4 DIY Dog Treat Puzzles to Relieve Boredom

BY JESS WEISCHEDEL

Whena dog needs an outlet for their energy, it’s important for its owner to supply activities that stimulate their mind and supply playful exercise. Treat puzzles are a wonderful way to interact and play with your dog, as well as reinforce training commands and develop various skills. Here are some ideas to promote a healthy, active pup:

Homemade Snuffle Mat

Materials needed: Rubber sink mat or sturdy piece of cardboard, fabric from old baby blankets, towels, or clothing, scissors, and any other item for sensory or visual appeal.

If using a piece of cardboard, use the scissors to poke holes in it, creating a pattern that you will be able to weave fabric through. Cut fabric into strips about one inch wide and six inches long. Weave a fabric strip through two holes in your mat, then tie the ends of the strip into a knot to secure it in place. Continue this with the rest of your fabric strips, until the entire mat is covered with the loose ends of your fabric strips. Trim any excess fabric, if necessary. Upgrade your mat by adding a crinkle toy or baby washcloth with a cute plush accessory to the fabric strips. Sprinkle kibble and some treats throughout the fabric on the mat and show the new activity to your pup. Watch as they use their nose to find the hidden goodies!

Muffin Tin Seek & Find

Materials needed: Muffin tin, tennis balls, and dog treats.

Place several small treats in the muffin compartments, then cover each one with a tennis ball. Guide your dog through the process by nudging the balls and showing that there are treats to search for underneath. Let them sniff out the treats and feel the puppy love!

Paper Plate Puzzles

Materials needed: Paper plates, scissors, and dog treats.

Fold one paper plate in half, creating a semi-circle. Fold the semicircle in half one more time. Unfold the plate to show the four sections. With scissors, cut along the crease lines from the edge of the plate, stopping 1-2 inches away from the center. Repeat these steps with more paper plates to create as many puzzles as you’d like for your dog. In the center of the plates that have already been cut, place a dog treat. Cover the treat by folding the plates back along the creases and creating a pocket. Give the paper puzzles to your dog and enjoy watching them use their nose, paws, and mouth to discover the hidden treats by unfolding the plates.

Towel Knot Roll Up

Materials needed: A towel and dog treats or kibble. Lay a towel flat, then place some treats in a row about an inch in from one of the longer edges. Fold the edge over the treats and repeat the step of placing treats down along the edge. Keep rolling the towel over the treats until you have layers of treats in a rolled-up towel. Taking the ends of the towel, fold it into a knot. This will make it more of a challenge for your pup to find the treats. Hand the towel to your dog and let them use all their senses to find the rolled-up treats.

For any of the examples above, remember to prioritize your dog’s safety by ensuring the treats are safe and supervising them during playtime. Remove any small pieces that may come loose while your dog is solving a treat puzzle to prevent them from ingesting any foreign materials. Don’t forget to always encourage their problem-solving skills while also having fun with your four-legged friend!