8 Boredom-Busters for Healthy, Happy Hounds

Enrichment is an important aspect of raising a happy, balanced dog, and should form a part of their daily routine. Dogs love to play, think and solve problems! Here are some really easy DIY dog enrichment toys and games that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

Knotted Towel Treat Game

This is a great way to stimulate your hound’s foraging instincts. Place some treats in an old towel, roll it up diagonally and tie it in a knot. Your pup will have loads of fun trying to figure out how to get to the goods!

Muffin Tin Dog Puzzle

All you need for this enrichment toy is a muffin tin, some tennis balls and your dog’s favourite treats. Pop a few treats in each of the muffin tray’s compartments, then place a tennis ball over each one. A great way to exercise problem solving skills!

Stuffed Tennis Ball

This one will keep your pup busy for ages! Cut a slit in a tennis ball and fill it up with kibble or treats. See how long it takes Fido to figure it out!

Frozen Peanut Butter Kong

A great option for dogs with separation anxiety, licking and chewing relieve anxiety and engage some basic drives which will leave your dog feeling calmer.

Stuff a Kong toy with peanut butter and freeze it overnight. The tasty result will keep your pup busy for ages.

Snuffle Box

Sprinkle some treats at the bottom of a cardboard box, then fill the box with balled up newspaper. The snuffle is on!

DIY Lick Mat

Lick mats are a great stress reliever for pooches, but they can be pricey. Don’t bother splurging – you can make an effective lick mat with a simple cutting board or an ice tray!

Spread peanut butter over a plastic cutting board on in a standard ice tray, freeze it over night, and voila!

Scatter Feed

Pups love to use their snoots, and scent games are a really good form of enrichment. Chuck a handful of treats or kibble up in the air and let them enjoy sniffing the tasty morsels out. To add difficulty, play this on the lawn!

Bone Broth Ice Cubes

Great for summer. Freeze some bone broth in an ice tray and treat your pup to a refreshing ice block in the hotter summer months. Bonus: ice cubes slip and slide, which are fun to chase.

Here is a great recipe for Bone Broth and Frozen Yoghurt Pupsicles from dalmationdiy.com.