Does your dog chew through toys like a starving velociraptor? Are you and your pup tired of the usual squeaky toy? Here are a few of the best dog puzzle toys you can easily make at home. DIY dog toys are a resourceful way to make use of old items around the house; they’re fun and engaging to make, and a joy for your pup to behold once you’re finished!
**As is the case with any toy, think of your pup’s safety first. Supervise your dog when they’re playing with all toys and regularly inspect them for damage. Be sure to get rid of any toys that are falling apart—you don’t want your four-legged love to swallow anything harmful!
What’s below:
- Hide & Seek Muffin Tin
- Rope Ball Surprise
- T-Shirt-Wrapped Water Bottle
- Tennis Ball Puzzle Toy
- Cereal Box Dog Puzzle
- T-Shirt Tuggable Toy
- Tennis Ball & T-Shirt Fetch Toy
- Dog Toy Fishing Pole
- Tennis Ball Foxtail
1. Hide & Seek Muffin Tin Treat Game
Stimulate your dog’s mind and their whiskers with this easy to set-up muffin tin game. Hide treats underneath tennis balls and let your pup sniff them out! Similar to a snuffle mat, this DIY enrichment toy will stimulate your furry friend while encouraging their natural foraging skills.
How It Works:
- Find muffin tin
- Find tennis balls
- Hide treats underneath
2. Stuff Treats Inside This Rope Ball Surprise Toy
Hiding treats can be fun and enriching for both you and your pup. Tie some spare rope into a monkey’s fist, but before you finish, slip in some dry food or a dog treat! This poochnpuzzle is like an elevated brain game toy.
How It Works:
- Tie a monkey’s fist (this might take some practice)
- Slip a treat inside
- Let your dog go to town
3. DIY T-Shirt-Wrapped Water Bottle
It’s the perfect chew toy for a pup that likes crinkle sounds. (Let’s hope you like them too!)
How It Works:
- Find empty water bottle
- Find old t-shirt
- Cut strips of fabric
- Wrap the bottle in the t-shirt and tie with strips
4. Test Their Wits With This Tennis Ball Treat Puzzle
Make a cut along the seam, stuff with your dog’s favorite treats or dry kibble, and voila! (Best part? The felt on the tennis ball keeps the rubber from tearing.) This tennis ball food puzzle is a highly interactive toy, perfect for stimulating smart dog brains. As a bonus for any dog parent, this is one of our dog enrichment ideas that is fairly quiet.
How It Works:
- Find tennis ball
- Make incision along the seam
- Stuff with kibble
5. Hide Treats Inside A Cereal Box, Then Tape It Shut
(Destruction intended.) Toss some dog food or treats inside an empty box, tape it shut, and watch your pup tear it to shreds. Have a pittie? They’ll love this one, just stash some food for pit bulls inside and watch them go!
How It Works:
- Find empty cereal box
- Hide treats inside
- Tape it shut
6. Turn Old T-Shirts Into A Tuggable Toy
Just grab two t-shirts and some scissors, and you can quickly fashion this t-shirt dog toy! Great for determined chewers!
How It Works:
- Cut strips
- Braid together
- Bring on the tug-of-war
7. DIY Tennis Ball & T-Shirt
Fashion this swingable, tuggable, tossable t-shirt and tennis ball combo for the pup who loves to fetch, with the old shirt on its last legs.
How It Works:
- Cut fabric into wide strips
- Wrap tennis ball inside
- Tie with t-shirt strips
8. Dog Toy Fishing Pole
Tie one of your dog’s favorite toys to the end of a PVC pipe and go fishin’! This interactive dog toy keeps everyone entertained!
How It Works:
- Attach dog toy to rope
- Thread rope through pipe & wrap around/tie a knot on the opposite end
- Pretend your dog is a cat
9. DIY Tennis Ball Foxtail
Stitch the foxtail to the seam of a tennis ball and go wild! For even more fun, drop a tennis ball in an old tube sock and tie a knot!
How It Works:
- Cut a 30 x 9 piece of fabric that tapers down to 2 inches
- Fold and sew a cone
- Stitch tennis ball inside with needle and thread
- Toss that baby across the yard
