A DIY snuffle box is a simple scent game made from an open cardboard box filled with safe loose materials that hide pieces of food. It can be a useful alternative when you want a low-cost searching activity without buying a snuffle mat.
What you need
- One clean open cardboard box
- Plain packing paper or other dog-safe loose paper
- Part of your dog’s regular dry food or suitable treats
How to make it
- Place the open box on a stable non-slip surface.
- Loosely crumple several sheets of plain paper.
- Add the paper to the box without packing it tightly.
- Scatter a small amount of food where it is easy to see and smell.
- Invite your dog to investigate.
Start easy
For the first attempt, keep most food near the top. Once your dog understands the game, hide a few pieces deeper between the paper.
How to make the game harder
Add more empty paper, use a slightly larger box, or divide the food between two boxes. Change only one factor at a time.
Who should skip this activity?
A snuffle box is not appropriate for a dog that aggressively eats cardboard or paper, becomes possessive around food puzzles, or cannot safely interact with loose materials. Use a purpose-built enrichment product or a different scent game instead.
Supervision matters
This is a supervised activity, not something to leave with a dog while you are away. Remove damaged cardboard and paper when the game ends.
For more homemade ideas, see 12 Easy DIY Dog Enrichment Ideas and 15 Sniffing Games for Dogs.