Looking for an easy and fun DIY enrichment activity for your dog? In this post, I’ll walk you through one of my favorite homemade games: muffin tin dog enrichment. It’s quick to set up, affordable (you probably already have the supplies!), and helps boost your dog’s confidence, problem-solving skills, and bond with you.

As a certified Canine Enrichment Technician, I love recommending this simple puzzle because it’s effective and fun. You can set it up and play a few rounds in less than 15 minutes! Enrichment doesn’t need to be complicated to be impactful.

Sometimes the best games are the ones you can do together on a random Tuesday afternoon.

I even demonstrated this exact game live on TV with my girl Lucy! She was a total pro, showing everyone how to nudge the balls aside and find the treats hidden inside the muffin tin.

Ready to give it a try? Here’s everything you need to know to set up this enrichment activity at home!

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What is Muffin Tin Enrichment for Dogs?

The muffin tin game is a simple DIY enrichment puzzle you can create for your dog. This game will help to boost your dog’s problem-solving skills. And the better they get at solving the puzzle, it will build their confidence, too!

One of the goals of dog enrichment is to teach your dog that positive things come from new experiences. Interacting with this muffin tin and the balls you use to fill the muffin cups will yield some tasty treats… and lots of love and support from their favorite person!

How to Set Up This DIY Enrichment Game

Once you have all your supplies on hand, it takes less than a minute to set this enrichment game up for your dog.

Make sure you have a place to play this game where your dog is safe and comfortable. We usually play this game inside the house, but you could totally take it outdoors, too!

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What You’ll Need for the Muffin Tin Game

You might already have these supplies around your house. If not, I linked to affordable options so you can stock up.

• Muffin tin (find a 6-muffin tin for under $2 at DollarTree, or a 12-muffin tin from Amazon)
• Assorted tennis balls (here’s a good deal on an 8-pack)
• Your dog’s favorite treats or some of their food

And let’s be honest… You don’t need to be perfect with this! Your dog doesn’t need 12 matching tennis balls. As you can see from my photos, I use tennis balls, balls on a rope and even rubber toys on the WestPaw to fill up our muffin tin when I do this game with Burt.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how you play the muffin tin game with your dog:

1. Ask your dog to sit or lay down and stay a few feet from the muffin tin
2. Place a treat in each muffin cup and cover it with a tennis ball
3. Once the puzzle is all set up with all the balls in place, tell your dog to “search”
4. Encourage them to sniff and move the balls so they can get to the treats
5. Cheer them on until they find everything

You build it, they wag it and then you repeat! That’s just a little play on my blog name Wear Wag Repeat! Ha!

Make This Muffin Tin Enrichment Easier or More Challenging for Your Dog

As a certified canine enrichment expert, I always recommend that you start a new game as easily as possible. You need to give your dog a chance to understand what you’re doing and what’s expected of them.

Once you play the muffin tin game successfully a few times, you can make it more challenging.

Need to dial it back to make it easier? No problem! I have ideas for both below.

Beginner Version

The first few times you play this enrichment game, I recommend that you let your dog watch you hide the treats. And use very tasty, smelly treats that you know they love!

If this is still too challenging or your dog is unsure of what to do, remove a few tennis balls so only half of the treats are hidden.

If this game is too hard because your dog is small or has limited mobility, you can also set this game up with a mini-muffin tin and smaller-sized tennis balls. You could also try with small plush ball toys like these that your dog could grab onto and move more easily.

The goal is to have fun! So feel free to make any changes you need to make this puzzle fun for your pup! 

Advanced Challenge

Do you need to make the muffin tin enrichment game more challenging? I got you, dog!

Here are some ideas on how to level up this game as your dog gets smarter:

• Have your dog sit out of view when you set up the game
• Place a tennis ball over every well, but only put treats in half of them
• Cover every cup with a ball, but only hide one treat for a needle-in-a-haystack challenge!
• Hide the muffin tin with the treats and tennis balls so it becomes part scavenger hunt, part muffin tin game!

Have another idea that you want to share with us? Comment below then Burt and I will try it out.

Why This Muffin Tin Game Is So Enriching: Brain, Body + Confidence Boost

This muffin tin enrichment game isn’t just fun — it taps into your dog’s natural instincts and needs.

Here’s why it works so well:

• Mental Enrichment: Sniffing out the hidden treats activates your dog’s brain and problem-solving instincts.
• Confidence Building: Successfully finishing the puzzle gives your dog a boost of “I did it!” pride.
• Physical Movement: Your dog will use their nose, paws, and body to engage with the puzzle.
• Stronger Bonding: Playing together reinforces your connection and builds trust.

Enrichment is Bonding, Not Babysitting

Here’s the thing — enrichment is most powerful when it’s shared. Sure, puzzles can keep your dog busy while you work, but they’re even better when you play together. Watch your dog, talk to them, celebrate their wins. This isn’t just about treats in a muffin tin — it’s about quality time.

Enrichment isn’t about perfection — it’s about being present. That’s where the magic happens.

If you want more simple games like this, check out my Mental Enrichment for Dogs Activity Pack — it’s packed with easy, screen-free ideas you can try today.

Brain Games for Happy, Healthy Dogs!

Turn playtime into brain-building fun! Unlock 10 enriching games that will keep you and your dog entertained for hours while strengthening your bond. No need for more "stuff"— these activities use toys you already have. As seen on TV!

Hours of Fun for Just $19

More Muffin Tin Enrichment Ideas

Once your dog masters this version, you can use your muffin tin for other fun enrichment activities:

• Lick Mat Alternative: Spread soft food like yogurt or peanut butter into each cup and let your dog lick it out.

• Frozen Treat Tray: Fill the cups with different flavors (bone broth, mashed berries, pumpkin), freeze, and serve as a summer lick treat.

• Slow Feeder: You probably have a slow-feeder bowl for your dog, but how about serving dinner in a muffin tin? It’s a fun way to add variety to mealtime.

I’ll be sharing tutorials for these variations soon — make sure you’re on my email list so you don’t miss them!

Final Thoughts: Start Your Dog’s Muffin Tin Enrichment Today

This game is one of the easiest ways to make your dog’s day a little more exciting — and it only takes a few minutes to set up.

Whether you use a fancy silicone pan or that old muffin tin buried in your kitchen drawer, what matters is that you’re spending intentional time with your dog. That’s enrichment done right.

Try this muffin tin enrichment game with your pup, then tag me on Instagram @tmistick so I can cheer you both on! And if you want even more low-effort enrichment ideas, grab your free copy of my Easy Dog Enrichment eBook or level up with the Mental Enrichment Activity Pack.