A bored dog will create it's own fun and often it will be something you don't like!
Food puzzles are a great way for your dog to earn their daily meal and figuring out how to get the food will not only teach them how to use their noodle but draining their brain tires them out!
Creating and fabricating is an outlet that makes me feel good, so I choose to build rather than buy when I can - even if the project turns out not so fabulous!
For this project I used plumbing PVC from Lowe’s - our local home improvement/ building supply store.
** The name "Schedule 40" indicates the thickness of the pipes and Lowe's item names are simply schedule 40 adapter etc. If you don't see "Schedule 40" at your store, simply find the right size fittings for your pipe.
Materials list
1 ea. - 2” PVC Pipe 2 foot length or 2 one foot long pipes
2 ea. - 2” PVC Schedule 40 Adapter - Female threads on one end
2 ea. - 2” Schedule 40 Plug - Threaded cap
2 ea. - 2” Schedule 40 Cap
Tools list
15/32” Drill bit - You may need a larger drill depending on the kibble/treat size
¼” Drill bit
Drill
Wood or other material to protect your work surface - the drill can go through the entire pipe!
Tape Measure
Marker
⅝” - 2 ⅛” Pipe Cutter - You can also use a Sawzall (Reciprocating Saw)
Sandpaper
Optional -
Vise or other way to hold the pipe while you cut it.
Steps
Measure, mark and cut your pipe to 12". ** Skip this step if you got 2 one foot pipes**
2. Mark where you want the holes (I started with neat, uniform intentions) OR you can drill willy-nilly (how it ended)!
Protect your work surface (the drill can go through the entire pipe!) with wood or other material you don't mind damaging. Ideally I would have used the vise to hold the pipe however the pressure I used pushed it out and I was unable to hold it and drill at the same time - (Pivot!)
Using the 1/4" bit, drill pilot holes into the pipe. Switch over to the 15/32" bit and drill out the same holes making them large enough for kibble to fall through.
I first went straight in with the 15/32" bit, but found it kept slipping on the curve of the pipe. It took much less time (and less stress!) to drill smaller pilot holes first.
If you don't have that struggle, you can save time by skipping the pilot hole.
3. Sand all the rough edges and wash all pieces
4. Assemble the dispenser by pushing the cap on one end and the threaded adapter onto the other.
PVC glue is not necessary, nor is it something you want your dog ingesting.
To Use:
Spin off the cap and fill with your dog's daily meal.
Show them the toy and encourage them to investigate using their nose. If this game is new to your dog and they are not getting it after a few minutes, you can help them out by moving it around and showing them how to get the food.
Be patient and let them use their brain to work it out.
Be willing to let them skip this meal if they keep walking away from it.
Wash after each use.
This simple game teaches your dog to use their nose, investigate new objects (and environments) and hunt for their food!
It's also a great way to help noise phobic dogs build confidence around loud, clunky objects.
xoxo
-J