How to Make Toys for Dogs in the Backyard

If you leave Gromit in the backyard and find he's destroyed it, try enriching his environment. Your pet companion is most likely acting up because he's bored and has pent-up energy to burn. He might resort to digging, barking and inappropriate chewing to entertain himself. Providing your dog with toys to play with in the yard can keep him entertained. Instead of buying toys, save your money and make the toys yourself. Rotate Gromit's toys periodically so he doesn't get bored with them.

Cut small holes in an empty, plastic water bottle with a pair of scissors. Make the holes large enough so treats can fall through them. You can make many holes for easy release of the treats or you can make only a few holes for a greater challenge.

Remove the cap from the bottle and fill it with a variety of dog treats. Put the cap back on the bottle and secure it with duct tape.

Give your dog the bottle when he's in the backyard and let him play with it. As he rolls and pounces on the bottle, the treats will fall out and serve as an instant reinforcement of his good behavior.

Wash and dry a pair of old tube socks.

Line the socks up and knot them together or partially fill them with some dry dog food. Alternatively put one or two tennis balls in a sock and make a knot in the end.

Show the sock toy to your pet companion and encourage him to play with it in the backyard. You might have to throw the sock toy to encourage your dog to go after it or hold one end in your hand and allow him to tug the other end.

Fill an empty kiddie pool with water if it's hot outside and your dog enjoys playing in water. Select an area of the yard to put it in.

Get your dog's attention and drop an apple, pieces of carrot or dog treats in the water. Your pet companion will bob for the treats.

Fill the kiddie pool with about 6 inches of sand instead of water if your dog has a digging fetish. Shallowly hide dog bones and treats in the sand and encourage your dog to dig for treasure. Redirect your dog to the digging pit each time you catch him digging in an inappropriate area.