Making this tin-can dog is a perfect project for you and your kids to do together. Almost everything you need can be found in your tool chest, kitchen cabinet, and recycling bin. Use a smooth-edge can opener to prevent any injuries, or rub jagged edges with emery paper prior to assembly.

Tools and Materials
Large can (such as one that held crushed or whole tomatoes)
Small can (such as one that held kidney beans)
Smooth-edge can opener
Drill, with 3/16-inch drill bit
No. 8 bolt with nut
Extension spring
4 small casters
Liquid Nails adhesive
Heavy-duty peel-and-stick Velcro
Emery paper
Two 1/2-inch cable straps
Bolts, washers, and wing nuts
Metallic scouring pad
Pipe clamp
Large flat magnet
Red horseshoe magnet

Tin-Can Robot Dog How-To
1. Open one end of each can with a smooth-edge can opener. Use the larger can for the body, the smaller for the head. For the tail, drill two small holes near the open end of the large can; insert a bolt through the hole and fasten with a nut. Slide the extension spring over the bolt, and secure it through the second hole by hooking it from the inside out.

2. For the legs: Glue the wheels of the casters in place with adhesive, so they don't swivel; attach to the underside of the body with Velcro.

3. For the ears: Drill two holes halfway up the side of the small can, about 1 1/2 inches apart. Smooth the edges with the emery paper. Affix a cable strap at each hole using a bolt, a washer, and a wing nut, which is fastened inside the can. The bolts that secure the ears will be the eyes. Use a rubber washer over the aluminum one to give the dog a "spot" around one of the eyes.

4. Drill a hole in the small can opposite the eyes and a corresponding hole in the tail-side of the large can. Place a pipe clamp around a scouring pad to create a neck with a collar. Attach the head to the body with a long bolt and wing nut: Insert the bolt from inside the small can, through the scouring pad and clamp, and into the larger can; secure with the wing nut.

5. Use the flat magnet for the nose and the horseshoe for the tongue.