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Dollar Tree DIY – Boredom Buster Busy Dog Box

We recently found one of the most clever – and EASY – ideas for an interactive brain game for dogs and we just had to share it with you! It’s called a busy box for dogs. And it’s perfect for busting boredom on those days when your furry best friend is looking for something to do. 

If you’re not familiar with a busy box – basically it’s a concentrated collection of doggie fun! You gather your dog’s all-time favorite toys, place them into a bin and toss in a few puzzles and treats. The end result is an enrichment activity that will keep your pup happy, focused and engaged, as they explore the goodies! 

The inspiration for today’s craft comes from posts found at Proud Dog Mom and Wear Wag Repeat. They both have wonderful ideas for a DIY busy box that you definitely need to check out. For our project, we thought it’d be fun to see how many items from Dollar Tree we could find to create new doggie puzzles and assemble the project.

You’ll need…

  • Plastic dish bin
  • Various socks
  • JW Hol-ee Roller dog toy
  • Plastic drink cups with straws
  • Washcloth
  • Your pup’s favorite balls, plush toys, crinkle toys, etc.
  • Dry dog treats

Step 1

Create a fun puzzle with the Hol-ee Roller toy. Start by rolling up socks with treats tucked inside and stuffing them into the toy. To make a less challenging version, leave the rolled socks sticking out a bit, so they’re easier for your pup to unwind.

Step 2

Hide treats inside a rolled up washcloth. Remove the lid from a plastic cup and stuff the washcloth about halfway into the opening. Your pup will have fun trying to pull it out of the cup to get to the tasty treats inside.

Step 3

You can also toss some treats into a plastic drink cup and put the lid back on – but without the straw. The more your pup rolls and flips the cup, the greater the chance treats will dispense from the lid’s opening. (If the hole in the lid is too small, you can use your xacto knife to cut the plastic and create a larger opening for your treats. A larger opening can also make the puzzle easier to solve.)

Step 4

Place the homemade puzzles into the bin with your dog’s favorite balls, chew toys and squeaky plushies. Sprinkle a few extra treats into the bin and let the fun begin! Watch your pup go from bored to heck-yeah! Best. Day. Ever.

As busy dog moms, we love that it only takes about 5 minutes to make. And just think how quickly you can spice things up again by swapping out the items with new puzzles and toys. Or simply stuff a few treats, peanut butter and apple slices into a KONG and toss it into the bin. There are so many creative ways to customize your dog’s busy box and keep them entertained!

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Don’t forget to share your pictures with us below or on Facebook. We always love seeing what you make for your furry best friends!

Want to see this LIVE VIDEO? Check it out HERE! https://youtu.be/gXQV8i3DUns

3 Comments
  • Aurora
    Posted at 19:12h, 28 April Reply

    I found this post when I needed it most! I’ve been on Amazon and Chewy today for longer than a grown woman should be, looking for dog toys, puzzles, and bowls. Now, I realize that I don’t have to buy anything to add to Magnum’s 25,000 toys. In fact, the thought came to me that he may be overstimulated because of my quest to entertain and engage him. Now, I can pick a day to make dog-toy soup every week!

    • Patti
      Posted at 21:11h, 28 April Reply

      Yay! So glad we could help. Creating a new mix of toys for his busy box each week sounds like a great idea. I’m sure Magnum will absolutely LOVE it!!!

  • Melissa Bruder LVT
    Posted at 07:06h, 10 December Reply

    BEWARE of putting treats in socks or any other fabric item, as some chewers could possibly end up eating the socks or fabric and you will then end up at an emergency hospital with your dog having to under-go emergency surgery to get those ietms out of the GI tract when they get stuck. Costing you $4000 or more!

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