Bye-Bye, Boredom: 5 Easy DIY Enrichment Games to Keep Your Pet Sharp & Happy

Does your dog stare at the wall? Does your cat get the "zoomies" at 3 AM? Do you come home to mysteriously chewed-up shoes? These aren't signs of a "bad" pet; they're the classic signs of a bored pet.

In our busy human world, it's easy to forget that our pets need more than just food and a comfy bed. They need mental stimulation. That's where "enrichment" comes in—it's a fancy word for activities that challenge your pet's brain and allow them to use their natural instincts like sniffing, foraging, and problem-solving.

And the best part? You don't need to spend a fortune on high-tech toys. You can turn your home into an engaging wonderland with items you already have. Here are 5 easy DIY games to get you started.

A Quick Note on Safety

Before we play, let's be safe.

• Always supervise your pet with any new toy or game.

• Know your pet. If your dog is a heavy chewer who ingests everything, avoid games with cardboard or paper.

• Keep it fun! If your pet gets frustrated, make the game easier or stop and try again another day.

1. The Muffin Tin Mystery

This is a classic for a reason! It’s a perfect beginner puzzle for dogs that encourages them to use their nose and paws to solve a problem.

• What You'll Need: A standard muffin tin and some tennis balls (or other toys that are too large to be swallowed).

• How to Play:

  1. Place a few tasty, smelly treats in some of the muffin cups.

  2. Cover all the cups with tennis balls or toys.

  3. Place it on the floor and let your dog get to work, sniffing and figuring out how to remove the balls to get their reward.

• Best For: Dogs of all sizes.

2. The Snuffle Box

This game mimics your pet's natural desire to forage and hunt for food, turning their mealtime into an exciting scavenger hunt.

• What You'll Need: A cardboard box (low sides are best to start) and pet-safe filler like balled-up craft paper, old t-shirts, or even empty toilet paper rolls.

• How to Play:

  1. Fill the box with your chosen filler material.

  2. Sprinkle your pet's kibble or some dry treats throughout the box, making sure it gets mixed in.

  3. Let your pet sniff, dig, and forage their way to a rewarding meal.

• Best For: Dogs and adventurous cats.

3. The Magic Towel Burrito

This is the simplest puzzle of all, but it provides a surprising amount of mental work for your dog.

• What You'll Need: An old towel or blanket.

• How to Play:

  1. Lay the towel flat on the floor.

  2. Sprinkle a few treats across the surface.

  3. Loosely roll the towel up into a "burrito."

  4. Encourage your dog to use their nose and paws to unroll it to find the hidden treasures inside. As they get better, you can roll it tighter.

• Best For: Dogs.

4. The Treat Rattle

A perfect way to upcycle and a fantastic toy for cats and small dogs who love to bat things around.

• What You'll Need: An empty cardboard toilet paper or paper towel roll.

• How to Play:

  1. Put a few small treats or some kibble inside the roll.

  2. Fold or pinch the ends of the roll to close them off.

  3. Toss it to your pet and watch them pounce, push, and tear it apart to get the goodies.

• Best For: Cats and small/medium dogs (who are not heavy chewers).

5. The "Find It!" Game

This game costs nothing and uses your dog's most powerful tool: their nose! It builds focus and is a great bonding activity.

• What You'll Need: A smelly treat your dog loves.

• How to Play:

  1. Start easy: Have your dog "sit" and "stay." Show them the treat, then place it on the floor a few feet away in plain sight. Release them with an excited "Find it!" and praise them when they get it.

  2. Increase the difficulty: Once they understand the game, have them stay while you "hide" the treat in a more difficult spot—behind a table leg, under the edge of a rug, etc.

• Best For: Dogs.

Conclusion

Enrichment is one of the greatest gifts you can give your pet. It relieves boredom, builds confidence, and strengthens your bond through play. So grab that old towel or muffin tin and give one of these a try. Your pet will thank you for it!