When the back-to-school season rolls around, it’s not just kids adjusting to new routines. Our dogs notice the change, too. Suddenly, the house is quieter during the day or in the evenings when the family is at sports practices, band concerts, and other school events. While your pup may enjoy a good nap, long stretches of alone time can lead to boredom – boredom that can turn into chewed shoes, shredded pillows, or anxiety-driven behaviors.

The good news? Mental stimulation can help! Just like kids need engaging activities, dogs thrive when given something fun and challenging to do. Puzzle toys keep their minds busy, work off extra energy, and provide a healthy outlet for curiosity. And the best part is you can easily make a few DIY puzzles right at home!

Benefits of Problem-Solving and Foraging Puzzles

Mental stimulation: DIY puzzles challenge your dog’s brain. Concentration, problem-solving, and memory skills all come into play, keeping your pup sharp and focused.
Physical exercise: Many puzzles require pushing, pawing, or rolling, creating a mini workout while your dog “hunts” for rewards.
Stress relief: Having an appropriate outlet for energy helps reduce stress and prevents unwanted behaviors like digging or chewing.
Bonding time: Working on puzzles together strengthens your connection and makes for fun, interactive play.
Natural behaviors: Dogs love to sniff, shred, dig, and explore. These activities let them be dogs in a safe and appropriate way!

DIY Puzzle Ideas

1. Frozen Kong Treat

Take a Kong or other durable hollow toy and fill it with peanut butter, yogurt, canned pumpkin, or low-sodium broth. For an added challenge, layer in kibble or small treats, then pop it in the freezer. A frozen Kong keeps dogs busy longer, giving them a tasty, cooling project that works both their jaws and their brains.

2. Bottle Spinner

Thread two or three empty plastic bottles onto a sturdy dowel or broomstick. Secure the stick horizontally between two stable surfaces (like chairs). Drop a few treats or pieces of kibble into the bottles. Your dog will have to paw and nudge the bottles to spin them, making the treats fall out. This game is great for gentle or persistent problem-solvers who enjoy figuring out moving parts.

3. DIY Snuffle Mat

Take a rubber mat with holes (like a sink mat) and tie strips of fleece fabric through each hole until the surface is fluffy. Sprinkle kibble or small treats into the folds and let your pup sniff them out. Sniffing is a natural stress reliever, and snuffle mats encourage foraging—the canine version of solving a puzzle with their nose!

4. Muffin Tin Treat Game

Place treats or kibble in the cups of a muffin tin. Cover each cup with a tennis ball, toy, or balled-up paper. Your dog must move the objects to find the snacks underneath. It’s simple, inexpensive, and easy to change up every day to keep things exciting.

5. Towel Roll-Up

Lay a towel flat and sprinkle kibble or treats along its length. Roll or fold the towel into a tight bundle. Your pup will need to nudge, paw, and unroll the towel to uncover the hidden treasures. Make it harder by folding the towel more tightly or tucking the ends under.

Keep Your Dog Happy, Healthy, and Busy

DIY puzzles are a fantastic way to keep your pup entertained, but nothing beats a mid-day walk or extra playtime to break up those long hours home alone. At 417 Pet Sitting, we’re here to make sure your dog gets the exercise, attention, and snuggles they need—whether you’re at work, busy with after-school events, or cheering from the sidelines at Friday night football.

Give us a call today to schedule your free Meet & Greet, and let’s keep those tails wagging all season long!