Your best homemade Doodle toy?

[Sandy]

Today I took an empty 710 ml pop bottle (plastic), and threw in a handful of dry kibble. He needs to eat anyway, right? Well, he is currently chasing that thing all over the house. The only mess is a few pieces of dry kibble scattered about, he's getting exercise, and he's busy. Obviously, I left the lid off so the right chasing/tipping motion will result in a kibble reward. Any more good ideas out there?

[Oliver]

empty mayo/peanut butter jars are fun because they roll so he kicks and spins them on their side and he can pick them up to carry them somewhere.

[Nicole Wayne]

Mazie loves to play with plastic water bottles, but at 18 months and 90 lbs, she destroys them in mere moments. I have to take them away when they get sharp or plastic starts to come off. We did find a suitable bottle option for her, though, so I thought I'd share with the group. We buy juice in a gigantic bottle with a handle-thingy carved into the side for ease of pouring (I imagine that's what it's for) and those things are strong! They stand up to her chewing and she loves the handle because it's the only part that fits in her mouth and makes the toy portable. It is a perfect big, tough, toy and it's free (well, we pay for the juice, but you know what I mean!) Another plus? Unlike smaller bottles, it won't roll off the deck because it can't fit under the lowest deck rail. Mazie loves to hang out on the deck, play with her giant bottle, watch the neighbors, the neighborhood cats, the birds, she even loves to watch the leaves blow around. Sometimes she just stands there, paws up on the railing, letting the breeze blow through her fur. It's so cute to watch because she thinks she's in her own little world out there. And then she lets us know when she's ready to come in.

[Gail & Max]

Thanks for the tip, I tried it out this morning and he seems to enjoy it. Its good because as long as you hear the plastic being chewed, you know what they are doing.

[Lake Girl, Lizette]

Lauren,
I used to do this with our springers...but then I read something negative about doing it and the behavior that could result. I wish I could remeber what it was. I just remember that I stopped doing it because of what I read. It has been so many years ago can't remember what it said or where I learned about it. I just remember telling the family not to do it anymore. Let me know if you find out anything. Personally I would be cautious using a laser pointer but not as worried with a flashlight. I also remember my oldest dog got real hyper and barked a lot. My Molly loves to chase leaves blowing in the grass or driveway.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

We tried the bottle toy but within 10 minutes she chewed a hole in the bottom of the bottle. I was so hoping this would work.

[Nicole Wayne]

Since Mazie is already playing with plastic bottles, I decided to give the kibble idea a try. She LOVED it. She played with that bottle until she got every single piece of kibble out and then flopped onto the floor, exhausted. It was great! And now we have a new method of keeping her engaged if we need to. Thanks Sandy!

[Sandy]

No problem! We doodle people have to stick together. :) Anything that will keep my dog busy for even 15 or 20 minutes is a good thing.

[Lake Girl, Lizette]

Hi Everyone. I included in my page the favorite toys an small empty water bottle with the lid on and I put it in one of my socks and tie it. Molly spends tons of time chewing and listeing to it crackle but can't get to the bottle or hurt herself. I replace it when it is almost chewed down. I also gave her a small hard plastic bowl from my outdoor/pool dishes and she will be her foot inside and slide all over the carpet, flip it and do the same thing. She has entertained us several times with her antics moving the bowl all over the house.