Training your dog doesn’t always mean a trip to the pet store or a shopping spree for fancy gear. Sometimes, the most effective tools are already lying around your home. Whether you’re working with a curious puppy or a stubborn adult dog, you can use simple items to build trust, teach commands, and make learning fun.
Here are five creative and budget-friendly ways to train your dog using just what you have at home.
1. Plastic Cups for Scent Games
Grab a few clean plastic cups from your kitchen and turn them into a nose work challenge. Hide a treat under one cup, shuffle them around, and let your dog sniff out the prize. This isn’t just entertaining, it helps strengthen your dog’s sense of smell and encourages problem-solving.
Why it works: It taps into your dog’s natural instincts and keeps their mind engaged without overwhelming them.
2. Towels for Tucking and Tugging
Old towels can do more than dry your pup off after a bath. Roll up a towel and hide treats inside, folding it in different ways to create a little puzzle. Or, if your dog enjoys a good game of tug, tie a couple of knots and you’ve got a safe, soft toy.
Bonus: Tug-of-war is a great way to build connection and burn energy, especially on rainy days.
3. Broomstick for Obstacle Training
Lay a broomstick across two low surfaces like stacks of books or cushions to create a makeshift jump bar. Guide your dog over it using a treat or favorite toy. You can also place it flat on the ground and use it as a boundary to teach “stay” or “leave it.”
Keep it safe: Always start with a low height, especially for small breeds or senior dogs.
4. Pots and Pans as Noise Desensitizers
If your dog gets jumpy around loud sounds, you can gently introduce them to noise using common kitchen items. Tap pots and pans softly while rewarding calm behavior. This method helps reduce sound sensitivity and builds your dog’s confidence.
Just be sure not to startle them. Go slowly, and watch their reactions closely.
5. Cardboard Boxes for Crate Comfort or Confidence
That leftover Amazon box? It can be a training treasure. Use it to simulate a crate or create a tunnel for shy pups to walk through. Toss treats inside to encourage exploration and boost your dog’s sense of safety with new environments.
Pro tip: This is a great tool for puppies still learning about the world or for adult dogs who need to rebuild trust in enclosed spaces.
Training doesn’t have to be costly or complicated. Often, the most powerful tools are already in your home and in your presence. What matters most is the time and patience you share with your dog. With creativity and a little effort, even the simplest items can become part of your dog’s learning journey.
