Cardboard box enrichment: shred-and-find games

What it does for your dog

• A legal outlet for shredding and tearing.
• Combines foraging with problem-solving.
• Costs nothing: it uses packaging you already have.
• Can redirect some dogs away from shredding cushions and shoes.

Which dogs and situations it suits

Box enrichment suits most dogs that like to tear things up. It is not suitable for dogs that eat cardboard or paper rather than just ripping it, because swallowing large amounts can cause stomach upsets or blockages.

What you need

• Plain cardboard boxes, tubes and egg cartons
• Scrunched plain paper (not glossy or plastic-coated)
• Treats or dry food from the daily ration

How to do it

Preparation

1. Remove all tape, staples, plastic, labels, ribbon and polystyrene.
2. Avoid boxes that held chemicals, cleaning products or anything toxic.
3. Pick a spot that's easy to clean up afterwards.

Step by step

1. 1Half-fill a box with scrunched paper.
2. 2Drop treats throughout the paper.
3. 3Close the flaps loosely, or leave them open for beginners.
4. 4Put the box down and let your dog rip into it.
5. 5Stay nearby. When the food is found, swap any remaining cardboard for a treat and clean up together.

Make it easier or harder

Beginner version

• Leave the box open with some treats visible on top.
• Use a small box with not much paper.

Advanced variations

• Close the flaps and tuck them in.
• Put a small box inside a bigger one.
• Wrap treats in paper first, then hide the bundles in the box.
• Use cardboard tubes with folded ends as "crackers".

For puppies

Supervise very closely, since puppies tend to swallow what they chew. Use small, open boxes and short sessions.

For senior dogs and dogs with mobility issues

Older dogs can enjoy a gentler version: an open box with paper to nose through, rather than tearing. Watch for dental discomfort.

Supervision and safety

• Always supervise. Shredding is fine; eating cardboard is not. If your dog swallows pieces, stop and choose a different activity.
• Remove tape, staples, plastic and anything glossy or coated.
• Don't use boxes from chemicals, medicines or cleaning products.
• Clean up afterwards so pieces aren't eaten later.
• If your dog shows signs of a blockage, such as vomiting, straining, a swollen belly or loss of appetite, see your vet urgently.

Common mistakes

• Leaving tape or staples on the box.
• Leaving the dog alone with it.
• Using glossy or printed packaging.
• Letting a dog that eats cardboard keep playing.