5 Easy Brain Games to Try With Your Small Dog This Weekends

Ten minutes of brain play can tire out a small dog more than a long walk. Sniffing, problem-solving and “working” for treats taps into natural instincts, burns mental energy and releases feel-good endorphins that calm anxious pups. Best of all, you don’t need fancy gear—here are five of our favourite lodge games you can set up at home this weekend.

1. The Muffin Tin Puzzle

Drop a few small treats into a muffin tin and cover every cup with a tennis ball or a scrunched-up sock. Your pup has to nose the covers off to find the rewards. Start with only half the cups covered so early wins keep them confident.

Janelle’s Vet-Nurse Tip: Count enrichment treats as part of the daily food allowance. For small dogs, break treats into pea-sized pieces or use a portion of their regular kibble—same fun, no extra calories.

2. Snuffle Towel Search

Lay an old bath towel flat, sprinkle kibble across it, then roll it up loosely and tie a gentle knot. Your dog sniffs, nudges and unrolls their way to dinner. Snuffling is naturally calming, so it’s perfect before a car ride or bedtime.

Here’s everything you need for all five games:

• A muffin tin and a few tennis balls or socks
• An old bath towel
• Empty cardboard boxes and paper
• Two plastic cups for the shell game
• Small, soft treats or your dog’s regular kibble

3. The Shell Game

Let your pup watch you hide a treat under one of two cups, then swap the cups slowly. Praise any paw tap or nose bump on the right cup. Once they’ve got it, add a third cup.

4. Shreddable Busy Box

Fill a small cardboard box with crumpled paper and scatter a few treats inside. Shredding is a safe, satisfying outlet for that terrier energy—just supervise and toss the box when the fun’s done.

“A tired mind is a happy mind—especially for the small dogs who can’t always go on long, bouncy adventures.”

5. Find It!

Ask your dog to sit and stay, hide a treat somewhere easy in the room, then say “Find it!” Gradually choose trickier spots—behind a chair leg, under a cushion corner. It’s a brilliant rainy-day game and great for building recall.

Want your pup to enjoy daily brain games while you’re away? Enrichment is built into every stay at Mountain Pines. Request a Meet & Greet and we’ll show you around.