Rotate and Reinvent Toys To Keep Dog Training Fun

Most dogs quickly lose interest in toys left out all the time—just like we would with a book we’ve already read five times. Instead of constantly buying new ones, try rotating a few out weekly to keep things fresh. Adding a twist—like stuffing a plush toy with treats or freezing a chew toy—can make old toys feel new again.

• Store toys in different bins and cycle them weekly
• Use toys in combination with treats (e.g., hollow toys with frozen peanut butter)
• Introduce new textures or smells to existing toys

2. Teach New Tricks or Cue Chains

Even dogs who already know “sit” and “stay” thrive on continued learning. Think of training as brain exercise—like Sudoku for your pup. Instead of repeating old tricks, teach your dog to chain together actions: “sit, shake, spin.” Keep sessions short—5 to 10 minutes max—and reward generously.

• Use positive reinforcement (treats, praise)
• Break down complex tricks into steps
• Mix old and new cues to keep engagement high

3. Create a DIY Snuffle Mat

Dogs have extraordinary noses. Using a snuffle mat—a fleece mat with tied loops—you can make mealtime a sniff-and-find game. This taps into natural foraging behavior and makes breakfast last longer than two seconds.

You can purchase one or make your own using a rubber sink mat and fleece strips. Hide kibble throughout for a challenge.

4. Play the Shell Game

This classic puzzle game builds your dog’s problem-solving skills. Place a treat under one of three opaque cups, shuffle them, and let your dog try to find the reward.

1. Start with one cup and let your dog get used to the idea
2. Gradually add more cups and increase the difficulty
3. Offer verbal praise when they get it right

5. Offer Puzzle Feeders at Mealtime

Turning food into a problem to be solved stretches out mealtimes and exercises your dog’s brain. Puzzle feeders range from easy wobble toys to complex slide-and-twist contraptions.

Feeder Type	Difficulty	Best For
Kong Wobbler	Easy	Dogs new to puzzle toys
Nina Ottosson Puzzle	Moderate to Hard	Experienced dogs needing a challenge
Snuffle Bowl	Easy to Moderate	Dogs with strong sniffing instincts

6. Practice Nose Work Indoors

Nose work transforms your home into a scent-tracking playground. Start with a treat or favorite toy, hide it in easy-to-find locations, and use a cue like “find it.” Eventually, increase the difficulty and hide objects in unexpected places like under pillows or inside boxes.

• Use high-value treats for motivation
• Let your dog see you hide it initially, then transition to blind searches
• Use different rooms and levels (floor vs. elevated spots)

7. Play Interactive Games

Games like tug-of-war, hide-and-seek, or “find the person” are more than physical—they’re packed with mental benefits. For example, when hiding from your dog, you’re encouraging scent work, patience, and focus.

• Hide-and-Seek: Use a “stay” command, then hide and call your dog
• Tug: Build impulse control with start/stop commands
• Name That Toy: Teach your dog the names of specific toys and ask them to pick the right one

8. Set Up Indoor Obstacle Courses

Use furniture, cushions, and household objects to make a safe agility course inside. Think tunnels made from blankets over chairs or jump bars using broomsticks and books. This builds coordination and problem-solving skills, especially with treats at the end of the course.

Checklist for Safe DIY Obstacle Courses:

• No slippery floors—use rugs for traction
• No sharp edges or unstable items
• Start with easy obstacles and build confidence

9. Integrate Calming Enrichment Activities

Mental stimulation doesn’t always need to be high-energy. Licking and chewing are soothing for dogs and help reduce anxiety. Try stuffable toys with frozen yogurt and blueberries, or give your dog a safe chew like a bully stick or dental chew.

For dogs with anxious tendencies, relaxing games that engage the mouth or nose are especially effective.

10. Listen to Audiobooks or Dog-Friendly Playlists

Yes—dogs respond to sound. Audiobooks with human speech or curated dog-friendly Spotify playlists (yes, it’s a thing) can help keep your dog’s mind gently engaged, especially when you’re busy. Some dogs also enjoy dog TV or videos with natural sounds like birds or rustling leaves.

Combine gentle auditory input with a cuddly bed or enrichment toy to create a calm, mentally enriched environment while you’re working.

Final Thought

Your dog doesn’t need an open field or constant walks to stay brainy and happy—just a bit of creativity and consistency. Mental stimulation makes a huge impact on their well-being, helping to solve behavioral issues, reduce boredom, and strengthen your bond.

Try introducing just one or two of these ideas this week and observe how your dog reacts. You’ll likely find them more tired, content, and eager for connection—the mental equivalent of a long hike, but without leaving the comfort of home.