DIY Spring Toys and Treats for Your Bernedoodle

Spring is here—and your Bernedoodle knows it. As flowers bloom and temperatures rise, this playful, affectionate breed is ready to soak up the sunshine with you. Whether your Bernedoodle is lounging in the backyard or running full tilt across the lawn, one thing is certain: they love to be active, challenged, and well-fed.

Bernedoodles are a cross between the intelligent, energetic Poodle and the calm, loyal Bernese Mountain Dog. This mix creates a dog that thrives on mental stimulation, physical activity, and quality time with their humans. And there’s no better way to satisfy all three than with DIY toys and homemade treats that are healthy, safe, and spring-inspired.

Let’s explore fun ways to keep your Bernedoodle engaged this season with homemade toys, wholesome snacks, and important safety tips for your springtime activities.

Why DIY Enrichment Is Ideal for Bernedoodles

Bernedoodles are highly intelligent and love solving problems, which makes them ideal candidates for interactive play. They’re also often large or medium-sized dogs with powerful jaws, strong sniffing instincts, and a lot of enthusiasm—so they benefit from enrichment that channels that energy constructively.

The Benefits of DIY for Bernedoodles:

• Tailored to their size and play style
• Engaging, chew-friendly designs
• Homemade treats with limited ingredients for sensitive stomachs
• Encourages bonding through shared activity
• Prevents boredom, anxiety, and destructive behaviors

Whether you’re working with a Standard, Mini, or Toy Bernedoodle, these ideas can be easily scaled to suit their size and needs.

DIY Spring Toys for Bernedoodles

These toy ideas are sturdy, stimulating, and safe for larger dogs with powerful play styles. Most require minimal supplies and can be made using everyday items from around your home.

1. Heavy-Duty Braided Tug Toy

Perfect for: Larger Bernedoodles who love to tug

Materials:

• 2–3 fleece blankets or heavy cotton t-shirts
• Scissors

Instructions:

1. Cut material into 2-inch-wide, 3-foot-long strips.
2. Braid tightly and tie knots at both ends.
3. For extra strength, double-braid multiple sections together.

💪 Bonus: Freeze for a cooling chew on warm days.

2. Spring Scavenger Bottle Game

Perfect for: Nose work and mental engagement

Materials:

• Empty plastic bottles
• A sturdy string or broomstick
• Treats or kibble

Instructions:

1. Poke holes in bottles (just large enough for kibble to fall through).
2. Thread bottles onto the broomstick or a suspended rope between two chairs.
3. Place treats inside and let your Bernedoodle bat them around to release food.

🧠 Ideal for high-energy dogs needing a mental challenge.

3. DIY Snuffle Mat

Perfect for: Rainy-day scent games and calming enrichment

Materials:

• Rubber sink mat or dish drying mat
• Polar fleece in spring colors

Instructions:

1. Cut fleece into 1×8-inch strips.
2. Tie each strip through the holes in the mat.
3. Fluff the fleece and hide dry treats or kibble inside.

📘 More about snuffle mats from Preventive Vet.

4. Oversized Muffin Tin Puzzle Game

Perfect for: Beginner enrichment and treat-hunting fun

Materials:

• Large muffin tin
• Tennis balls
• Treats or kibble

Instructions:

1. Place treats in a few of the muffin cups.
2. Cover each cup with a tennis ball.
3. Encourage your Bernedoodle to remove the balls to get to the snacks.

🧩 This game is mentally stimulating without being frustrating—great for puppies or first-time puzzlers.

DIY Spring Treats for Bernedoodles

Bernedoodles love food, but many are sensitive to rich ingredients or additives. These easy-to-make recipes are great for larger dogs, made with wholesome, seasonal ingredients, and can be stored for future use.

1. Banana Carrot Cookies

Great for: Daily training treats and crunchy snacking

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mashed banana
• ½ cup grated carrot
• 1 egg
• 1½ cups oat flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix ingredients into a thick dough.
3. Roll out and cut with a cookie cutter.
4. Bake for 20–25 minutes.

🥕 Carrots add fiber and texture while banana provides natural sweetness.

2. Frozen Berry Yogurt Bites

Great for: Cooling off after spring walks

Ingredients:

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cup fresh blueberries or strawberries
• Silicone molds

Instructions:

1. Blend ingredients until smooth.
2. Pour into molds and freeze for 4 hours.
3. Serve one at a time or use as training rewards.

📘 Discover which fruits are safe for dogs at AKC’s canine nutrition page.

3. Sweet Potato & Parsley Biscuits

Great for: Digestive health and fresh breath

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mashed sweet potato
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 cup whole wheat or oat flour

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients into a pliable dough.
2. Roll into small rounds and flatten.
3. Bake at 325°F for 25–30 minutes.

🌿 Parsley helps with breath, and sweet potato is packed with vitamins.

4. Apple Cinnamon Training Nibbles

Great for: Training and on-the-go snacks

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1½ cups oat flour
• ½ tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients into a soft dough.
2. Form into pea-sized pieces.
3. Bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until firm.

🍎 These treats are low in fat and high in flavor, ideal for extended training sessions.

📘 Find more ideas from The Humane Society’s treat recipe collection.

How to Store Homemade Treats Safely

Because DIY dog treats are free of preservatives, proper storage is key.

• Refrigerate soft or moist treats in airtight containers for 5–7 days.
• Freeze treats for up to 2 months in labeled containers or bags.
• Dry treats (biscuit-like) can be stored in a cool pantry for 10–14 days.

✅ Always check for mold, odor, or texture changes before feeding.

Spring Safety Tips for Bernedoodle Play and Treat Time

Springtime fun can come with some hidden hazards, especially for larger, curious dogs like Bernedoodles.

1. Allergies and Grooming

Spring pollen, grasses, and mold can cause skin or respiratory issues.

Symptoms include:

• Itchy paws or ears
• Sneezing or watery eyes
• Red belly or rashes

Wipe your dog’s paws and belly after yard time and keep grooming appointments regular, especially for curly or thick-coated Bernedoodles.

2. Avoid Toxic Plants and Mulch

Many spring plants are beautiful but toxic to dogs.

Dangerous plants include:

• Tulips
• Daffodils
• Hyacinths
• Azaleas

Avoid cocoa mulch (contains theobromine) and fertilizers with blood or bone meal.

📘 Use the ASPCA’s Plant Toxicity Guide to check your garden.

3. Supervise DIY Toys and Outdoor Play

Bernedoodles are strong chewers—so even tough DIY toys may break down faster.

Safety tips:

• Monitor for fraying or torn fabric
• Remove toys with loose stuffing or hard edges
• Keep an eye on puzzle toys with removable parts

Rotate toys weekly to maintain interest and reduce wear.

Make Springtime Enrichment Memorable

DIY toys and treats are more than just entertainment—they’re opportunities for bonding and boosting your Bernedoodle’s well-being.

Try these spring ideas:

• Pack DIY treats for a hiking adventure or dog park visit
• Set up an outdoor sniffari with snuffle mats and toy hides
• Create a “puppy picnic” with your Bernedoodle and dog-friendly friends
• Design a mini agility course with tunnels, jump bars, and treat stations

These experiences strengthen your bond and provide healthy, structured stimulation.

Enrich Your Bernedoodle’s Spring with DIY Joy

Spring is the season of growth, and your Bernedoodle deserves to blossom too—with exciting toys, delicious homemade treats, and shared moments of play and connection.

From frozen berry bites to braided tug toys, your DIY efforts will satisfy your Bernedoodle’s mind, body, and heart.

Your Bernedoodle DIY Spring Checklist:

✅ Strong, chew-safe homemade toys
✅ Nutrient-packed DIY snacks
✅ Spring safety practices in the yard
✅ Seasonal grooming and allergy care
✅ Bonding moments with enrichment play

📎 External Resources

1. Benefits of Snuffle Mats
2. AKC: Can Dogs Eat Strawberries?
3. Humane Society: Make Your Own Pet Treats