With the cost of living on everyone’s mind, many of us are looking for ways to save money—pet owners included.
The good news is, keeping your dog mentally stimulated doesn’t have to mean splashing out on expensive gadgets or endless new toys. In fact, some of the best enrichment ideas are free, easy, and can be done with things you already have at home.
Why Mental Enrichment Matters (and What the Science Says)
Dogs need more than walks and cuddles—they need things to think about and new experiences, too. Without mental stimulation, dogs are more likely to develop unwanted behaviours like chewing, barking, or even anxiety.
Recent research (2024, University of Lincoln) has shown that regular enrichment activities—especially scent games and puzzle-solving—can reduce stress, improve behaviour, and even lower the risk of separation anxiety.
And it doesn’t have to be complicated: the study found that even basic DIY games and rotating toys had a positive impact on dogs’ wellbeing.
Simple, Affordable Enrichment Ideas
You don’t need to spend much (or anything at all) to keep your dog’s mind busy. Here are some ideas I use with Mango, my cocker spaniel, who’s always up for a challenge:
1. Rotate Toys Instead of Buying New
It’s tempting to treat our dogs, but new toys aren’t always necessary. Try keeping a stash of toys out of sight and swapping them every few days.
Mango gets just as excited about an old toy he hasn’t seen for a week as he does about anything new. If you want to make it more interesting, hide the toys in different places or combine them with scent games.
2. DIY Games from Everyday Items
- Treasure Hunt Tin: I have a small tin with a couple of cloves in the bottom, and a small, fluffy toy (a sock works just as well) The toy absorbs the smell of the cloves so that it's distinctive. I hide the toy in the house or garden, and let Mango sniff it out. It’s simple, but he loves it—and it tires him out.
- “Find It” Games: Scatter a handful of kibble or treats around a room or garden and let your dog sniff them out.
- Muffin Tin Puzzle: Place treats in a muffin tin and cover some with tennis balls or scrunched up paper.
- Cardboard Box Fun: Hide treats or toys in a cardboard box with holes poked in it—let your dog work out how to get them.
3. Lickimats and Food-Based Enrichment
Mango is a big fan of his lickimat, especially on rainy days. Smear with a bit of yoghurt, peanut butter (xylitol-free), or even his regular dinner. If you have a puzzle plate or go-slow bowl, these can also make mealtimes last longer and give your dog’s brain a workout.
Top Tip - if your dog is a little tricky to groom, try giving him a lickimat when you do it, it can really help!
4. Sensory and Outdoor Enrichment
- Sniff Walks: Let your dog lead and sniff at their own pace—don't have an agenda of where you're going, just let your dog pick the route (obviously only if safe), and go at his pace. If he wants to spend a few minutes sniffing the corner of a wall, let him. I always say Mango is "checking his Peemail" when he's doing this!
- New Environments: A change of scenery, even just rearranging the garden, can provide new smells and experiences.
5. Calming Enrichment and ACE Free Work
Not all enrichment needs to be high energy. Some of the most beneficial activities are gentle and dog-led.
- ACE Free Work: This approach, developed by Sarah Fisher, uses different textures, objects, and scents for your dog to explore at their own pace. We spend so much time telling our dogs what they can and can't do, and Free Work gives them a chance to just safely explore something enjoyable at their own pace, without being told how to do it. You don’t need anything fancy—towels, mats, boxes, and a few treats are enough.
- Set up an area either in a room or in your garden, with 3 or 4 different "stations". These might include:
- Snufflemat which you can hide treats in and even things like a pinch of dog-safe herbs for different scents.
- Lickimat (or a textured surface, eg the bottom of a plastic container if it has writing imprinted, or even an upturned icecube tray if it's not too deep). Try raising it slightly on a low stool so that your dog doesn't have to bend so far to get to it. Try and make sure that the mat isn't going to slide around, you might need a towel under it to help keep it in place.
- A box with some of your dog's favourite toys in and maybe some treats hidden in there.
- One or two different surfaces - car mats, door mats, even just a towel, so that it feels different underfoot.
- Always have at least one bowl of water as part of the set up in case your dog gets thirsty.
- Let your dog choose what to investigate, and resist the urge to direct them too much—just observe and see what they enjoy.
How to Spot and Prevent Frustration
Enrichment should always be fun and confidence-building, not stressful. Dogs new to these activities might get stuck or unsure, so it’s important to watch for signs of frustration, such as:
- Pawing at the object or puzzle repeatedly without success
- Whining, barking, or looking at you for help
- Walking away and losing interest
- Excessive licking or chewing at the enrichment item
If you spot any of these, it’s a sign that the challenge might be too tough. Here’s how to help:
- Start Easy: For dogs new to enrichment, make activities very simple at first—scatter treats in plain sight, use shallow containers, or place treats loosely in a snufflemat.
- Demonstrate or Help: Show your dog how to get started, or help them “win” a treat early on to boost their confidence.
- Short Sessions: Keep sessions brief and upbeat, ending before your dog gets bored or frustrated.
- Celebrate Success: Praise your dog for investigating and trying, even if they don’t “solve” the puzzle straight away.
As your dog gets the hang of things, you can slowly increase the difficulty—hide treats deeper, use more objects, or add height and texture variety.
Tips for Success
- Adapt activities for your dog’s age, breed, and health.
- If you have kids, get them involved in hiding treats or making DIY puzzles.
- Remember, the goal is enjoyment and confidence, not perfection.
In Summary
Mental enrichment is one of the best things you can do for your dog’s happiness and behaviour—and it doesn’t need to cost a penny. A little creativity goes a long way. Mango and I are always trying new ideas, and I’d love to hear yours—if you’ve got a favourite enrichment activity (especially if it’s budget-friendly), share it in the comments or tag Chow Bella on social media.
