At Northern Biscuit, we believe a mentally stimulated dog is a happy dog. While daily walks and playtime are essential, mental enrichment is just as important for your pup’s overall wellbeing. The good news? You don’t need fancy toys or expensive puzzles to keep your dog’s brain busy. With a few simple household items and some high-quality, wholesome treats, you can create fun DIY games your dog will love.
Here are some easy, engaging DIY dog treat games that challenge your pup’s mind and reward them with tasty motivation.
Why Mental Stimulation Matters for Dogs
Mental stimulation helps:
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Reduce boredom and destructive behaviours
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Build confidence and problem-solving skills
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Strengthen the bond between you and your dog
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Burn energy, especially helpful for high-energy breeds
Just 10-15 minutes of brain work can be as tiring as a long walk!
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Cardboard Box Treasure Hunt
What you need:
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A cardboard box
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Crumpled paper or recycled packing paper
How to play:
Fill the box with crumpled paper and hide treats inside. Encourage your dog to dig, sniff, and explore to uncover the goodies.
Why dogs love it:
Digging and foraging tap into natural instincts keeping dogs mentally simulated.
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Find the Treat Game
What you need:
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A few cups or containers
How to play:
Have your dog sit and stay. Hide treats under one of the cups while your dog watches (or not, for a harder version). Release them to sniff out the correct one.
Great for:
Building focus, patience, and scent discrimination.
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Muffin Tin Puzzle
What you need:
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A muffin tin
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Tennis balls or small dog-safe balls
How to play: Place treats in a few of the muffin tin cups and cover each cup with a tennis ball. Your dog has to sniff, nudge, and lift the balls to find the treats underneath.
Why it works: This game encourages problem-solving and uses your dog’s natural scenting abilities.
A Happier, Healthier Pup
DIY dog treat games are a simple way to enrich your dog’s daily routine, strengthen your bond, and turn treat time into brain time. With a little creativity and a handful of Northern Biscuit treats, you can keep your pup engaged, challenged, and happy, right at home.
Because at Northern Biscuit, we believe every good dog deserves great treats and a stimulated mind.