Let’s be honest—spoiling our dogs doesn’t have to mean spending big bucks. Sure, we all love the occasional boutique treat (hi, Beagle Bagels!), but some of the best ways to keep your pup happy, stimulated, and out of trouble are totally free.

Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise, especially for smart, curious, or high-energy pups. So if your dog’s starting to give you that look—you know the one—it might be time to shake things up.

Here are some of our favorite budget-friendly enrichment ideas to help keep your furbabies entertained, engaged, and tail-waggin’ happy.

No fancy toys? No problem. Grab an old towel, sprinkle in some of your dog’s kibble or favorite low-calorie treats, roll it up tight, and let them figure it out! For extra challenge, knot the towel once it’s rolled.

This encourages sniffing, problem-solving, and that satisfying "I did it!" moment when the treats come loose. Great for rainy days or when you just need 10 minutes to drink your coffee in peace.

If you have a muffin tin and a handful of tennis balls or dog-safe toys, you’re halfway to a brain game. Place a few treats in the cups of the tin and cover them with the balls. Your pup will have to sniff and nudge to find the goodies.

This activity is great for dogs who like to "work" for their food—and it slows down the fast eaters, too.

Sometimes enrichment is as simple as turning your yard into a mini adventure. Scatter a few treats around your outdoor space and encourage your pup to sniff them out. You can even get fancy and create a "treat trail" leading to their favorite toy or bed.

Sniffing is one of the most natural—and tiring—activities for dogs. Ten minutes of focused nose work can burn as much energy as a longer walk!

Before you toss those empty cereal boxes, paper towel tubes, or shipping paper, think: could my dog play with this? (Safely, of course.)

Stuff a box with safe recyclables, hide treats in the layers, and let your pup dig and snuffle to their heart’s content. Just make sure to supervise and remove any pieces they try to eat instead of explore.

One of the easiest (and most appreciated) free enrichment activities? A frozen snack! Try smearing plain yogurt or peanut butter (xylitol-free only!) inside a silicone mold, ice cube tray, or even a cleaned-out plastic container. Add a few kibble pieces, banana slices, or blueberries and freeze overnight.

Pop one out on a hot day or when you need to keep your pup occupied during Zoom calls. It’s a doggy popsicle—fun, tasty, and long-lasting.

Training doesn’t have to be about obedience—it can be about fun! Teaching your dog a new trick, like “spin,” “touch,” or “bow,” taps into their brain power and strengthens your bond. Use whatever treats or praise your pup loves most, and keep sessions short and upbeat.

Need inspiration? Try:

“Paw” or “High five”

“Find it” (hide and seek with toys)

“Bring me a [blank]”

“Go to your bed”

You’ll both feel accomplished—and your pup will love the one-on-one attention.

Got a pile of Amazon boxes? Turn them into a DIY doggie fort. Cut holes, stack them, and create tunnels or hideouts. Toss in a favorite toy or two and let your dog explore their new kingdom.

This works especially well for small to medium dogs, but even big pups love a good nosy adventure through something new.

Put on your favorite playlist and invite your pup to join you for a goofy dance session. Spin in circles, encourage some zoomies, and celebrate every tail wag. You’d be surprised how much dogs love matching their energy to yours.

It’s silly. It’s fun. It totally counts as enrichment. And you get bonus points for getting your steps in, too.

Sometimes enrichment means giving your dog a front-row seat to the world. Set up a cozy perch by a window and let your pup watch birds, squirrels, and neighborhood drama unfold. Add a soft blanket or one of their favorite toys to make it a regular hangout.

Got a social butterfly on your hands? Try rotating the window you open each day—it’ll feel like a brand-new episode of Dogflix.

If you’ve been power-walking your pup around the block and wondering why they’re still wired, try slowing down. Sniff walks (aka “sniffaris”) let your dog take in their environment at their own pace. Let them stop, sniff, and explore.

It’s not about miles—it’s about mental stimulation. You might even find it relaxing yourself.

You don’t need to spend a dime to give your pup a richer, happier day. With a little creativity (and maybe a few treats from your pantry), you can create fun, mentally stimulating experiences that leave your furbaby feeling loved, tired, and oh-so-happy.

At Dog Mom Club, we believe enrichment is about joy—not price tags. Whether it’s a recycled box or a batch of our homemade Woofles, what matters most is the love behind it.

Have a favorite free enrichment idea we didn’t mention? Share it on Instagram and tag us @__dogmomclubkc - because no one spoils their pups like we do.