

Fabric games are not suitable for dogs that tear or swallow material.

Use old but intact towels without loose threads. Remove them after the activity.

11. The Flat Towel Search

Spread a towel completely flat and place several pieces of food openly across it.

That is the entire game.

Your dog does not need folds, knots or complicated layers to benefit from sniffing and searching.

12. The Single-Fold Towel Game

Place food on a towel and loosely fold one edge over one piece.

Leave the remaining food visible.

Only add additional loose folds when your dog remains relaxed and continues to use their nose rather than biting the fabric.

13. The Loose Towel Roll

Place several pieces of dry food on a towel and roll the towel very loosely.

Leave food visible near the open end.

Do not knot the towel or roll it so tightly that your dog has to pull, bite or shake it.

14. The Blanket Ripple Search

Place a blanket on a non-slip floor and create several loose ripples with your hands.

Drop food between the folds.

The folds should remain shallow enough for your dog to search without becoming stuck or frustrated.

15. Hide a Toy Under the Edge of a Towel

Place a familiar toy partly underneath one edge of a towel.

Leave most of the toy visible during the first attempt.

This can suit dogs that prefer toys to food.

16. The Rolled Yoga Mat Search

Unroll a yoga or camping mat and place food across its surface.

Roll it back up loosely and allow your dog to unroll it with their nose.

Dogs Trust includes a similar supervised mat activity in its homemade enrichment guidance.

Do not use a valuable mat or one made from material your dog is likely to bite and swallow.

17. Let Your Dog Choose a Surface

Place two different safe surfaces on the floor, such as:

• a towel
• a blanket
• a rubber-backed mat
• a piece of flat cardboard

Allow your dog to investigate and choose where to stand or lie down.

Choice can be a valuable form of enrichment without requiring energetic activity.

18. Create a Calm Settling Blanket

Choose a familiar blanket and place it in a quiet part of the room.

Reward calm choices such as looking at the blanket, stepping onto it or lying down.

Avoid repeatedly telling your dog to stay there. The aim is to make the blanket a comfortable option, not a place of confinement.

Cardboard, Paper and Recycling Games

Cardboard activities are only suitable for dogs that do not swallow cardboard or paper.

Remove:

• staples
• tape
• glue residue
• labels
• string
• plastic windows
• metal fasteners
• anything sharp

Never use packaging that has previously contained chemicals, medications, detergents, batteries, or other potentially harmful products.

19. The Open Cardboard Box Search

Place an empty cardboard box on the floor and add several visible pieces of food.

Allow your dog to approach in their own time.

A nervous dog may prefer the box placed on its side so it does not need to put its head inside.

20. Use a Shallow Box

Cut a cardboard box down so that the sides are low.

Place food openly inside.

This can be easier for small dogs, puppies, flat-faced dogs, senior dogs and dogs that feel uncomfortable putting their head into a deep container.

21. Nested Open Boxes

Place one small open box inside a larger open box.

Add visible food to both levels.

Do not close the boxes or pack them tightly together. Your dog should be able to reach the food without tearing through several layers.

22. Put a Cereal Box on Its Side

Remove the inner plastic bag and open both ends of a clean cereal box.

Place it on its side with food near the opening.

Keep the first attempt easy. Do not seal the box or expect your dog to destroy it to reach the reward.

23. Use an Open Egg Box

Place an empty cardboard egg box on the floor with its lid fully open.

Add food to several sections.

Do not close the lid during the introduction. Remove the box if your dog begins eating it.

24. Open Cardboard Tubes

Place several cardboard kitchen-roll or toilet-roll tubes on the floor.

Leave the ends completely open and put food where your dog can see it.

Do not use elastic bands, tape or tightly folded ends.

25. Stand Tubes in a Muffin Tin

Place several open cardboard tubes upright in a muffin tray.

Add a piece of food to some of the tubes.

Keep the tubes loose so your dog can move them easily. Do not tie them together.

26. Make a Paper-Cup Search Line

Place several plain paper cups in a line with food beside some of them.

Allow your dog to sniff along the line.

Once they understand, place food inside the open cups rather than underneath them.

27. The Easy Paper-Cup Hide

Place one paper cup upside down over a piece of food, but leave the edge slightly raised.

Let your dog nudge the cup.

Use a cup large enough not to be swallowed and remove it if your dog begins chewing it.

28. Make a Scrunched-Paper Dig Box

Fill a shallow cardboard box loosely with plain scrunched paper.

Sprinkle food near the top.

Keep the paper loose and the rewards easy to find. Dogs Trust’s dig-box guide explains how cardboard and scrap paper can be used for supervised searching and digging.

29. Create a Loose Newspaper Parcel

Place food in the middle of a sheet of plain newspaper and loosely fold the sides around it.

Do not tape, tie or tightly wrap the parcel.

This is only suitable for dogs that tear paper without swallowing it.

30. Use a Paper Bag

Remove the handles from a clean paper bag.

Open the bag fully and place it on its side with food near the entrance.

Do not use plastic bags. Remove the paper bag if your dog becomes tangled, worried or starts eating it.

31. Make a Supervised Shredding Station

Some dogs enjoy tearing cardboard.

Place several pieces of plain cardboard in an open box and allow your dog to pull them apart.

Do not add food initially. Stop immediately if your dog consumes the material rather than spitting it out.

32. The Delivery-Box Toy Search

Place one familiar toy in a large open delivery box.

Leave the toy partly visible.

Over several sessions, you can add a second toy or a small amount of loosely scrunched paper, provided your dog remains calm and does not swallow anything.

Kitchen Cupboard Enrichment

Wash all kitchen equipment thoroughly before and after use.

Do not use sharp utensils, breakable crockery or containers that previously held unsafe ingredients.

33. The Open Muffin-Tin Game

Place food in several sections of an empty muffin tray.

Leave every section uncovered during the first attempt.

This is the beginner version of the muffin-tin enrichment game.

34. Cover Part of the Muffin Tin

Once your dog understands the open version, cover one or two sections with suitably sized dog toys.

Use objects too large to swallow.

Do not cover every section immediately. Your dog should continue finding easy rewards.

35. The Baking-Tray Scatter

Place several pieces of dry food across a clean baking tray.

The unfamiliar sound and surface may add gentle variety.

Place the tray on a mat if it slides or rattles. Do not use this with a dog that is frightened by metallic sounds.

36. Use a Silicone Baking Mat

Spread a thin layer of suitable soft food across a clean silicone baking mat.

Keep the food easy to reach.

Supervise closely and remove the mat if your dog bites, folds or tears it.

37. The Ice-Cube-Tray Licking Game

Place a small amount of suitable soft food into several sections of a clean silicone ice cube tray.

Do not fill every section or freeze it during the introduction.

Choose a tray large and stable enough that your dog cannot swallow or fold it.

38. A Shallow Storage-Tub Search

Use a clean, shallow plastic storage tub without cracks or sharp edges.

Place visible food, toys or loosely arranged towels inside.

The tub should remain stable and large enough that your dog cannot get their head or paws trapped.

39. A Shallow Water Search

Place a small amount of clean water in a large, stable bowl and float a few pieces of suitable food or a floating dog-safe toy.

Use a non-slip surface and keep the water shallow.

This will not suit dogs that dislike water, become frantic or have difficulty breathing while lowering their face.

40. A Wooden-Spoon Nose Target

Hold the bowl of a clean wooden spoon near your dog’s nose.

Reward them when they gently investigate or touch it.

Keep hold of the spoon throughout. Do not allow your dog to chew or run away with it.

Training, Movement and Environmental Enrichment

These ideas use your home environment rather than specialised equipment.

Keep movement slow and suitable for your dog’s age, health and confidence.

41. Go Around a Chair

Use a piece of food or a hand target to guide your dog slowly around a stable chair.

Reward them when they return to you.

Do not pull your dog around by the collar or lead.

42. Make a Wide Figure of Eight

Place two stable chairs several feet apart.

Walk with your dog in a slow figure-of-eight pattern around them.

Keep the turns wide. This may not suit dogs with joint pain, balance problems or movement restrictions.

43. Step Over a Rolled Towel

Roll a towel and place it on a non-slip floor.

Encourage your dog to walk slowly over it.

The towel should be low enough that your dog can step comfortably without jumping.

44. Make a Flat Cardboard Path

Place several large, flat pieces of cardboard on the floor with gaps between them.

Allow your dog to investigate the different surfaces.

Secure the cardboard from slipping and never force a worried dog to step onto it.

45. Tidy Toys Into a Box

Begin with one toy and a large, shallow box.

Encourage your dog to bring or drop the toy near the box. Gradually reward closer drops until the toy lands inside.

Keep sessions short and celebrate little progress.

46. Let Your Dog Choose Between Two Toys

Place two familiar toys several feet apart.

Allow your dog to choose which one to investigate.

Play gently with the selected toy rather than repeatedly trying to make your dog choose the toy you prefer.

47. Teach the Name of a Toy

Choose one familiar toy and say its name before offering it.

Practise over several short sessions.

Once your dog begins to recognise the toy, place it beside another object and ask for the named toy.

48. Practise a Doorway Recall

Stand in the next room and call your dog once.

Reward them for finding you.

Keep the distance short and avoid repeatedly calling when your dog is distracted, eating or resting.

49. Make Grooming a Choice-Based Game

Place a familiar brush on the floor and reward your dog for calmly investigating it.

Gradually work towards one gentle brush stroke followed by a break.

Stop when your dog moves away. Grooming should not be forced in the name of enrichment.

A folded towel can also be introduced as a chin-rest position for dogs learning cooperative care.

50. Create a Calm Observation Station

Place your dog’s bed or a familiar mat somewhere they can safely observe household activity.

This might be near you while you work, beside a secure garden door or where they can watch the room without being disturbed.

Do not place the bed beside a window if passing dogs, people or traffic cause barking, guarding or distress.

Enrichment can include quietly observing the world. It does not always need food, movement or a puzzle.

Household Items I Would Avoid

I would not use:

• cut plastic bottles
• bottles with holes punched into them
• altered tennis balls
• elastic bands
• string
• tightly knotted towels
• plastic bags
• glass jars
• brittle food containers
• sharp tins
• objects small enough to swallow
• packaging contaminated with chemicals
• toys made from old clothing if your dog already steals or eats clothes

Something being free does not automatically make it safe.

Purpose-made products are sometimes the better option when a household object needs to be cut, punctured, glued, tied, or significantly altered.

Optional Enrichment Products

You do not need these products to begin.

However, a few reusable items can be helpful if your dog enjoys the homemade versions.

Lick Mat

A lick mat can provide a washable alternative to a silicone baking sheet.

View the LickiMat Classic on Amazon UK.

Remove it if your dog chews or guards it.

KONG Classic

A stuffable rubber toy can be easier to clean and more durable than homemade food dispensers.

View the KONG Classic on Amazon UK.

My complete guide to KONG toys explains how to choose a suitable size and introduce fillings gradually.

Snuffle Mat

A washable snuffle mat can be useful for dogs that enjoy the towel and blanket searches.

View my recommended snuffle mat on Amazon UK.

Do not use one with a dog that tears or swallows fabric.

Beginner Puzzle Feeder

A simple commercial puzzle may be appropriate once your dog confidently understands open boxes and muffin-tin games.

View a beginner puzzle feeder on Amazon UK.

Open the compartments during the introduction and help your dog succeed.

Silicone Treat Pouch

A treat pouch is useful for short training games, indoor recalls and enrichment walks.

View my recommended silicone treat pouch on Amazon UK.

Enrichment for Puppies

Puppies do not need constant entertainment.

They need:

• short activities
• gentle exploration
• appropriate chewing
• predictable routines
• toilet breaks
• positive interaction
• plenty of sleep

Start with:

• a flat towel search
• one-piece find it
• an open cardboard box
• choosing between two toys
• one minute of simple training

Stop before your puppy becomes frantic, mouthy or overtired.

Enrichment for Nervous and Rescue Dogs

A nervous rescue dog does not need a confidence test.

Begin with familiar food, quiet surroundings and open containers.

Good starting activities include:

• food placed openly on a towel
• one visible piece of food in an open box
• which hand
• choosing between two familiar toys
• finding a trusted person
• calm observation from a safe place

Let your dog move away.

Do not push an unfamiliar box, toy or puzzle towards them. Do not use food to lure a frightened dog closer to something they are trying to avoid.

You can also read about my rescue dog support in Finchley and enrichment toys for rescue dogs.

Enrichment for Senior Dogs

Older dogs can still enjoy sniffing, searching, learning and making choices.

Adapt activities around:

• mobility
• eyesight
• hearing
• dental health
• medication
• cognitive changes
• energy levels
• recovery time

Use shallow containers, visible rewards and non-slip surfaces.

Good options may include:

• which hand
• food scattered on a flat towel
• choosing between two toys
• a shallow muffin tin
• a calm observation station
• finding food in two or three easy locations

My senior dog exercise and enrichment guide includes further low-pressure ideas.

Dogs on Restricted Exercise

Follow your vet’s instructions exactly.

Indoor enrichment may still involve bending, twisting, pawing, repeated standing or slipping.

Do not assume a brain game is physically harmless.

Read my guide to brain games for dogs on restricted exercise before choosing activities for a dog recovering from surgery, injury or illness.

Does Your Dog Need Enrichment or Rest?

A restless dog does not always need another activity.

They may be:

• bored
• excited
• overstimulated
• overtired
• anxious
• too hot
• in pain
• hungry
• thirsty
• in need of the toilet

If your dog has already had a busy walk, training session or exciting day, quiet rest may be more helpful than another puzzle.

Read Is Your Dog Overstimulated, Bored or Overtired? if you are unsure what your dog needs.

Common Homemade Enrichment Mistakes

Making Every Game More Difficult

Your dog does not have to progress through levels.

A flat towel search can remain a flat towel search.

Trying to Exhaust Your Dog

The aim is not to keep your dog working until they collapse.

Suitable enrichment should be balanced with exercise, companionship, routine and rest.

Using Too Much Food

Use part of your dog’s normal allowance where possible.

Enrichment should not quietly cause weight gain.

Ignoring Frustration

Barking, biting, throwing, frantic pawing and giving up may mean the activity is too difficult.

Open the box. Reveal the food. Reduce the search area or stop.

Leaving Homemade Games Unsupervised

Cardboard, paper, cups and towels can become swallowing or choking hazards.

Remove each activity when the session finishes.

Making Dogs Share

Dogs do not need to share food, toys, scent boxes or puzzles.

Use separate rooms or secure barriers where necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Trusted External Enrichment Advice

For further guidance, visit:

• Blue Cross: Enrichment for Dogs
• Blue Cross: Food Toys for Dogs
• Dogs Trust: Enrichment Activities for Dogs
• Dogs Trust: Make a DIY Dig Box
• PDSA: Choosing Safer Chew Toys

Related Dog Enrichment Guides

Continue with:

• The Complete Dog Enrichment Guide
• Dog Enrichment Safety and Frustration
• Ditch the Bowl at Mealtimes
• Creating a Scent Box for Dogs
• The Muffin-Tin Game
• How to Tire a Dog Without a Long Walk
• Brain Games for Dogs on Restricted Exercise
• Senior Dog Exercise and Enrichment
• Best Enrichment Toys for Rescue Dogs
• Help an Excited Dog Settle After a Walk
• Keeping a dog entertained when you are out

Canine Enrichment Visits in Finchley

Sometimes a dog needs calm company and thoughtful activity at home rather than another long or highly stimulating walk.

My canine enrichment visits in Finchley can include suitable scent games, food activities, gentle play, a toilet break, fresh water and quiet company.

They may suit:

• puppies
• senior dogs
• rescue dogs
• nervous dogs
• dogs affected by hot weather
• dogs on temporarily reduced exercise
• dogs that find busy environments overwhelming

Activities are selected for the dog in front of me rather than following the same routine for every dog.

I also provide calm one-to-one dog walks in Finchley, Muswell Hill and nearby areas.

There are no vans, no group collections and no pressure for your dog to match another dog’s pace.

Contact Del with your postcode and a short note about your dog if you would like to discuss suitable local support.

WhatsApp: 07707 763344

Final Thoughts

Dog enrichment does not have to be expensive or complicated.

A towel, an open cardboard box or three pieces of food placed around a quiet room may be enough.

Start simply.

Make success easy.

Supervise household materials.

Watch your dog rather than the clock.

Stop when they have had enough.

Most importantly, remember that enrichment should support your dog’s wellbeing. It should not become another demand they are expected to complete.

Some days your dog may enjoy a cardboard search box.

Other days they may prefer a slow sniff walk, a normal bowl meal and a long sleep.

Both can be the right choice.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general dog-care information and is not a substitute for veterinary or qualified behavioural advice. Speak to your vet about sudden behavioural changes, pain, dietary concerns, swallowing foreign material, restricted exercise or any activity that may affect an existing medical condition.