10 DIY Projects to Make For Your Dog

Laying your dog's comfy cushion on a raised platform can help protect them from draughts. Old pallets can make an effective raised dog base, with only a few cuts to make it the right size.

You will need:

• An old pallet these can often be picked up free of charge from large stores that have regular bulk deliveries
• Sandpaper, or an electric sander
• A hand saw or electric saw
• An electric drill, if you want to attach sides
• Pet safe paint, colour of your choice (optional)

Instructions:

• Decide on the size of the bed, according to the size of your dog, and cut off the planks/slats you do not need from the pallet. Keep them intact if you want to make a headboard or sides for the bed.
• Using the sandpaper/electric sander, smooth off any rough areas or splinters from the pallets.
• Using the discarded planks/slats, place these at right angles to one end of the base to make a headboard, making it high enough to support a cushion. Use your electric drill to screw the planks/slats on securely.
• Do the same on two more sides if you want to make the cushion extra secure. Leave the front open to allow your dog easy access.
• Paint the pallet to the colour of your choice or to match your room decor.
• Lay your dog's favourite cushion/bed inside and watch them cuddle up!

3. Dog Cushion

Recycle your old single duvet and duvet cover into a super-comfy cushion for your pooch. Your dog will love this, particularly as it will have your scent all over it.

You will need:

• An old, single, duvet make sure it is not made of feather or down as this can be hazardous to your dog if they like to chew. Polyester or other man-made fibres are safer
• An old, single, duvet cover if you want to keep their bed fresh, use multiple duvet covers and rotate them regularly
• Sewing machine
• A zip, the same width as the final cushion size.

Instructions:

• Fold the duvet up into the right size for your dog remember to leave enough space for them to stretch out.
• If necessary, cut the duvet cover width to match the size of your cushion, remembering to allow for a larger depth. If you have decided to make the cushion the same width as the duvet cover, you need only cut to the required length of the cushion..
• Use your sewing machine to stitch up three sides of the duvet cover (if necessary), leaving the fourth side open.
• Sew your zip into the fourth side. A zip is more secure than buttons or poppers, which your dog can chew.
• Insert the folded duvet into the cover and zip it up.
• Lay it in your dog's favourite corner of the room, or pop it into your newly built raised dog bed (above).

4. Quick Dog Bed From Old Sweater

This project might be more practical for small dog breeds unless you wear extra large jumpers!

You will need:

• A large old sweater
• Sewing machine
• Stuffing made from old t-shirts/blankets/clothes

Instructions:

• Using your sewing machine, stitch up the neck hole.
• Next, stitch up around the cuffs of the sweater.
• Stuff the body and arms of the sweater with old t-shirts/blankets until it is bulked out.
• Stitch the bottom of the sweater together to secure everything inside.
• At shoulder height, fold the arms across the body of the sweater, putting one on top of the other and stitch them together by hand to form an ‚Äòarm pillow' across the top of the bed.

Your pooch will love their new DIY bed, particularly as it has your scent all over it!

5. Tug Toy

Dogs love to play tug of war as it plays to their natural instincts of capturing and shaking prey so try making them their own DIY tug toy.

You will need:

• An old t-shirt
• A pair of scissors

Instructions:

• Cut away all seams or edges from the t-shirt.
• Lay the t-shirt flat and snip marker points along the bottom edge at about 5-6 cm (2 inches) apart.
• Cut 50-60 cm (24 inches) strips from the length of the t-shirt, following your marker points. The longer the length of the strip, the longer the tug-toy will be.
• Stretch each strip by pulling it from each end. This will make the material curl.
• Take 3 strips and tie them in a knot together at one end. If you want a thicker tug-toy, double up on each strip.
• Braid them together, like plaiting your hair, leaving about 8cm (3 inches) from the end.
• Tie another knot to secure the braid.
• Get tugging!

6. Puzzle Feeders

Puzzle feeders are a great way to keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated. Here are two quick ideas that you can make in mere minutes!

• Get yourself an empty plastic bottle and punch holes in it make sure they are large enough to let your dog's kibble or treats out. File down any sharp edges on the holes. Then fill the bottle with kibble or treats (or a mixture) and screw the lid on your dog will soon work out that if they roll the bottle around the treats will fall out.
• Using an old muffin tray, place some kibble or treats in the tray and lodge some tennis balls on top. Pawing the balls out of the tray will release the treat.

7. A Snuffle Mat

This is an especially good idea if your dog is a hound breed that likes to sniff things out.

You will need:

• A small anti-fatigue mat with holes already punched through
• Sharp scissors
• Different colours of fleece/fabric (shades of yellow and blue are good for dogs)

Instructions:

• Cut the fabric into strips of the same length each approximately 18 cm long (7 inches). Cut one strip for each hole.
• Tie a double knot at one end of each strip, large enough not to pull through the hole. Feed through alternate holes on one side of the mat.
• Put another knot at the other end of the strip.
• Turn the mat over and repeat the process, filling in the remaining holes.

Hide your dog's food or favourite treats in the snuffle mat and let them forage!

8. Classy Dog Toy Box

You will need:

• Wooden crate talk to your local wine shop or use an ordinary crate
• A pencil
• A jigsaw
• Sandpaper
• Paint or non-toxic pet-safe wood stain

Instructions:

• Draw the shape of an opening on one long side of the box. Ensure this is low and wide and enough so your dog can reach the toys.
• With your jigsaw, cut out the shape of the opening along your pencil line.
• Smooth the box over with your sander, particularly the area you have just cut out.
• Paint or stain the box to suit your decor and perhaps use some doggie stencils to decorate it.
• Fill it with your dog's favourite toys!

9. Frozen Peanut Butter and Yoghurt Treats

You will need:

• 125 g Peanut Butter (no xylitol). The peanut butter can be substituted with unsweetened apple puree or apple sauce.
• 900 ml vanilla yoghurt
• Saucepan
• Small silicone freezer moulds/ice tray

Instructions:

• Melt the peanut butter slowly in the saucepan.
• Remove from the heat and stir in the yoghurt.
• Pour the mixture into silicone moulds, leave to cool and then freeze.
• When frozen, remove from the moulds, store in an airtight container and return to the freezer.