#IDEA 55. Gather a few cardboard boxes and create a simple maze or fort for your dog. Cut out entrances and exits in different spots, and make the pathways narrow enough that your dog has to squeeze through. You can place treats or toys inside to encourage exploration. This maze will stimulate your dog's mind and keep them entertained as they navigate through it.

#IDEA 58. Take a muffin tin and place small treats or kibble in some of the cups. Cover each cup with a tennis ball or other small toy. Your dog will have to figure out how to remove the balls or toys to access the treats underneath. This game encourages and can be adjusted in difficulty by using different types of covers or placing the tin in different locations.

#IDEA 61. Cut pieces of felt into small squares or shapes, and place a few of your dog’s favourite treats or kibble inside each piece. Fold or roll the felt pieces so that the treats are hidden inside. Scatter these around the room for your dog to find. This will encourage your dog to use their nose and skills to discover the hidden treats.

#IDEA 56. Find an old fleece blanket or towel and cut it into strips about 1-2 inches wide. Take a rubber sink mat with holes and start tying the strips through the holes until the entire mat is covered. You can then sprinkle kibble or small treats between the fleece strips, creating a homemade snuffle mat. This encourages your dog to use their nose to find the hidden food, providing mental stimulation. If your dog tends to be rough with it, encourage gentle sniffing and foraging by rewarding calm behaviour.

#IDEA 59. Take an old towel and lay it flat. Sprinkle some kibble or small treats along the towel, then roll it up tightly, making sure to tuck in the ends to keep the treats from falling out too easily. You can also tie the rolled-up towel in a knot for an extra challenge. Your dog will need to figure out how to unroll or untie the towel to get to the treats, providing both mental stimulation and a fun reward.

#IDEA 62. If you have a clean, empty plastic container with a lid, you can use it as a Kong alternative. Fill the container with a mix of your dog’s favourite treats and a bit of their kibble. Secure the lid tightly and then poke a few small holes in it to make the treats come out more slowly. Your dog will need to roll, shake, or paw at the container to get the treats out.

#IDEA 57. Take a tennis ball and make a small slit on one side using a utility knife. Ensure the slit is big enough to insert treats but small enough that the treats don't fall out too easily. Fill the ball with small treats or kibble. The challenge for the dog is to figure out how to manipulate the ball to get the treats to come out. If your dog becomes frustrated, you can encourage them by partially squeezing the ball to release a treat and show them how it works.

#IDEA 60. Take a cardboard tube from a paper towel roll or toilet paper roll and cut small holes along its length. Stuff the tube with small treats or kibble, and seal the ends with paper or tape. Your dog will need to roll, shake, or manipulate the tube to get the treats to fall out through the holes. This simple toy provides mental stimulation and encourages . Supervision is necessary to ensure your dog does not chew or ingest any part of the cardboard.

#IDEA 63. Use an old sock or a small cloth bag, fill it with a few treats or kibble, and knot the end. Hide the sock or bag inside a toy box or under a cushion. Your dog will have to find and manipulate it to get the treats out.