DIY Tennis Ball Treat Puzzle for Dogs

A DIY tennis ball treat puzzle is one of the easiest and most effective enrichment toys you can make at home. This simple project takes about 10 minutes to complete and encourages your dog to use problem-solving skills like rolling, playing, and nudging to get the hidden treats out. It also promotes physical development, as your dog will need to interact with the tennis ball to release the treats inside. The treat puzzle is designed to engage your dog’s mind while also giving them a fun experience, making it perfect for dogs of all ages and sizes. In this guide, I will walk you through step-by-step instructions to make your treat-dispensing tennis ball, providing your dog with an enriching toy that’s affordable and easy to create.

Safety

When using the utility knife to cut the tennis ball, work on a stable surface and keep your fingers clear of the blade. Cut slowly and carefully with a sharp knife to avoid any accidents, and store the knife safely out of reach when finished. 

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1. Tennis ball 
2. Utility knife
3. Small dog treats or kibble 
4. Marker
5. Protective surface 

1. Gather all necessary materials 
2. Ensure tennis ball is clean and dry
3. Choose treats that are small enough to fit into the tennis ball 

1. Take a marker a draw an “X” shape on one side of the tennis ball where you plan to make the cut. The “X” should be around 1 inch long for small treats and kibble to fit. 

1. Place the tennis ball on a stable surface 
2. Using the utility knife carefully cut along the lines of the “X” thats marked 
3. Apply pressure to ensure clean cut but be careful not to cut yourself 
4. The flaps of the “X” will naturally fold inward, creating a small opening
5. Ensure that the cuts are deep enough to create an opening for the treats but not too big that they fall out too easily

1. After the cutting done, gently press on the “X” to check how the flaps fold inward 
2.  This ensures that the hole is open enough for your dog to smell the treat 
3. If the hole is too tigh, you can make the cuts slightly longer but avoid making it too large where the treats fall out quickly.

1. Fill the ball with small treats 
2. Insert just enough treats to keep your dog engaged without overfilling