[Myname5james]

My dog gets bored easily, and every puzzle toy we’ve tried has been a total cakewalk. Are there any truly challenging ones out there, or should I start making my own? If DIY is the way to go, what are some creative homemade puzzle ideas that actually keep a smart dog engaged?

[BullyBabe]

I think this one depends on the dog, but I like to make my dogs puzzle toys with old egg cartons. I use the cardboard ones and cut off any rough patches. Then, I fill the sections with treats, cheese, peanut butter, and kibble. I even add bits of crumpled paper to make it harder to get through. One of my dogs takes a while to get through this; the other tears right through everything, so it depends on the dog. Either way, it’s a fun, cheap toy to make. I also do this with a cardboard box.

I have also seen this done with a muffin tin and tennis balls. Or you can drill a little hole in a tennis ball and fill it with kibble. It will keep your dog active for a good while. If you’ve got the room, a kiddle pool filled with plastic balls and hidden treats can be a fun and fairly long-lasting activity.

[Emma Braby]

If your dog breezes through puzzle toys, you might need to level up to more complex options or get creative with DIY solutions. We have a guide on some of the best puzzle toys and interactive toys for you to consider. If those still aren’t enough, DIY puzzles can be a great way to keep a smart dog engaged.

For homemade ideas, try:

– The Towel Roll-Up. Spread kibble or treats across a towel, roll it up, and let your dog unroll it to find the rewards.
– Muffin Tin Puzzle. Place treats in muffin tin cups, cover them all with tennis balls, and let your dog figure out which ones to remove.
– The Box Challenge. Nest smaller boxes inside a larger one, hiding treats in different layers to make your dog work for it.
– Frozen Treasure Hunt. Freeze treats in a block of ice or inside a Kong for a long-lasting challenge.
– Hidden Treat Bottles. Hang plastic bottles on a dowel or rope, fill them with kibble, and let your dog spin or knock them to release the food.

If your dog is a real puzzle master, combining multiple challenges into one activity—like hiding a toy inside a wrapped towel inside a box—can add an extra layer of difficulty!

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