Keep in mind that, like any dog toy, if they break into little pieces, they could pose a choking hazard. Check your dog’s belongings on a frequent basis to get rid of anything that could cause a choking hazard.
If you have a few minutes to kill, consider teaching your dog a new trick or practicing obedience training with them. They’ll be engaged and mentally stimulated, which will eventually wear them out. You may expect a well-behaved and brighter dog as a result, which is a great reward in itself.
Use this time to train their sense of smell as well. It’s not hard to teach, as it’s something dogs do instinctively, but once they’ve got it down, you can advance them to more challenging scent-based games that are enjoyable for both you and your dog.
Depending on your dog’s sense of smell, this could be a simple or challenging task. Even something as basic as concealing some treats about the house and leaving them to find them can be fun for a pet.
The “baking tray bamboozler,” as we call it, is another fantastic puzzle game that requires little more than a few seconds of setup time. Put a bit of your dog’s favorite food in one or two of the cups of a baking pan and hide it there. Then, hide the food by placing a ball in each cup on the tray, and let your dog play with it. To uncover the concealed treats, they will enjoy playing with the balls.
The canine classic “cup and ball” activity is also an option. Place a tiny treat or toy under one of the three cups, then mix them up and see which one ends up under the toy or reward. It’s fun for you and your dog, and it helps them develop important skills like scenting and problem solving.
You might also try teaching your dog the age-old game of cup and ball. Put a tiny treat or toy under one of the three cups, then mix them up and see which one ends up under the toy or reward. It’s fun for you and your dog, and it’ll help them develop their sense of smell and their ability to solve problems.
You may also play a game with your dog in which they try to locate a hidden toy. This is a cornerstone of most puppy training programs and provides an excellent foundation for teaching dogs advanced retrieval skills.
You should first let the dog scent the toy you want them to locate, and then let them watch as you hide it. If they find it quickly, you can play at hiding it while they observe and then put it somewhere else entirely. Don’t let your dog see you conceal the toy if they’re getting the hang of it. Put the toy somewhere out of sight, then invite the dog back in to search for it.
If you take the time to teach your dog the names of each of his or her toys, he or she will be able to retrieve a specific one when you call for it. By learning the names of common household items, you can train your dog to perform helpful tasks while also having fun, like retrieving your slippers.
This is a terrific way to occupy your dog if he or she enjoys being near water but hasn’t had a chance to go swimming recently. If you have a garden and don’t mind water splashing about, this is a fun way to give your dog some extra mental exercise. Fill a large tub or a child’s paddling pool with water and let the dog splash around in it. All they need is a container large enough to hold water and big enough for them to jump into.
Both of our dogs have a standard kong toy, which is great because it properly accommodates their regular Meaty Sweetie and Taste of the Ocean goodies. Find your dog’s favorite treats and load them up into the toy. Rolling it around and trying to nose the snacks out should keep your dog occupied for a time, unless your dog is a mastermind. (Admittedly, we have competitions to see which dog can finish their Kong first… The puppy always comes out on the losing end of these situations.
Don’t fret if you’re out of treats. Pure’s malleable texture makes it fun to stow away in your dog’s playthings. Keeping it slightly wetter allows you to spoon it inside the Kong to hide it, and since it won’t roll out as easily, your dog will have a harder time getting it out of the toy. It’ll keep your dog occupied and entertained while they clean themselves. And because it’s their regular fare, you can rest assured that it won’t throw off their diet or cause any allergic reactions.
Do not fret if you do not possess a Kong. We’ll explain some alternatives, but you can use anything hollow, like an empty water bottle, to try this out.
Like the classic Kong, any toy bone can be quickly transformed into an entertaining distraction with the help of some reliable Pure. Spread your Pure all over and down the length of the inside of a butcher bone. After then, your dog will sit with it for a time, licking his chops attempting to salvage every last bit of his wonderful snack.
While a solid toy would serve this purpose just as well, providing an extra challenge in the form of hollowness would keep the dog entertained for much longer. Spread some of your dog’s favorite food on their toy and leave them to lick it clean if you need a few minutes to yourself.
This can be whipped up in a flash and functions much like a Kong. A dog can be entertained by leaving him or her to roll around an old tennis ball with a hole cut in it large enough to fit some treats inside.
You could also make a slash across the tennis ball or down the “seam” of the rubber. The ball can be opened up to resemble Pac-Man if the seams are squeezed. Once it’s unlocked, all you have to do is let go and toss some snacks into Pac-mouth. Man’s The ball needs to close back up and take on the appearance of a standard tennis ball. If you give this to your dog, they’ll be busy for hours trying to figure out how to open the ball and get at the treats inside. Furthermore, it is always amusing to see how they try to deal with it.
Most rubber balls purchased from pet stores will already have interior holes and hollows, so it’s worth checking out what you have to see if you can fit some treats into an old ball without having to perform tennis ball surgery.
In the following section, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make your own dog toys, including a different “recipe” for a homemade dog puzzle.
If your dog seems uninterested in its current toys or has a tendency to tear them apart, save the pieces and use them to create something new.
If your dog has broken off the rope legs of their stuffed toy, you can try tying them to another toy, such as a rubber bird or a hol-ee ball. The puppy ripped the stuffing out of a rubber duck, leaving it as hollow and holey as swiss cheese. To make a new toy, we used the rope from an old one and laced it through the discarded duck.
Pets can get bored just like people, so try these homemade activities!
Toys that you can make at home to entertain your dog
Use your old tees to create some tug toys that you can use as attachments for other playthings. For instance, you can fashion your own chucker toy by teasing the knot into an old ball. Below, you’ll discover instructions for creating your very own tug toys out of common household items.
Introducing new toys into your dog’s space is a foolproof method to give him something to play with for a few hours at a minimum, and many of these toys can be whipped up in a matter of seconds while still providing hours of entertainment.
The dog will love these toys, and they take only a few minutes to make. Tear up an old, unused T-shirt into narrow strips of fabric. (To avoid having to pull out every last thread, omit the areas along the seam.)
Towel strips made from an old towel would work, too. The width of the fabric is typically an inch, and the length is at least a foot, if not more.
Gather these fabric scraps in groups of three or six, tying the ends as tightly as possible, and plait them together. By the time you get to the other end and re-tie it, you should have something that looks like the rope tug toys sold in pet stores.
These homemade dog toys can be cleaned in the washing machine, which is a huge plus. Excellent for maintaining their cleanliness and freshness.
You can learn how to make one of these toys by reading this article from Good Housekeeping. A dog’s enthusiasm could easily untie the strips if you used a separate piece to tie them, so we prefer to simply tie them together in a knot.
The toy can be transformed into a ring by leaving a short length of fabric after the knots.
Your pups will maintain their fascination with the shirts for longer if you leave a trace of your scent on them. Our dog loves and cares for these toys, but she would destroy a store-bought rope toy in a heartbeat.
Make your own chucker toy out of a scrap of an old shirt and a ball you don’t mind giving up for the cause. Using these “ingredients,” you can create either a traditional or a modern chucker toy.
This initial design reminds me of a squid. The cloth conceals the ball within it, and the tentacles trail behind, making it easy to handle and throw.
Make a cross out of your shirt by cutting it into three pieces about an inch wide and laying them on top of each other. To use, place the ball in the overlapped center, then pull up the ends and secure them with a knot. Watching this video will demonstrate the process.
The second option demands the use of tools since making a tunnel through a tennis ball necessitates drilling or cutting holes in the ball. Then, use some old clothes or a towel to create a tug toy. Thread the tennis ball onto the tug toy by running it through the holes you made before tying the second end. To keep the tug toy’s plait together and the ball from falling off the rope, just tie off the end.
This do-it-yourself dog toy only takes a few seconds to put together, but will provide your dog with hours of entertainment as they chew and toss it. If you have an old towel, just snip it in thirds or halves vertically. Just take one of these and make a simple knot in the middle of it. Your new toy is complete in about a minute.
Towels with a thick flannel are perfect for chewing (and, we assume, cleaning their teeth) and are weighty enough to throw thanks to the knot and the fabric. Moreover, it is less disruptive to the home environment than kicking a rubber ball around.
If your dog enjoys playing with toys that produce noise, you should definitely give this one a try. Simple materials like a long sock and a plastic bottle can do the trick.
You can prevent the bottle from spilling by removing the label, placing it inside the sock, and then tying the sock as firmly as possible at the open end. With a little bit of magic, you’ve created a brand new dog toy that’s sure to be a hit. The crinkling and crunching sounds made as your dog chews on the bottle will engage his hearing and tactile senses.
If the bottle has been severely crushed or if your dog has managed to rip into it, dispose of it. Broken pieces pose a choking hazard, as is the case with any toy.
A sock toy is another easy to make toy. I’ll give you two more suggestions now.
Using a ball instead of a bottle, one performs the same actions as with the bottle toy. Put a ball in the sock (it can be any kind) and secure the end. In a flash, you’ve created a new dog toy! It’s very similar to the do-it-yourself chucker toy we just discussed, but clearly much simpler to construct.
Socks tied together is the second concept to consider. Like the other towel toys mentioned, this one can be whipped up in a flash with zero effort. Knot up any old or mismatched socks you have and toss them to the dog. The knot will add some heft so you can toss it about, and your dog will have no trouble carrying around their new treasure.
If your puppy is teething, you can give some relief by soaking the knotted sock in water and then freezing it. Then, you’ll have a super-awesome toy for your dog that can ease their sore gums, intrigue them, and keep them cool on a hot day.
While completing one of these toys may test your patience, rest assured that it will also keep your dog entertained for a while. It’s the toy whose “ingredients” are the least likely to be sitting around in the average home, but it’s not hard to make, and you might even have some rope stashed somewhere in the shed or garage that you can use. You might also try using a towel if you’re very patient and can slice it thin enough.
Making your own monkey fist toys is possible in a number different methods, depending on the type of rope you have on hand or can obtain. This throwable monkey fist toy is easiest to make with a softer rope.
This durable ball toy is perfect for hiding food inside, and it may be made with a classic, strong rope like jute.
Know those adorable cat toys that feature a plush mouse on a string? They’re also a hit with canines. Your dog will go nuts for this next toy if they have any prey drive at all. Similar to a prey stick or a flirt pole, this tool can be used for both training and social purposes.
In addition to your dog’s preferred toy, you’ll need some string or rope and a stick. Some advice using PVC pipe, but who keeps a spare section of that lying around? To clean up, we recommend a broom or mop. It is not necessary to be able to take the handle off because securing the brush head with the rope will do the trick.
Attach the broom end of the rope to the broom, and the dog’s favorite toy to the other end. In no time at all, you have a cat toy that is big enough for a dog. If you wave it around, your dog will chase its “prey,” burning off some of its excess energy in the process. The added bonus is that your arms will get a fantastic workout.
It’s also possible to “cheat” when creating one of these, as we did. A dog lead can be easily attached to Fido’s favorite plaything. We used a spare slip lead to make a lasso out of the two ends of our dog’s favorite rope toy, which prevented the toy from becoming detached while walking.
Homemade dog toys can be a great way to kill time.
Easy home remedy for canine boredom
Just like you would with a real dog, you can attach a leash to your dog’s favorite stuffed animal and take it on walks. Once this is accomplished, all you have to do to amuse your dog is to hold the lead’s grip and wave the toy about while your dog follows it. You can do it in a few seconds, but your dog will be occupied for hours.
We’ve seen these fashioned out of PVC pipe, but really, who keeps a spare section of that lying around? An alternative is available that is simpler to grasp and slice. (You won’t even need pliers!)
Cut several holes in an old plastic bottle or jar (large enough for the snacks to fall through) and fill it with goodies. Simply fill the toy with dog treats and replace the top to create a simple puzzle that will reward your dog with treats as he or she rolls the toy around the house.
To make it more challenging and less likely that snacks will slip out, insert a toilet paper roll tube. Use of a jar is required for this to work properly. Your dog will be entertained for much longer thanks to this addition, as treats inside the roll will take much longer to knock out of the jar while rolling about.
There are many tasty dishes that are safe for dogs to eat at home. Keep in mind that your dog requires access to clean water at all times, and that rewards should be given in moderation. Also, ensure sure there are no allergens in the products that could harm your dog.
For some reason, our dogs absolutely adore these muffins, and the best part is that you can eat one while your dog enjoys a pupcake of their very own.
If you’re familiar with baking banana bread or muffins, you already have most of the skills necessary to prepare this delicious delicacy. Try subbing honey for the sugar in your go-to banana cake recipe. Leave out the white sugar and your cake will be paw-fect for dogs and their people to share.
Although we rarely frost cakes, if you do, you’ll need two separate batches of icing. Make a batch with flour for the dogs and another with powdered sugar for the humans. It would appear that most people don’t like flour in their frosting. Or you could make a Pure icing by adding water until it reaches the desired consistency and use that to decorate the pupcakes.
The Blue Cross has developed a peanut butter cake that is sure to be a hit at your dog’s next birthday party.
There is an abundance of pupsicle recipes available to you. Basically, you can give your dog a cool treat on a hot day by freezing any food they can eat. Here is our pick for the best dog food, followed by a simple activity for you to do with your pet.
Carol F. produced and sent in these pupsicles.
Our most popular dish is the first one we share, and it’s made with Pure ingredients. The versatility in texture makes it ideal for creating novel dog treats. And the best part is, you can make a fantastic pup-sicle without adding anything additional.
To make the mixture pourable for use in popsicle molds, simply add more water than you would normally use. Then, you just need to wait for them to freeze, and your dog will have a healthy and delicious pup-sicle to enjoy.
A few extra touches can be added if you truly want to spoil the puppy. Sweet puppy truffles, for instance, can be made by including a small amount of banana and maintaining a thicker consistency in the meal. Combine all the ingredients, shape them into balls with your hands, and place them in paper cake cases. Your dog will go crazy over these delectable truffle treats!
Although the second dish takes a little longer to prepare, your dog will absolutely devour it. Use the scraps and bones you have lying around to make some broth or gravy. Instead of water, strain the liquid and pour it into lollipop molds. They can be frozen into a meaty treat for your dog. (You shouldn’t try it on your own!)
Obviously, the third choice is the easiest. Freeze pieces of whatever fruit you have on hand that is safe for dogs and feed them as a treat. Even better, you can partake in this refreshing snack for yourself! Besides bananas and blueberries, you could also use apple or melon. If you don’t want to give them dried biscuits but still need something to fill a treat ball, frozen blueberries are a great alternative.
A growing number of popular video-on-demand and streaming providers now offer content specifically for pets.
Countless user-created pet playlists can be found on both YouTube and Spotify. To see what comes up for a query like “dog playlist,” just type that into the search bar. Virtual dog walks feature nature sounds like birds singing and frogs croaking to help your pet relax.
But Spotify has gone much farther, releasing Spotify for Pets a few weeks ago. It creates a playlist tailored to your iguana, bird, hamster, cat, or dog depending on their character and your musical preferences. To hear your favorite bands at a beat per minute appropriate for walking the dog, prepare yourself.
There is a real TV station dedicated to canine entertainment, and it can be accessed online and streamed to any device.
It’s been color-tweaked for canine eyes and is broken up into parts of varied and engaging stimuli, such as dogs at play, in a car, at the beach, and even answering the door. It’s a compilation of all the things that bring your dog the most joy (and might be missing out on). Since there is no scent, some dogs may not pay much attention. Although it doesn’t work for all dogs, it has proven to be a hit with many shelter dogs and their human families.
If that doesn’t work, you can always play a YouTube playlist full of cute animals (typically birds or fish) that dogs won’t mind watching. Both dogs and cats love watching live feeds of bird tables, which you can obtain simply online or on YouTube. Alternatively, many puppies will enjoy watching animals as they play and interact with one another in a nature documentary, which you can find by browsing the channels.
