DIY Dog Toys To Bust Boredom

Does your dog get up to a lot of mischief? Do they tear up their toys, chew table legs to bits, or beg for your attention 24/7? These can be signs that your dog is bored, and needs a little special enrichment in their day. “Enrichment” is a term animal behaviorists use to refer to any part of an animal’s care that goes above and beyond their basic needs (food, water, shelter) and caters specifically to their brain, social needs, or emotional wellbeing. Dogs are, as we all know, SUPER active animals, so they need lots of enrichment to keep them busy–especially when their owner has to be away. One of the best ways to keep your dog satisfied is to regularly change what toys they have available, and introduce them to new puzzles or types of play frequently. Dog toys can be expensive though, especially if you have an avid chewer! These DIY dog toys made from common household materials–many of which would otherwise go to waste–are a great way to keep your pup busy without breaking the bank! 

Cardboard Box Treat Hunt

This may be the easiest way to keep your dog busy. Fill up any old cardboard box with crumpled paper–packing paper, newspapers, or paper towels all work! Mix in some treats as you fill the box up, then tape or tie it all shut. Once your dog notices the smell of the treats inside, they’ll go crazy tearing the box up to get a snack. Note: this will probably result in a mess of shredded paper, but it will also result in a happy, worn out pup! 

Monkey’s Fist Treat Cache 

On the other end of the spectrum, this one might be just as tricky for you as for your dog. With a length of rope or thick cord, tie a monkey’s fist knot. Right before you finish tightening it, drop in a handful of treats. Once the knot is tightened, the treats should be held snugly inside. This will be a big challenge, even for the most dedicated puppy puzzlers, so it’s well worth the effort. Plus, think of it this way–with practice, your knots will get even tighter and take even longer to unravel! 

Egg Carton Snuffler 

You can use any kind of egg carton for this, but I would recommend the chew-friendly cardboard kind. All you need to do is put a few treats in each egg compartment, then crumple up paper to hide the treats under. Close the box (and tape it, for an extra challenge) and let your pup discover all the treats inside! 

T-Shirt Tug Toy

You probably have a couple old, stained up shirts you need to get rid of. Instead of throwing them out, try this! Cut them into strips, tie the ends, and braid them together. You can make an extra-thick rope by making three braids, and then braiding those together too! The benefit of this toy is that those stinky old shirts already smell like one of your dog’s favorite things: you! To add a little extra appeal, you can include a marrow bone or two (the kind with a hole through the middle) by slipping it onto one of the strands while you’re braiding. It’s basically a friendship bracelet for your dog! 

Paper Towel Tube Treat

You can use a paper towel or toilet paper tube, depending on the size of your dog and how much you want to spoil them. First, cut about six 1-inch slits into each end of the tube. Fold the tabs you just made inwards, like a pinwheel, tucking the last one underneath the first so they all hold each other down. From the other end, fill the tube with a mix of crumpled paper and treats. You can even use peanut butter to glue it together! Close up the other end the same way as the first. This treat can keep your pup’s attention for a long time, since it will be tough to get their nose to the center of the tube. 

These DIY toys are great for giving your pet something to keep them entertained while you are out of the house or busy doing ‘important human stuff’. Having something to focus on can help pups who otherwise get anxious or bored when they’re alone. If you find that your dog consistently has way more energy than you can burn off in a day, consider hiring a weekday dog walker! An extra walk in the middle of the day might be just what they need to be healthier, happier, and more relaxed when you get home from a long day away at work. Book a service now!