7 Smart Toys You Can Make For Your Dog

This durable PVC puzzle is so fun for pets that you might find that your dog demands it at every meal. Use a PVC ratchet cutter or a hacksaw to trim a 12-inch length of PVC pipe, then drill holes through the exterior of the plastic. (Make sure the holes are wide enough for your pet's kibbles.) Cap both ends of the pipe with a female adapter and a cleanout plug. The kibbles will release through the holes – as soon as your dog learns to roll it along the ground.

Perplex your furry friend on a hot day by freezing his favorite toys in a big block of ice. He'll have to chip away at the ice and melt it off in order to retrieve the toys as they peek through, promising to keep him busy for hours and super hydrated, too.

Promote slow consumption and make your dog work a little more thoughtfully to earn his breakfast/lunch/dinner with this creative food dish. You can easily make your own puzzle dish by stacking a dinner plate, salad plate and bowl together and securing them layer-by-layer with a food-grade silicone sealant. Pro tip? Opt for children's plasticware. Children's plates are more apt to sit flat but have a defined and raised outer edge, which makes it more suitable for Fido to nudge and navigate around the floor without food sliding off.

Many dogs will thrive with a variety of obstacles put between them and their food, and finding new ways to challenge your dog will keep you entertained. For example, if you cut pieces of PVC pipe then put them upright in a container filled with snacks, your pup is going to have to figure out how to remove each individual piece of piping to get to the treats. Easier said than done? This girl was perplexed at first, but once she got the hang of it, there was no stopping her curiosity.