DIY dog puzzles and dog puzzle toys are perfect for keeping your dog busy all day!
These toy puzzles will keep your dog from getting bored and they can help give your dog good mental stimulation!
Being mentally active is important for your dog’s mind, just as important as being physically active!
Dogs need to strengthen and stimulate their brain, just like you! In fact, this can boost your dogs intelligence!
Who the heck wants to do something easy all the time? Spice up your dog’s life with some fun, interactive challenges. And don’t worry we have the perfect puzzle toy for your dog or puppy regardless of difficulty level.
Be sure to check out our post about Snuffle Mats for more ideas on how to slow down your dog’s eating while decreasing boredom at the same time!
Keep reading!
#1 Boredom Busting Bottle (DIY Dog Chew Toy)
If you have an empty water bottle, you have a toy for your dog. It takes only two minutes to make this DIY Dog Puzzle. It is simply a plastic bottle with holes cut into it to put treats inside of, but your dog will love it. Fido will be engaged for at least an hour!
#2 Muffin Tin Tennis Ball Game
For this Muffin Tin Game, take your dog’s favorite treats and break them into smaller pieces. Place the treats in a select number of the muffin cups, and cover all 12 cups with tennis balls. Your dog will have to use his nose to search for the tasty snacks. With such instant gratification for doing a good job, your pup will be hooked!
#3 Dog Kibble-Filled Tennis Treat Ball (Better Than Kong?)
Your dog’s tennis ball can get worn quickly, so why not reuse it for something new? This Tennis Ball Puzzle takes an old ball and cuts into its seam. Once the ball is cut, insert some food and let your dog go crazy! When this becomes too destroyed to use, replace it with the next old tennis ball and keep the cycle going.
#4 Interactive Feeder Toy
With a little PVC pipe, caps, and basic tools, you can make a Feeder Toy that your dog can roll around to release kibble. This simple DIY idea works the same way as many expensive options for purchase. This toy is easy to wash and goes in the dishwasher!
#5 Hide and Seek Puzzle (Interactive Dog Toy Puzzle!)
Before you toss shoe boxes into the recycling, let your dog have some fun with them! For this Hide and Seek Game, place treats in the boxes and put the boxes throughout the room. You can go without the lids for a simple start and add the lids for more an additional challenge.
#6 Rotating Cup Game
For this Cup Game, you need three cups and one treat. Choose one cup and swirl the treat around in it to spread the smell. Then, remove the treat, flip the cups, and shuffle them around. See if your dog can choose the cup the treat was in!
#7 Treat Dispenser Toy
This Treat Dispenser Toy can be created two different ways, depending on what supplies you have. For the first design, you can use two shoe boxes, a dowel rod, duct tape, and a plastic bottle. The second design uses PVC pipe to create a more cohesive look. For both, just put the treat in the bottle and watch your dog whack it around! See how to make it here:
#8 Pushover Container Puzzle
For this Container Puzzle, cut a hole in the lid of a plastic container, toss in some treats or kibble, and replace the lid. You may need to tape it down if your dog is a little too good at popping the container open! This takes less than five minutes to make and uses things you already have, so it’s a time and money-saver.
#9 Egg Carton Toy
If you want your dog to work a little harder for his food, this is the way to go. For this Egg Carton Toy, you need an empty egg carton, a toilet paper roll, and some zip ties. Fill a divided toilet paper roll with kibble and place the roll pieces into the egg carton. Zip tie the carton closed and your dog has a challenging puzzle on his hands!
#10 Peanut Butter Jar Dispenser
Using a peanut butter jar and a tube from an empty container of plastic wrap (or foil), you can make a treat dispensing toy! Just cut up the tube, place it in the jar, and put holes in the jar. Treats will come out as your dog works to roll this toy around. See it in action, as well as the steps to make it:
Which items work best for your dog? If your dog is feeling happier and healthier after all of these fun and challenging games, let us know. Making sure your dog has a healthy mind and body is as important to us as it is to you! Share with your friends to show them these great ideas and spread the joy.
