8 Easy DIY Enrichment Games For Your Doodle Dog

Hey there, Doodle Owners! Elina here. Walking out the door to find your favorite shoes completely destroyed? Even if you're walking your dog 3 times a day, destructive behaviors like this usually happen because your pup is bored and craving more interactive playtime between daily walks.

The secret? Providing your Doodle with enrichment games to keep them entertained and mentally stimulated throughout the day.

By the end of this article, you'll have 8 easy DIY dog enrichment game ideas you can create in just minutes, using items you already have lying around the house.

I used to think daily walks were enough. The thing is, Doodles are so incredibly smart and they need mental stimulation just as much as physical exercise. When a Doodle gets bored, they start finding their own (often destructive!) ways to stay busy and problem-solve.

The good news is that natural dog behaviors like chewing, digging, and sniffing can be redirected into something positive through simple enrichment games. Providing interactive toys and mental challenges throughout the day activates your dog's brain, reduces anxiety, and helps prevent destructive behaviors.

After three years of experimenting (and lot's of research), I've discovered that Doodles thrive best when given three specific types of stimulation:

Brain-Boosting Toys

These challenge your dog's problem-solving skills and keep their Doodle brains entertained.

Physical Outlet Toys

Even with regular walks, Doodles still have tons of energy. These toys encourage extra movement and help burn off energy between walks.

Sensory Exploration Toys

Doodles are naturally curious. Sensory toys engage their senses, satisfying their need to explore new textures, sounds, and smells.

This game is great for when your Doodle is feeling restless and has the zoomies. Interactive feeding mats encourage dogs to use their sense of smell to find treats which stimulates their brain.

You'll need:

• Old bath mat with rubber backing
• Fleece strips (old blankets work)
• Scissors

How to make it: 

1. Cut fleece into 6-inch strips. 
2. Tie strips through the holes in the mat, creating a shaggy surface. 
3. Scatter your dog's kibble throughout the "shag."
4. This makes a challenging foraging activity that satisfies your Doodle's natural searching instincts.

Layering treats inside a Kong and freezing it not only makes it last longer but also provides a soothing relief for teething puppies.

You'll need:

• Kong toy
• Peanut butter (xylitol-free)
• Banana
• Plain yogurt
• Freezer

How to make it:

1. Layer ingredients inside the Kong, starting with peanut butter, then banana chunks, then yogurt.
2. Freeze overnight.
3. The different flavor, texture layers and the challenge of getting to the deeper layers provides real mental stimulation.

Great for when it's too hot to go on long walks! Can also substitute the chicken broth for water if you don't want chicken broth on your floors lol.

You'll need:

• Ice cube tray
• Dog-friendly chicken broth (or regular water)
• Small treats

How to make it: 

1. Fill an ice cube tray halfway with broth.
2. Add a small treat to each section.
3. Freeze until solid.
4. Introduce to your doodle.
5. The sliding ice cubes create a chase game on hard floors.

Ah, the soothing sound of the crinkle noise. JUST KIDDING. I know this sound isn't pleasant for our human ears, but Doodles are fascinated by the crinkle noise.

Caution: Since you are using a plastic bottle, please supervise to make sure your Dood is not ingesting anything

A great game for summer days! Just follow the instructions below and set the bowl outside so that any spilled water can end up watering your grass.

You'll need:

• A small bowl
• A bigger bowl
• peanut butter (xylitol-free)
• Bananas (optional)

How to make it:

1. Grab your doodle's bowl or another bowl that won't break.
2. Spread peanut butter around it and add some cut bananas to make it more nutritional.
3. Freeze the bowl for 30 mins.
4. Put the frozen bowl inside another bigger bowl filled with water.
5. Your doodle should start trying to lick it while the bowl sways in the water.

Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise for keeping your Doodle happy and healthy. Luckily, the easiest way to give your pup's brain a workout is through homemade enrichment games using simple items already lying around your house

And if you're looking for even more ways to give your Doodle the best life possible, check out my article How to Understand Your Doodle's Body Language. It'll help you recognize your Doodle's emotions and understand what they're trying to tell you!