I recommend that everyone feed their young dogs out of food puzzles, when they aren’t using the food for training their puppies. There are lots of treat-dispensing dog toys on the market, and we even sell some of them, like the Tug-a-Jug and the world-famous Kong Toy. But dogs need variety, just like people, so instead of buying more and more plastic toys, you can make your own! The down-side is that dogs should be supervised with these do-it-yourself dog toys, versus the more indestructible toys, like the Kong.
Empty water bottles (any size) make good food puzzles. Just put in some kibble and give it to your dog. If they start to chew on it, you can say “too bad” and take it away for 10-15 seconds and then give it back. Chewing on it can cut their gums a bit, which is not the end of the world, but looks gross and if you can train them NOT to do it with these time outs, so much the better.
Another good option is to re-use ice cream containers. I finished up a container of the oh-so-yummy vegan Coconut Bliss “ice cream” and used it for a puzzle for my dog. I just cut a few holes in it (make it harder or easier by the size of the holes or whether you leave a “hanging chad”). Put the treats in, and give it to your dog. You might want to tape it shut or put wet dog food or peanut butter to cement the lid onto the container, though I have a feeling they’d be even more likely to chew the whole thing to pieces. But don’t worry if they do. It’s still recyclable at the end, if your dog does her job and gets all of the food out!
Here’s a video of Sagan & Peanut enjoying their Coconut Bliss dog food puzzles:
If you’re getting this by email, the video probably isn’t here… To see the video, visit http://ahimsadogtraining.com/blog
If you’ve made your own food puzzle for dogs, leave a comment below and tell us about it!
Written by Grisha Stewart, Ahimsa Dog Training, Seattle![[del.icio.us]](http://images.del.icio.us/static/img/delicious.small.gif){kind=small}
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August 20th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
We have put food in a tennis ball container. Initially I tried to cut holes, but the plastic was too sharp. I also thought of cutting holes in the lid, but the treats would need to be really small. Just having the can works – we put in food or treats and a little peanut butter. The treats get stuck on the peanut butter, adding to the challenge, and Max goes to town. His big puppy feet tend to squish the container sometimes, making it even more of a challenge. It is kind of noisy, but worth the entertainment for him. (:
August 21st, 2008 at 3:43 pm
That’s a great idea for a do-it-yourself dog toy! For a puppy, the sound from his new favorite toy is actually really good for his socialization, since the noisy toy and the tasty food are linked.
December 1st, 2008 at 3:25 pm
ok will a semi full penut butter can work?
December 1st, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Just keep an eye on it, as you want to make sure your dog doesn’t cut him/herself on the container.