3 DIY Puzzle Toys For Dogs
So I was cleaning and organizing our pantry and fridge the other day and found some items that I thought would make some awesome DIY puzzle toys for dogs!
One of my favorite things about dogs, and something we can all learn from them, is that they have no concept of money or how much you’ve spent on them in order to do something fun. They just care that you take care of them, make them happy and love them. Which means, DIY dog treat dispensers and dog enrichment activities are great, especially when you’re on a tight budget, or if you’re feeling crafty and want to try making something new!
All of the items featured in today’s post are items you probably already have in your own home (like a yogurt container!) and each DIY dog treat dispenser can be made in minutes. Let’s see what dog enrichment activities we’re making below!
Important Note:
When making or trying any DIY puzzle toys for dogs or new dog enrichment activities, always supervise your dog. Never leave them alone! The last thing you want is for your dog to chew or swallow something that they weren’t supposed to have while you weren’t watching them. Even if you think your dog will be fine, watch them anyways.
DIY Puzzle Toy For Dogs 1
The first DIY dog treat dispenser is one of my favorites to make for my girl Annie because it always provides a great challenge for her to solve. To make this DIY dog treat puzzle, all you need is:
- Yogurt container (make sure it’s empty & cleaned – I have an Aldi one here!)
- Scissors
- Packing tape or duct tape
- Your dog’s food/treats
Step 1: Grab the lid of your yogurt container and cut a hole in the middle that’s big enough for your dog’s food to come out.
Pro tip: If the hole is too big, the food will come out too fast. If the hole is too small, the food won’t be able to come out and your dog will get very frustrated and might not want to solve the puzzle at all.
Step 2: Once the hole is cut, add your dog’s food or treats to the container and put the lid back on.
Step 3: Just for a bit of reinforcement for our extra smart and strong pups, add some packing tape or duct tape to secure the lid in place. Make sure not to cover the hole. Give to your dog and watch them solve!
DIY Puzzle Toy For Dogs 2
The second DIY dog treat dispenser is one that all of my families are going to love because it uses an item from Sam’s Club! Now, I’m sure you could find the main item at other places like Walmart or Costco, but this is just where I found mine.
To make this DIY puzzle toy for dogs, all you need is:
- Large pretzel container
- Dog toys (featured here is a plush and ball variety)
- Scissors
- Packing tape/duct tape
- Your dog’s food/treats
Step 1: Grab your large pretzel container and cut a large hole in the top.
Pro Tip: You can also cut some holes in the sides of the pretzel container. Sometimes the one hole in the top isn’t enough, depending on the dog. I would make them bigger holes than what we did for the first dog enrichment idea since we’ll be filling this item more.
Step 2: Drop a handful of plush dog toys and/or tennis balls (I used both!).
Step 3: Sprinkle your dog’s food or treats in.
Step 4: Secure the lid with your packing tape or duct tape, without covering the hole.
DIY Puzzle Toy For Dogs 3
The last DIY dog puzzle is inspired by my husband because this was his empty food container, ha! To make this boredom buster for dogs, all you need is:
- Grits container
- Scissors
- Packing tape/duct tape
- Your dog’s food/treats
Step 1: With your scissors, cut holes all around your grits container that are big enough for your dog’s food or treats to come out.
Step 2: Add your dog’s food or treats to the container and add the lid.
Step 3: Secure the lid with your packing tape or duct tape and watch your dog solve!
This DIY dog treat dispenser is similar to the pringles can DIY dog treat dispenser I made in my 3 DIY Dog Treat Dispensers post.
Pro Tip: This homemade dog puzzle is a little flimsy compared to the other two, so make sure to watch your dog as this dog enrichment idea can shred more easily!
Want even more dog enrichment ideas and activities? Check out some of my favorite and most popular dog enrichment posts below (including more fun Easter ideas!):
- Woofsie: 50+ Enrichment Ideas For Dogs
- DIY Snuffle Mat For Dogs (video tutorial included!)
- 3 Summer Dog Lick Mat Treat Ideas
- 3 Easy Dog Lick Mat Ideas
- 3 Dog Enrichment Activities Using Toilet Paper Rolls
- 3 Easy Summer Frozen Dog Lick Mat Ideas
- Teach Your Dog To Talk With Hunger For Word Dog Voice Buttons
- 4 DIY Enrichment Activities For Dogs Using Egg Cartons
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