Encourages Natural Digging & Foraging Instincts – Provides a safe, appropriate outlet for dogs who love to dig.
Provides Sensory Stimulation – Engages multiple senses (touch, smell, and sight) through interactive textures.
Boosts Mental & Physical Engagement – A fun way to burn energy while stimulating the brain.
Prevents Boredom & Destructive Behaviors – Redirects digging from couches, carpets, or gardens to a designated area.
Builds Confidence & Problem-Solving Skills – Success in finding hidden rewards encourages independent thinking and resilience.
A sturdy container or kiddie pool (plastic storage bins, sandboxes, or large cardboard boxes work well)
Filler materials:
- Plastic ball pit balls (for a lightweight challenge)
- Shredded paper, crumpled newspaper, or fabric strips
- Plastic bottles, cardboard boxes, cardboard tubes, cereal boxes
- Soil, sand, or mulch (for outdoor digging boxes)
- Cut up pool noodles, shredded towels or clothing items
Treats, kibble, or favorite toys (for hiding inside the pit)
Optional Add-Ons:
Buried rope toys or chews to encourage interactive play
Scented enrichment (sprinkle a tiny bit of clove or lavender for added curiosity)
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Choose Your Setup
- Pick a safe and appropriate location for the digging box—indoors or outdoors.
- If using soil or sand, ensure it’s free of chemicals, pesticides, or fertilizers.
Fill the Box
- Add your chosen filler materials—ball pit balls, paper, fabric strips, or soil.
- Make sure it’s deep enough for your dog to dig and paw through comfortably.
Hide Treats or Toys
- Scatter small treats, kibble, or favorite toys throughout the box.
- For an extra challenge, bury items deeper so your dog has to work harder to find them!
Encourage Digging & Foraging
- Show your dog how to sniff and paw at the box to uncover hidden treasures.
- Use cues like “find it!” to help them engage with the game.
Reward & Repeat!
- Praise your dog when they find a hidden treat or successfully dig into the box.
- Refresh the pit with new hiding spots to keep it exciting for future play sessions.
Start Easy – If your dog is hesitant, place treats on top before gradually burying them deeper.
Use a Variety of Textures – Mixing soft and firm materials makes the digging experience more enriching.
Make It a Daily Routine – Swap out the hiding spots and treats to keep your dog engaged over time.
Pair with Other Enrichment Games – Combine with a snuffle mat or puzzle feeder for extended fun!
Change up the materials to keep your dog interested and engaged.
Challenge advanced diggers by using harder-to-move fillers like scrunched towels or deeper sand layers.
Show us your dog’s digging adventure! Tag #CanineBrainGames and share their new favorite activity!
DN-CET | MS. PSY
Curated by a certified canine enrichment and behavior professional.