Last Updated on October 30, 2026 by ellen
Looking for an inexpensive way to keep your dog entertained indoors? A DIY dog enrichment box is a simple activity that encourages dogs to use their sense of smell to find hidden treats.
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This homemade dog enrichment activity uses everyday materials like a cardboard box and crumpled packing paper. It’s an easy option for rainy days, cold weather, or times when your dog needs a little extra mental stimulation.
Whether you’re a dog owner looking for indoor activities or a pet sitter searching for ways to keep a dog occupied, this DIY enrichment idea is worth considering.
Table of Contents
What Is a Dog Enrichment Box?
A dog enrichment box is a cardboard box filled with safe materials that conceal small treats or pieces of dog food.
Instead of receiving treats directly from your hand or food bowl, your dog uses their nose to search for them.
Sniffing and searching are natural canine behaviors. Giving dogs opportunities to use these skills can provide mental stimulation and make ordinary treats more interesting.
You don’t need expensive supplies or special equipment to create a basic enrichment activity at home.
Supplies for a DIY Dog Enrichment Box
You only need a few materials:
- One clean cardboard box with staples, tape, labels, and loose packaging removed
- Plain, uncoated packing paper without ink or other potentially harmful substances
- A small handful of your dog’s regular kibble or appropriately sized training treats
- A clear area where you can supervise your dog
Choose a shallow cardboard box that’s large enough for your dog to investigate comfortably.
Affiliate shopping opportunity: If you regularly provide enrichment activities, you may also want to explore reusable [dog snuffle mats], [interactive dog puzzle toys], or [treat-dispensing dog toys].
How to Make a DIY Dog Enrichment Box
Step 1: Prepare the Cardboard Box
Choose a sturdy, clean cardboard box and remove any tape, staples, plastic, or other loose materials.
A shallow box with an open top makes a good starting point, particularly for dogs that haven’t tried scent-searching activities before.
Place the box on a stable, nonslip surface.
Step 2: Crumple the Packing Paper
Take several sheets of plain packing paper and loosely crumple them into balls.
Avoid packing the paper tightly. Your dog should be able to move it around easily while searching.
Place the crumpled paper inside the box, leaving enough room for your dog to investigate.
Step 3: Hide a Few Dog Treats
Scatter a small number of appropriately sized treats or pieces of regular kibble among the paper.
For beginners, leave a few treats visible near the top so the activity is easy to understand.
As your dog becomes familiar with the game, you can place treats a little deeper between the paper pieces.
Remember to account for the treats as part of your dog’s daily food intake.
Step 4: Let Your Dog Explore
Place the enrichment box on the floor and allow your dog to approach it voluntarily.
Some dogs may immediately begin sniffing, while others need a little encouragement.
You can start by placing a treat near the edge of the box to attract their attention.
Allow your dog to investigate at their own pace without forcing them to participate.
Step 5: Supervise and Clean Up
Stay with your dog throughout the activity.
Remove the box immediately if your dog begins chewing, shredding, or swallowing cardboard or paper instead of searching for treats.
When the activity is finished, collect the paper, discard damaged materials, and put the box away.
This is a supervised enrichment game, not a toy to leave with an unattended dog.
Is a Cardboard Enrichment Box Safe for Dogs?
A cardboard enrichment box isn’t suitable for every dog.
Some dogs enjoy sniffing through paper without trying to eat it. Others may immediately tear apart the box or swallow pieces of cardboard.
Swallowing cardboard or paper can cause choking or gastrointestinal problems, including intestinal blockage.
Do not use this activity with dogs that are known to swallow nonfood items. Choose a more appropriate enrichment toy instead.
Additional precautions include:
- Always supervise the activity.
- Remove staples, tape, plastic, string, and packaging before starting.
- Use only treats appropriate for the individual dog’s size, dietary needs, and allergies.
- Avoid small pieces that could create a choking hazard.
- Stop the activity if the dog becomes frustrated, distressed, or overly excited.
- Ask your veterinarian about suitable enrichment activities if your dog has medical or dietary restrictions.
A commercially manufactured enrichment toy may be a better choice for dogs that chew or ingest cardboard and paper.
Why Try Indoor Enrichment Activities With Dogs?
Dogs need more than physical exercise to stay engaged.
Mental enrichment gives them opportunities to investigate, solve simple problems, and practice natural behaviors.
A scent-searching activity can be particularly useful when outdoor exercise is limited by bad weather.
However, enrichment boxes aren’t a substitute for appropriate walks, exercise, social interaction, and regular care.
Think of this activity as one additional way to add variety to your dog’s day.
How Pet Sitters Can Use Dog Enrichment Activities
Pet sitters often care for dogs with different personalities, energy levels, and routines.
An enrichment activity can be a useful addition to a pet-sitting visit when the dog is comfortable with it.
However, pet sitters should always obtain the owner’s permission before introducing new activities, treats, or materials.
Keeping dogs comfortable and entertained is an important part of pet sitting. Before planning activities, take time to learn each dog’s usual routine, favorite toys, and any restrictions the owner has provided. For an easy way to organize these details, see my Ultimate Pet Sitting Binder, which includes a printable checklist to help owners prepare for a sitter.
Before trying an enrichment box, ask the owner:
- Does the dog have a history of eating cardboard, paper, or other nonfood items?
- Are there any food allergies or dietary restrictions?
- Which treats are approved?
- Has the dog used scent games before?
- Are there behavioral or medical concerns that could make the activity inappropriate?
If you’re unsure, stick with enrichment toys and activities the dog already uses safely.
For pet owners, leaving familiar enrichment toys and written instructions can help a sitter maintain your dog’s usual routine.
Other Indoor Dog Enrichment Ideas
Not every dog enjoys searching through a cardboard box.
Here are a few other activities to consider.
Snuffle Mats
A snuffle mat has fabric strips or pockets where small pieces of kibble can be hidden.
Dogs use their noses to locate the food.
Look for a washable [dog snuffle mat] that’s appropriate for your dog’s size and chewing habits.
Interactive Puzzle Feeders
Dog puzzle feeders require dogs to move compartments or manipulate parts to access food.
Start with a beginner-level [dog puzzle feeder] and supervise your dog while they learn.
Treat-Dispensing Toys
Some durable dog toys release kibble or treats as the dog moves them around.
A [treat-dispensing dog toy] can be a reusable alternative to cardboard-based enrichment activities.
Always choose products suited to your dog’s size and chewing strength, and follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular dog food in an enrichment box?
Yes. You can use a small portion of your dog’s regular dry kibble instead of additional treats. This can be especially useful when you want to avoid adding unnecessary calories.
How long should a dog use an enrichment box?
Start with a short, supervised session of a few minutes. Let your dog’s interest, comfort, and behavior determine when to stop.
Can puppies use a cardboard enrichment box?
Puppies often explore objects with their mouths, so cardboard and loose paper may be inappropriate. Ask your veterinarian or a qualified positive-reinforcement trainer about suitable puppy enrichment activities.
Can I leave an enrichment box out while I’m away?
No. A cardboard enrichment box should only be used under direct supervision because dogs may chew or swallow the materials.
What if my dog isn’t interested?
Try making the game easier by leaving a few approved treats visible. If your dog still isn’t interested, don’t force the activity. A different enrichment toy may be more appealing.
Final Thoughts
A DIY dog enrichment box is an inexpensive way to introduce a supervised scent-searching activity using simple household materials.
For dogs that can safely investigate paper and cardboard without eating them, the activity can add variety to an ordinary day.
Pet owners and pet sitters can also explore reusable enrichment products, including snuffle mats, interactive puzzle feeders, and treat-dispensing toys.
The most important thing is to choose activities that match each dog’s individual needs, habits, and safety requirements.
Ellen runs a small pet sitting business in southern Vermont. She has experience with a variety of small animals, dogs and cats. She has also cared for ducks, chickens and rabbits. Combined, she has over 20 years of experience in pet care and pet sitting.