3 Dog Enrichment Activities Using Toilet Paper Rolls
If you’ve been following me for quite some time, you know I LOVE dog enrichment activities! If you’re new here and are looking for some fun boredom busters for dogs, I’ve got you covered! I love using both store bought dog enrichment toys DIY puzzle toys for dogs that I’ve made myself!
If I’ve learned anything in the last few years, it’s that you don’t have to spend a ton of money to make really fun dog enrichment games and activities for your dog! In this post I’m sharing how you can make three really fun dog enrichment games (that also double as scenting games for dogs!) with a household item everyone has, toilet paper rolls!
1. Busy Box Dog Toy
The first DIY dog enrichment activity, and one of Diesel’s personal favorites, is a DIY Busy box dog toy! Now, I have actually written a post about how to create your own DIY busy box dog toy that includes many ways that you can level up your busy box dog toy to create tons of dog enrichment. If you want to check out that post, you can find it here:
If you want to make something within 30 seconds, this dog enrichment idea is for you! All you need is a medium/large size box (get a box that’s bigger than your dog that they can reach in) and as many toilet paper rolls as you can! I usually save leftover Chewy delivery boxes since our dog food bag is so big, ha! P.S. You can also cut up paper towel rolls to make 2-3 more toilet paper rolls!
Step 1: Grab your box & fill it with as many toilet paper rolls (and/or cut up paper towel rolls) as possible.
Step 2: Grab your dog’s food (or treats) and fill the box. Really shake it up too!
Step 3: Give to your dog and watch them enjoy!
This DIY busy box dog toy is one of my favorite dog enrichment activities because it also doubles as a scenting game for dogs and slow feeder bowl for dogs while providing tons of mental stimulation for your dog! I like to do busy box dog toys 2-3 times a week for my dog’s dinner and Annie and Diesel get so excited! So, next time you’re about to switch out that toilet paper roll, save the old one for your dog!
2. Snake Towel Dog Enrichment Game
The second DIY dog enrichment game is the snake towel DIY puzzle toy for dogs. This DIY dog enrichment idea was also featured in my most visited dog enrichment ideas post of all time: 3 DIY Dog Enrichment Ideas To Combat Dog Cabin Fever. Definitely check that post after this one for even more dog enrichment ideas!
For this DIY puzzle toy for dogs, you’ll need 3-5 toilet paper rolls, a kitchen towel (one that you don’t mind possibly getting ripped, ha!) and some food or treats.
Step 1: Start by sliding one of your toilet paper rolls all the way to end until just a little of the towel is hanging out.
Step 2: Repeat step 1 with the remainder of your toilet paper rolls until your towel is completely covered.
Step 3: Insert treats into the towel and toilet paper rolls.
Step 4: Once filled, give to your pup and watch them solve!
For this DIY dog enrichment game, don’t be surprised if your dog tries to rip apart the towel in the process of finding the hidden treats/food. I’ve had both Annie and Diesel do this once before, which is why I only use old towels that I don’t mind getting destroyed.
3. Toilet Paper Roll Scenting Game For Dogs
Since both of my dogs have great noses, I’ve started incorporating more nose work games for my dogs throughout the week as an added dog enrichment idea and they’ve been loving it! I actually have a post with 3 Easy Scenting Games For Dogs that you can make in minutes! I highly recommend checking that post out after this if you’re excited about trying some fun nose work games for dogs!
For this toilet paper roll scenting game for dogs, all you need is as many toilet paper rolls as you want and your dog’s food or treats!
Step 1: Gather as many toilet paper rolls as you want and spread them out all over a room, standing up.
Step 2: Drop 1 treat or 1-2 pieces of food in each standing up toilet paper roll.
Step 3: Let your dog into the room and watch them solve!
Pro Tip: If you want to take this up a notch, you can use some high value dog treats (like a single ingredient fish treat for example) and put those in as the treat and spread the toilet paper rolls around a wider area. This will create the ultimate nose work scavenger hunt game for your dog!
Isn’t it so easy to make DIY dog enrichment ideas with items you already have in your own home? My inner crafting side loves to whip up some fun DIY puzzle games for my dogs whenever I can and I love being able to see my dogs enjoy something so much that cost me so little.
If you loved these DIY dog enrichment activities with toilet paper rolls and are a huge fan of canine enrichment, check out some of my favorite posts featuring some fun scenting games for dogs, Lickimat recipes and KONG filling ideas, and more boredom busters for dogs:
- 3 Easy Scenting Games For Dogs
- 3 Easy Dog Lick Mat Ideas (Includes 2 single ingredient ideas!!!)
- 3 DIY Dog Enrichment Ideas To Combat Dog Cabin Fever
- 3 DIY Puzzle Toys For Dogs
- 3 Ingredient Yogurt Dog Treat Recipe With Lickimat Soother
- 3 Snuffle Toys For Dogs
- DIY Snuffle Mat Ball: JW HOLEE Roller Ball Dog Toy Idea
Plus, don’t forget to check out some of my most recent posts below & subscribe to my newsletter to get more DIY dog enrichment ideas delivered straight to your inbox:
Photography: Kate Kelley Collection