DIY cardboard box puzzle for dogs with paper and treats

Key points

• Use plain brown cardboard and uncoated paper; remove staples, tape, labels and plastic first.
• Tearing up the box is allowed; swallowing cardboard isn't: take away any big pieces they put in their mouth.
• It's not a game for dogs that already have a habit of eating paper or cardboard.
• Always supervise and pick up every scrap when you're done.

A cardboard box puzzle for dogs is a homemade game built from what comes with any delivery: a box, scrunched-up paper, a few toilet paper tubes and treats hidden among it all. Your dog has to sniff, dig, pull out paper and, if they like, tear the box apart to find the food.

Many dogs love it precisely because it lets them do something that's usually off-limits: destroy things. It's a very intense game for five or ten minutes, ideal for young, high-energy dogs. The condition is that you're right there and the cardboard ends up on the floor, not in their stomach.

Safety: tearing yes, swallowing no

A dog tearing up a box usually spits out the pieces, and a few crumbs of cardboard pass through without trouble. The risk is the dog that swallows large pieces or a lot of it: cardboard and paper clump together when wet and can cause an intestinal blockage.

• Stay with them the whole time. If you see them swallowing cardboard instead of spitting it out, trade the piece for a treat and end the game.
• Remove anything that isn't cardboard or paper: staples, tape, labels with glue, plastic handles, plastic film, bubble wrap and desiccant packets (the silica gel sachets that come in some packages).
• No coated or glossy paper like magazines or flyers, and no cardboard with traces of human food, oil or cleaning products.
• Choose the box size to suit your dog: they should be able to put their muzzle and head in without getting stuck.
• Pick everything up afterward and don't leave the box within reach.
• If they vomit, stop pooping or seem to have a sore belly after swallowing cardboard, call your vet.

Which treats to hide

Dry, strong-smelling treats that won't stain the paper or crumble: salmon and quinoa treats, sweet potato chews, apple and carrot biscuits or pieces of their own kibble. Ten to fifteen small treats are enough for a medium box. If you play this game often, subtract what they eat from their daily allowance.

Three difficulty levels

Level	How to set it up	Who it's for
Easy	Open box, loose paper and treats on top	First time, puppies, older or shy dogs
Medium	Open box, treats wrapped in paper balls and in cardboard tubes with the ends folded in	Dogs that already know the game
Hard	Box closed with the flaps tucked in (no tape), with a smaller box of treats inside	Experienced dogs that don't swallow cardboard

If your dog gets frustrated, barks at the box or walks away, go back to the previous level. For a way to work their nose with less destruction, try the DIY snuffle mat.

What you need

• A plain brown cardboard box, with no glossy print, sized to suit your dog
• Brown packing paper or newspaper (no glossy magazine paper)
• Cardboard toilet paper or paper towel tubes
• One or two smaller boxes (optional, for the hard level)
• Small dry treats or pieces of their kibble

Step by step

1. Clean up the box

   Remove staples, tape, labels, plastic handles and any plastic packets or packing material. If the box has grease or chemical stains, don't use it.

2. Prepare the filling

   Scrunch sheets of paper into loose balls. Fold in one end of each cardboard tube, drop in a treat and fold in the other end.

3. Hide the treats

   Put some treats inside paper balls, some in the tubes and some loose at the bottom of the box. Fill the box halfway to three-quarters full with paper.

4. Set it on the floor

   Put it on the floor, somewhere you don't mind getting covered in paper, and encourage them to search. The first time, leave a couple of treats in plain sight so they understand the game.

5. Watch while they play

   Let them tear, pull out paper and dig. If they put a big piece in their mouth and don't spit it out, trade it for a treat.

6. Clean everything up

   When they've found the treats or lose interest, pick up the box and every scrap of paper and cardboard. Put it all in the recycling.

Frequently asked questions

Is it okay for my dog to tear up cardboard boxes?

Tearing them up isn't bad in itself: it's a natural way to burn off energy and many dogs enjoy it. The problem is swallowing the cardboard. A few crumbs pass through, but large pieces or a lot of it can clump together and cause a blockage. That's why it's best to let them tear up boxes only with you there, and to pick up the scraps afterward.

What happens if my dog eats a piece of cardboard?

If it's a small piece, it will most likely come out in their poop within a day or two. Make sure they're eating, pooping normally and not vomiting. If they've swallowed a lot, or they're vomiting, not pooping, lethargic or have a sore belly, call your vet, because it could be a blockage.

How can I keep my dog entertained at home without toys?

With scent games made from household items: hiding treats around the house, the cup game, a cardboard box with paper and treats, or a rolled-up towel with treats inside. Teaching them new tricks for a few minutes works too. Always supervise, and use part of their daily food so you don't overdo the calories.