DIY Dog Enrichment Toys

Growing up, all my family dogs loved chewing toys and stuffed animals with squeakers. They saw them as a challenge to be destroyed. I’d be glad if my dog wasn’t like this—that way, I wouldn’t have to keep replacing his toys! But now that I have a dog of my own and my wish has come true, as odd as it sounds, I find myself wishing he would destroy his current toys.

Why? Because the alternative is that he’s bored and won’t play with them on his own. He’d rather sleep all day than play with his toys, and it doesn’t take an expert to know that dogs should stay active during the day, engaging their senses and burning off energy.

So, I got creative. I started with things I knew my dog loved—namely, food—and made some simple DIY enrichment toys to keep him entertained during the day. He absolutely loved them, and they kept him busy for hours. Now I want to share these ideas with you, so your dogs can benefit too!

Important Note: Every dog is different. They have unique personalities, preferences, and chew styles. When introducing a new toy, always supervise your dog to ensure their safety. Carefully choose materials appropriate for your dog’s size, chewing behavior, and any allergies or sensitivities they might have.

Water Bottle Sock

This idea is a classic DIY toy I’ve seen online, but it’s such a hit with my dog that I had to include it. Recently, while we’ve been using bottled water during a fridge repair, my dog Koda discovered how much he loves the sound of empty water bottles. However, chewing on plastic can be dangerous.

How to make it:

1. Remove the plastic lid, the bottom plastic ring, and the paper label from the empty bottle.

2. Place the bottle into an old sock and tie a knot at the opening to keep the bottle securely inside.

This toy provides a satisfying crunching sound while keeping your pup safe from ingesting plastic.

Yarn or T-Shirt Toy

This combines two of Koda’s favorite things: food and yarn! He loves investigating hidden treats, and this toy encourages him to stay active while rewarding him for his effort.

How to make it:

1. Start with a small plush toy your dog enjoys and place a few small treats on top.

2. Wrap the toy and treats with a single long piece of thick, durable yarn, completely covering them. Remember to avoid textured yarn or loose threads that could be swallowed and to tie the yarn securely at the end.

3. Alternatively, cut an old T-shirt into strips and tie them around the toy, tucking treats between the layers.

This toy keeps dogs busy unraveling the layers to find their treats, providing mental stimulation and physical activity.

T-Shirt Rope

Great for tug-of-war and treat-filled fun!

How to make it:

1. Cut an old T-shirt into three long strips of equal length and two shorter strips.

2. Tie the three long strips together at one end using one of the shorter strips.

3. Braid the long strips tightly, adding small treats between the braids every few inches.

4. Use the second shorter strip to tie off the other end of the braid.

This toy offers a fun way to bond with your dog during playtime while also rewarding them with treats!

Frozen Sock

My dog loves ice just as much as any other treat, making this one a no-brainer for him.

How to make it:

1. Take a clean sock and get it wet under running water.

2. Squeeze out any excess water so it’s damp but not dripping.

3. Tie the sock loosely into a ball shape and place it in the freezer until frozen.

Your dog will love chewing on the cold sock, which can help soothe teething puppies or keep any dog cool and entertained.

So I'll take a clean sock, get it wet, wring it out just a little so it’s not dripping, then loosely tie it a couple of times to shape it like a ball and throw it in the freezer.

Exploration Box

Turn leftover cardboard into a treasure hunt!

How to make it:

1. Take a cardboard box and add crumpled packing paper or newspaper.

2. Hide small treats in the box, tucking them into the paper or under layers of toys.

3. Encourage your dog to sniff, dig, and explore to find the treats.

This activity engages their natural hunting instincts and provides excellent mental stimulation.

These DIY enrichment toys are easy to make, affordable, and a great way to keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated. By using simple, safe materials and incorporating treats or toys they already love, you can create a variety of engaging activities that your pup will enjoy. Remember: Always supervise your dog when introducing new toys and adjust the designs to suit their unique needs. Happy crafting, and enjoy the extra tail wags and happy playtime!