DIY Puzzle Toys to make your Dog Smarter

Shopping for toys for our dogs is the most difficult task for any dog parent. Especially when your dogs can ignore the expensive toys you bought for them, and instead play with a random box that came with it. So we are here to solve your confusion about which toy to buy for your dogs. We have Three DIY dog ideas that will make your dog love to play with them and also make them smarter. As a bonus these toys are easy to make and pocket friendly.

Why DIY Puzzle Toys for your dog?

Puzzle Toys can help your pup feel less anxious and make them calm. It also has the benefit of providing mental stimulation for your four-legged friend. Mental stimulation is important to keep your pup happy and healthy. Studies show that Puzzle Toys can help dogs feel less anxious in stressful situations like shelter homes. Thats why many shelter homes have puzzle toys to keep the dogs calm. So if you have a rescue dog the puzzle toy might be the way to help him feel better. For dogs with separation anxiety puzzle toys provide an outlet to spend their time on when their dog parent is away. The major benefit of DIY ing puzzle toys is they can be tailored to your dog's needs. Also, it's really pocket friendly and can be made with materials easily available at your home. So grab your materials and let's start making Dog Puzzle Toys.

Snuffle Mat-

This toy can make giving your pups their food and Treats a fun and engaging task. These are known to help dogs with separation Anxiety and also provide mental stimulation.

Level of difficulty- Easy

Materials- Rubber sink mat with holes (can be usually found at most hardware or home goods stores)                                                                                                               ---Fabric strips, cut to approximately 2-3 inches in length (fleece, felt, or other non-fraying materials work well)                                                                                               ---Scissors

Steps-

Start with cutting fabric strips into pieces approximately 2-3 inches in length. The exact number of strips depends on the size of the sink mat you have.

Now cut each strip into several smaller strips, leaving them connected at one end. To create a fringe effect.

Take one of the fringed strips and start looping it through one of the holes in the sink mat. Pull the fabric strip halfway through the hole so that the fringed end is sticking out.

Remember to take the fringed end of the strip and tie it into a knot around the bottom of the mat so that it stays securely in place.

Repeat the steps with the remaining fabric strips until all the holes in the sink mat are filled with fringed fabric strips.

When ready to use the snuffle mat, hide small treats or pieces of kibble among the fabric strips, encouraging your dog to sniff and forage through the mat to find them.

Tennis Ball Treat Dispenser-

Want an easy DIY dog puzzle toy which doesn't require lots of time and materials? Then this one is best for you with only three materials needed. This DIY tennis ball treat dispenser is an amazing way to provide your dog with mental stimulation and entertainment, while also rewarding them with treats

Materials: -A clean tennis ball                                                                                                  -A sharp knife or scissors                                                                                                        -Your dog's favourite treats or kibble

Level of Difficulty- Medium

Steps:

Start with making sure the tennis ball is completely clean

Using a sharp knife or scissors, start carefully cutting a small slit on the side of the tennis ball.

Turn the ball over and start cutting another slit on the opposite side of the ball, making sure the two slits meet in the middle. You can draw the points before cutting  the ball

Now using your fingers or the end of a spoon, push some of your dog’s favourite  treats or kibble into the opening you've created.

And your toy is ready to be enjoyed by your pup. Give the ball to your dog and see them enjoy the challenge of trying to get the treats out of the ball!

Note-Make sure the slits on the tennis ball are not too large to prevent from the dog choking on the ball. Also, remember to supervise your dog while they are playing with the ball to ensure their safety.

Muffin Tin Puzzle-

Here is a DIY that doesn't require you to make any cuts or knots. So these are best for people wanting a quick diy toy for their do. As a bonus, most of these things are at your home.

Materials: A muffin tin                                                                                                              -Your dog's favourite treats or kibble                                                                                     -Tennis Ball

Steps:

Take any muffin tin and put a few treats or pieces of kibble your dog loves in each of the cups.

Now cover each cup with a tennis ball or other ball that is of similar size and your dog can move around easily

Now your toy is ready to be played with. Place the muffin tin on the floor let your dog sniff, nudge, and moves the balls to uncover the hidden treats.

For a higher level of difficulty for your pup, you can place kibble or treat only a few of the cups

Note- Dont forget to supervise your dog as they play with their toy to avoid choking hazards.

There you go three hassle-free and budget-friendly DIY puzzle dog toys that your pup will love. Dont forget to tell us in the comments which toy you will make for your pup. Follow for more DIY Dog care ideas