Food enrichment (foraging + Puzzles)

• Muffin tin
• Balls, toys, plastic cups, containers, or crumpled paper
• Tasty treats

Place a few treats in the cups of a muffin tin, then cover them with tennis balls, small toys, or crumpled paper.

Your dog’s challenge is to figure out how to remove the objects to reach the hidden rewards. It’s simple to set up, but for your dog, it’s a brain-teasing adventure!

• Your dog’s kibble or favorite treats.
• A suitable surface for scattering: indoors on a floor, mat, or blanket; outdoors on grass, a lawn, or at a quiet park.
• Optional: A creative touch to adapt the activity to your dog’s environment or preferences.

1. Spread your dog’s kibble or treats across a surface—like the ground, a blanket, or grassy area. 

Scatter feeding is a simple, effective way to make mealtime the highlight of your dog’s day while supporting their physical and emotional well-being.

 A clean towel (medium or large size)
 Your dog’s favorite treats or kibble
 Optional: A second towel or fabric strips (to increase difficulty)

 Set Up the Towel
Lay a clean towel flat on the floor.
 Place the Treats
Sprinkle small treats or kibble along the towel’s surface.
 Roll It Like a Taco!
Gently roll up the towel with the treats inside. Make a soft, loose roll so your dog can unroll it with their nose or paws.
 Increase the Challenge (For Advanced Dogs)
Try folding the towel in different ways. This makes the treats harder to access. You can also try twisting the towel to add complexity. Layer in a second towel or tuck the ends in to add an extra puzzle element!
 Let Your Dog Sniff & Search!
Place the towel on the floor and encourage your dog to “find it!”
Watch as they use their nose, paws, and problem-solving skills to uncover the hidden goodies!

 Start Easy – If your dog is new to this, begin with a simple roll before increasing difficulty.
 Supervise Play – Ensure your pup doesn’t chew or eat the towel.
 Use High-Value Rewards – Strong-scented treats will keep your dog engaged and motivated.
 Customize the Challenge – Adjust how tightly you roll the towel or add fabric layers for variety.

Final Touch: Make It Even More Fun!

Try different folding patterns to vary the challenge each time.
Incorporate scent work by adding a drop of dog-safe lavender or hiding a favorite toy inside.

• 1 empty cardboard tube (paper towel or toilet paper roll)
• 1 small towel or cloth napkin
• A handful of dry treats or kibble

1. Sprinkle treats throughout the towel.
2. Roll or fold the towel into a loose bundle.
3. Stuff the towel into the cardboard tube, leaving part of it sticking out.
4. Place on the floor and let your dog sniff, tug, and figure out how to get the goodies!

For beginners, leave the towel sticking out more and use high-value treats. For advanced dogs, push the towel deeper into the tube and use smaller kibble to increase the challenge.

• 1 lick mat (or substitute a silicone baking mat or plastic container lid with texture)
• Soft, spreadable food (see ideas below)
• Optional: freezer for longer-lasting fun

1. Choose your base: Pick a soft food your dog loves—plain yogurt, peanut butter (xylitol-free), pumpkin puree, mashed banana, or wet dog food.
2. Spread it on: Smooth a thin layer of the food across the lick mat, pressing into the grooves so it takes effort to get out.
3. Optional – Add toppings: Sprinkle a few extras like crushed treats, blueberries, or kibble for added interest.
4. Serve or freeze: You can offer it right away or freeze it for 1–2 hours to make it last longer and increase the challenge.
5. Let the licking begin: Give your dog the mat in a quiet, comfy spot and let them work at their own pace.

• Use during stressful events like thunderstorms, fireworks, or guests visiting.
• Incorporate into daily routines to help your dog wind down after stimulation.
• Use multiple mats and rotate “recipes” to keep it fresh and exciting.
• For dogs with food sensitivities, try bone broth or a prescription-safe spread.

Safety Note: Always supervise the first few sessions to make sure your dog doesn’t chew the mat. Remove once finished to avoid the habit forming.

• 1 ripe banana
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• A handful of blueberries
• Optional: sprinkle of kibble, tasty chews or a swirl of unsweetened peanut butter
• Blender

Frozen Banana-Berry Lick-Ums Recipe:

• 1 ripe banana
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• A handful of blueberries
• Optional: sprinkle of kibble, tasty chews or a swirl of unsweetened peanut butter

Blend it all up and pour into:

• A lick mat
• Silicone molds
• Ice cube trays
• A Kong or Topple

Freeze for 3–4 hours (or overnight), then serve for a slow, satisfying sensory experience.

Tip: Freeze several at once so you always have one ready in a pinch!

Add in the frozen texture and a bit of problem-solving? You’ve got a game that cools, calms, and tires them out—all without leaving your backyard.

You’ll Need:

• • 1 head of cabbage (green or red)
  • A few pieces of your dog’s favorite high-value treats or kibble
  • A towel or mat to contain the mess (optional)

1. Prep the cabbage: Cut the head in half. Peel away a few outer leaves to loosen things up, but keep the core intact so it stays somewhat together.
2. Hide the goodies: Tuck small pieces of treats or kibble between the layers of cabbage leaves. You can use peanut butter, plain yogurt, or wet food to make it extra enticing—just smear a bit between layers.
3. Place the cabbage down on a mat, towel, or in a designated enrichment area.
4. Let your dog explore! Encourage them to sniff, paw, shred, and enjoy. Supervise to make sure they’re chewing and not swallowing large chunks.

• For puppies or beginners, start with a loose cabbage leaf and a visible treat to build confidence.
• For power shredders, try freezing the cabbage with treats inside to increase the challenge.
• Got a sensitive tummy? Stick with plain kibble and avoid dairy or peanut butter.
• Heads of lettuce are another option.

Safety Note: Always supervise this activity. Remove any pieces that may pose a choking hazard. This is especially important for gulpers or fast eaters.

 Canvas or thick paper (small to medium size works best)
 Non-toxic, pet-safe paint (avoid toxic paints)
 Large zip-lock bag (big enough to fit the canvas)
 Xylitol-free peanut butter or dog-safe spread
 Treats (for encouragement)
 Paintbrush (optional) (for dogs who enjoy using their paws or nose in new ways)
 Towel or easy-to-clean surface (to keep things tidy)

1. Prepare Your Space

   • Lay down a towel or work in an area that’s easy to clean.
   • Keep treats handy to reward engagement and curiosity.

    Set Up the Canvas

   • Place small drops of the non-toxic paint onto the canvas.
   • Mix colors for a unique effect, or use a single color for a cleaner design.

    Seal the Canvas

   • Carefully place the canvas inside the zip-lock bag and seal it tightly to prevent leaks or messes.

    Let Your Dog Do the Work!

   • Encourage your dog to step, nudge, or roll on the bag to spread the paint.
   • Place peanut butter or treats on top of the bag to motivate paw movements.
   • If using the optional paintbrush, let your dog hold it or use their nose or paw to push it around.

    Reveal the Artwork

   • Once the paint is evenly spread, carefully remove the canvas from the bag and let it dry completely.

    Show Off Your Pup’s Masterpiece!

Display your dog’s artwork at home or share it with the Canine Brain Games community! 

Try using different scents (like a drop of lavender water) to add another sensory element.
Turn it into a themed art project by using seasonal colors or making multiple canvases.