Editor’s Note: This month we posted a poll on Instagram about all things DIY and we were blown away by how many of you make things for your dogs at home. So this week we are trying something new and kicking off our first DIY series, where YOU will teach our #TOCFam how to make cool stuff. Meet Emily Ische, our first DIY-er. After losing her first dog, Gamora, a few months ago, she’s fostered a couple of pups, but is still looking for a new best friend who may also enjoy therapy dog work. Emily tells TOC, “As a kid, I systematically checked out every book on dog training from my elementary school library and would read them in front of my parents to try and convince them to get me a puppy. It never worked.” Her parents did send her to zoo camp though (we are so jealous!) where she made puzzle boxes for wolves. “It was really cool to watch them joyfully destroy the boxes.” Keep scrolling to learn how to make Emily’s puzzle toys for your dog!

 📎 The Supplies That You’ll Need to Make the Recycled Puzzle Toys

• Cardboard boxes or toilet paper/paper towel rolls

• Scissors

• Tape

• Dog treats

⏰ Time Commitment

All in, this DIY project should take around five to 15 minutes.

⚖️ Skill Level

Easy!

✅ Step by Step: How to Make Your Dog Puzzle Toys

• Go through your paper recycling and look for paper rolls or boxes that are the appropriate size for your dog to play with.

• For paper rolls, bend the ends in to seal off one side, add treats, and then bend the other end shut.

• For small boxes, cut a slit large enough for the treats to come out. Fill the box with treats and tape shut if necessary

• If you have numerous boxes, you can hide food/treats in smaller (open) boxes and let them rummage around to forage for food.

• Be creative! If you have a dog that likes to destroy boxes you can seal them completely and let them go to town. Just make sure you don't make a box that is too challenging for your dog.

• General Warning: Make sure to supervise your dog while they play with these toys as some do enjoy eating cardboard. While small amounts of cardboard typically don't pose a health risk to most dogs, ingesting large amounts of cardboard can cause GI blockage. If your dog seems to enjoy munching on cardboard, this enrichment is probably not for your pup.

If you have something that you’d like to DIY for your #TOCFam, please fill out our form here.