25 ways to use common household products for enrichment activities
As pet parents, we're always looking for new ways to keep our furry friend engaged and happy. Enrichment activities are vital for your dog's mental and physical well-being, but they don't always require expensive toys or equipment. In fact, you can create a variety of fun and stimulating games using common household items. This blog will explore 25 ideas to turn everyday objects into exciting enrichment activities for your dog. From simple DIY toys to interactive games, these activities are sure to provide hours of fun and learning for your canine companion pup. Let's dive in and discover how to make the most of what you already have at home for your dog's enjoyment and enrichment!
- Towel Roll: Hide treats inside a rolled-up towel for your dog to unroll.
- Muffin Tin Game: Hide treats in some of the holes of a muffin tin and cover all holes with tennis balls.
- Bottle Spin: Put treats in an empty plastic bottle set between two chairs, so it spins and dispenses treats.
- Box Puzzle: Hide a treat inside a box and let your dog figure out how to open it.
- Bubble Chase: Blow soap bubbles and let your dog try to catch them.
- Cardboard Maze: Create a maze using cardboard boxes for your dog to navigate.
- Treat Hunt: Hide treats around the house for a scavenger hunt.
- Sock Ball: Put a treat inside a sock, roll it into a ball, and let your dog try to get it out.
- Pillow Fort: Build a fort or obstacle course using pillows and blankets.
- Frozen Towel Chew: Wet a towel, twist it, and freeze it for a soothing chew toy.
- Tug-of-War: Use an old towel or t-shirt to play tug-of-war.
- Interactive Feeding: Use a plastic bottle with holes cut in it as a DIY slow feeder.
- Paper Bag Surprise: Hide treats in a paper bag and let your dog rip it open.
- Laundry Basket Fun: Turn a laundry basket upside down and hide treats underneath.
- Staircase Game: Place treats on various steps and encourage your dog to find them.
- Tennis Ball Puzzle: Cut slits in tennis balls and hide treats inside.
- Old Blanket Sniffle Mat: Use an old blanket as a sniffle mat by hiding treats within the folds.
- Water Bottle Crunch: Remove the label and cap from a plastic bottle for a crunchy chew toy.
- Hide-and-Seek: Play hide-and-seek with your dog inside your home.
- Balancing Act: Teach your dog to balance a treat on their nose.
- DIY Agility Course: Use chairs, broomsticks, and blankets to create an agility course.
- Mirror Games: Let your dog explore and react to their reflection in a mirror.
- Sensory Box: Fill a large box with various safe objects for your dog to explore.
- Command Training: Use household routines as opportunities to reinforce basic commands.
- Fleece DIY Toy: Braid strips of fleece into a homemade chew toy.