What is a calculator dog toy? Find out why this unique plaything keeps dogs happily busy.

So, you're probably wondering about this calculator dog toy I mentioned. Sounds a bit weird, right? Well, let me tell you how that happened.

Where the Idea Came From

It wasn't some grand plan, really. I had this old, chunky calculator lying around. You know the type, big buttons, basic screen, probably from the early 2000s? It didn't even work properly anymore. Was about to toss it.

But then I saw my dog, Buster, chewing on one of those hard plastic toys with the nubs. And he just loves pushing things with his nose. The big buttons on the calculator suddenly looked like... well, something he might enjoy pushing.

Disclaimer: Obviously, giving a dog a real calculator is a terrible idea. Batteries, sharp bits, small parts – big no-no. This needed some serious modification.

Getting Started: The Teardown

First things first, I had to take the thing apart. Found my trusty small screwdrivers. Honestly, getting the case open without snapping the plastic clips was the hardest part. They really build those things to stay shut.

• Pulled out all the screws.
• Carefully pried the casing open.
• Gutted everything inside – the circuit board, the screen, the battery compartment. All of it went straight into the electronics recycling bin.

What I was left with was the plastic shell – the front with the button holes and the back cover. And, importantly, the rubbery button sheet and the plastic button caps. Those felt like the key parts for Buster.

Making it Dog-Friendly (and Fun)

Okay, so I had the plastic bits. Now what?

Safety first. I washed the plastic parts thoroughly with soap and water. Got rid of any dust or grime. Then I checked really carefully for any sharp edges where the plastic might have snapped or from the manufacturing. Sanded down a couple of spots just to be safe.

The button sheet – that rubbery thing – seemed pretty chew-resistant, but the individual plastic button caps worried me. They could pop out and become a choking hazard.

My solution? Glue. I used a non-toxic, strong adhesive to basically glue the rubber button sheet firmly to the inside of the front calculator casing. Then, I glued each plastic button cap into its spot on the rubber sheet. The idea was to make it one solid, non-removable button panel.

Then, I thought about making it more appealing. A plain plastic shell isn't that exciting.

• Squeakers! I managed to wedge a couple of small, flat squeakers inside the empty shell before closing it up. Placed them right under the button area.
• Closing it up. Instead of relying on the original clips (which felt weak now), I used more of that non-toxic glue to seal the front and back casing together permanently. Had to clamp it and let it dry overnight.

The Grand Reveal (and Buster's Verdict)

So, the next day, I had this... thing. A lightweight, sealed plastic box shaped like a calculator, with buttons that didn't do anything except press down a bit and maybe, just maybe, activate a squeaker.

I presented it to Buster. He gave it a good sniff. Nudged it with his nose. Then he picked it up and trotted off to his bed.

He actually seemed to like pressing the buttons! Maybe it was the slight give, maybe he could hear the faint squeak sometimes. He hasn't destroyed it yet, which is saying something for him. He mostly pushes it around and mouths the buttons.

Was it a total success? I mean, it's not his favorite toy ever. But it was a fun way to spend an afternoon, I upcycled some junk, and he gets some enrichment out of it. It’s bulky, doesn’t roll well, and the squeakers only work if he hits the exact right spot. Kinda useless in many ways.

But hey, I made a calculator dog toy. It exists. And it didn't immediately fall apart or poison the dog. I'll call that a win.