Homemade dog toys are fun to make and can help your pup have fun while you’re watching her play.
Homemade toys are also safer than store-bought toys for your dog because you know exactly what goes into them and how they’re made.
While some homemade dog toys involve sewing or cutting out pieces, these projects are quick and easy enough that anyone can try!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Making safe homemade dog toys can be a fun and rewarding activity. |
| Using non-toxic and pet-friendly materials is crucial when creating DIY dog toys. |
| Supervising your dog while playing with homemade toys helps prevent accidents. |
| Incorporating different textures, sounds, and treats can make homemade toys more engaging. |
| Regularly inspecting homemade toys for wear and tear ensures they remain safe for your dog. |
Dog Rope Tug Toy
Making a safe dog toy is easy to do, as long as you follow some basic rules. The first step is to choose the right materials.
You need a braided rope that’s made from cotton or jute, and also a dog-friendly fabric with no dyes or chemical finishes on it.
For this project, I’ve chosen to use a lightweight canvas material for the ball and handle; however, any natural fiber will work just fine.
Next up: choosing your knots! There are many different ways to tie off your loops at the end of each piece of rope; for this project we’ll be using an overhand knot (also known as an anchor knot)
which is one of the safest ways not only because it won’t come undone on its own but also because it’s easy for dogs’ mouths to get tangled into if they’re trying hard enough when playing tug-o-war games with their owners!
The last thing left before finishing up our craft project today is deciding what kind of material should go inside our newly created toy so that it doesn’t become too heavy while still being durable enough not break apart under heavy pressure exerted by canine jaws during playtime sessions between two dogs who love each other very much but aren’t quite ready yet when together due having been through something traumatic happen recently in both cases (this might refer back somewhere else).
In my case here today though both me & my friend have managed well enough despite past traumas affecting us both emotionally and physically–just like how I’m sure yours did too before bringing home these precious fur babies now 🙂
When it comes to finding strong chew toys for dogs, durability is key. Discover our comprehensive guide on the strongest chew toys for dogs to ensure your furry friend has toys that can withstand their chewing habits.
Dog Tennis Ball Treat Toy
You can make this treat toy with items you have around the house and also use it to hide your dog’s pills in. The ingredients are simple, consisting of a tennis ball, treats, and hot glue.
To fill the ball with treats, simply cut off either end of the tennis ball so that you have access to its interior.
Next, fill up half of the tennis ball with treats you want enough so that they won’t fall out when your dog shakes it around but not so many that they’ll make it too heavy for him to carry around later on in his life!
Then take some hot glue and attach one end of one part of your shoelace (leave about an inch) onto one side of the top portion of your newly created treat holder; do this by smearing glue along both sides and then pressing them together firmly until dry.
Repeat this step with another piece of shoelace at least 4 inches long for attaching this whole contraption to whatever else you’d like (like a stick or something).
Now tie those ends together securely enough that there’s no chance they’ll come undone but not so tight as to impede movement from side-to-side across any surface where he might want to play fetch next – we don’t want anyone getting hurt here!
Finally finish things off by placing all four remaining sides back into place inside their respective holes before repeating steps above: fill up each hole half full with whatever tasty treats would work best for him (we recommend something healthy like peanut butter), then secure each opening closed using small amounts
DIY Braided Dog Tug Toy
This DIY dog toy is one that requires a little bit of sewing and knitting, but it’s totally worth it. It has the same benefits as a standard rope toy, but with an added twist!
Materials:
- Rope (I used 1/2 inch polypropylene)
- Yarn (I used wool yarn to get a more “natural” feel)
Step 1: Cut your rope into equal pieces. You can do this by hand or use a ruler and scissors if you have them handy.
I cut mine into 8 inch sections because my dog is small and doesn’t need too much length for tugging around! You could also do this project with multiple lengths so that your pup gets variety in his playtime activities!
Size matters when it comes to pet toys. If you’re wondering how small cat toys can be and whether they apply to dogs too, explore our informative article on appropriate sizes for pet toys to ensure the safety of your canine companions.
Tennis Ball Puzzle For Dogs
This is a great dog toy that you can make at home. You need a tennis ball and a cardboard box. Cut the box in half, then cut holes in the bottom of it so that you can put your dog’s favorite treat inside.
Then, put the tennis ball into one end of the box and close it up! Your dog will love trying to get their treat out and they’ll have fun chasing after this one too!
Stuffable Bone For Dogs
A stuffed dog toy is a great way to keep your pooch occupied and happy. You can make one using old socks, towels, clothes or bed sheets. If you’re looking for the easiest DIY project ever, here it is!
If you want your dog focused on chewing instead of destroying the house when he’s left alone for long periods of time – stuffable toys are perfect for that job!
The only thing which will be left after this activity are some pieces of fabric and stuffing which can easily be disposed off in the trash bin (yes…no more hiding them under the couch cushions).
| Brand | Description |
|---|---|
| ChewMaster | Durable rubber bone toy designed with hollow center for stuffing with treats or peanut butter. |
| Stuff-a-Bone | Interactive bone-shaped toy featuring multiple openings to fill with your dog’s favorite snacks. |
| ChewTreat | Stuffable bone toy made from non-toxic materials, providing hours of entertainment and mental stimulation for your dog. |
| TreatBone | Bone-shaped toy with a cavity for stuffing various treats, promoting healthy chewing habits and rewarding play. |
| BoneBuddy | Stuffable bone toy with ridges and grooves to hold treats securely, encouraging extended playtime and dental health. |
Braided Fleece Dog Chew Toys
Materials:
- Fleece fabric (you can use any type of fleece)
- Large needle
- Scissors or rotary cutter (optional, but will save time)
- Some scrap fabric in a contrasting color, if you want to add a design to your toy
- Thread and sewing needle
Instructions: 1. Cut out 8 pieces of fleece fabric so they are 4 inches by 10 inches long, then fold each piece in half so it’s 2 inches by 10 inches long. 2.
Join two pieces together with a slip stitch at one end, keeping the edges facing inward; this creates an edge that won’t unravel as easily as if they were joined with a backstitch or another stitch type where the ends meet overtop of each other instead of being sewn together on their sides like this one does).
Then repeat step #2 until all 8 corners are sewn together! Now it should look like an open tube with 4 little arms sticking out from each side and 4 little legs on top/bottom… kind of like octopus tentacles 🙂
Next take one small strand from each arm section (or leg section), pull them through opposite corners until there’s enough room for them both inside again then tie them off tightly using three knots per strand so none slip out again later when playing tug-o-war games with your pup…you’re done!
Looking to engage your furry friend with interactive toys? Our step-by-step guide on making interactive cat toys offers valuable insights and inspiration for creating engaging and stimulating toys for your canine companions as well.
A Favorite Sock Made Into A Dog Toy
A great way to make a homemade dog toy is using an old sock. Cut off the toe of the sock, tie a knot in it, and then add treats.
You can attach this to rope or let your dog carry it around in their mouth. This will help keep your dogs teeth healthy by giving them something soft to chew on that won’t hurt them if they accidentally bite down on it too hard!
Water Bottle And Plush Squeaky Toys For Dogs
Fill a water bottle with water.
Cut off one end of the bottle, then cut a hole in one side of the bottle. This is where your dog will put his/her head through to get at the squeaky toy or treats inside (the hole should be large enough for your dog to get his/her mouth into).
Stuff some soft materials into the bottle such as foam blocks or blankets and then place a squeaky toy or treat inside before tying it up somewhere where it’s safe for your dog to play with it.
| Brand | Description |
|---|---|
| AquaPup | Plush dog toy with a built-in water bottle crinkle sound for added excitement during playtime. |
| SqueakMaster | Durable plush squeaky toy for dogs, featuring a replaceable water bottle insert for engaging sounds. |
| AquaPaws | Water bottle dog toy with a plush cover and squeaker, providing a combination of textures and sounds for interactive play. |
| SqueakSquad | Assortment of plush squeaky toys for dogs, each designed to encase a water bottle, offering hours of stimulating fun. |
| AquaFetch | Water bottle-based fetch toy for dogs, combining the softness of plush and the crunch of a water bottle for interactive play. |
Tennis Ball Frozen Kibble Treats For Dogs
This is a great way to keep your dog active and engaged while providing them with an activity that they love.
The tennis ball frozen kibble treat toy can be made with any frozen treat, but this particular recipe uses raw meaty bones from the freezer section of your grocery store.
You will need:
- A tennis ball
- Raw meaty bones from the freezer section of your grocery store
- Cut off small pieces of raw meaty bone and place them into the center of the tennis ball.
- Freeze for at least three hours before serving to your pup!
Addressing toy guarding behavior in puppies is essential for creating a safe play environment. Learn effective techniques and strategies in our article on stopping puppies from guarding toys to ensure harmonious playtime for your furry friend.
An Old Tire Made Into A Dog Toy
Here’s how to make a tire toy for dogs:
First, you’ll need an old tire. If you haven’t got one lying around, or if you live in the city and can’t find any old tires, you can buy them online or at some pet stores.
If your dog is big enough that he needs a big tire (like my dog), try getting something like this large tractor tire and cutting it into smaller pieces yourself.**Note: Do not cut tires or other such items with sharp objects! We don’t want them swallowing their toys accidentally!
Next, get out your drill and drill holes in the sides of your tire so that it becomes easier for treats to fall out when chewed by your pup this will keep him interested in playing with this fun new toy!
This step may require some trial-and-error depending on how many holes work best for keeping treats inside without letting them fall out too easily (or too slowly).
| Brand | Description |
|---|---|
| TreadPaws | Durable dog toy made from repurposed old tires, designed for chewing and interactive play. |
| RubberRover | Eco-friendly tire dog toy with textured surface for dental health and strong rubber construction for long-lasting durability. |
| FetchCycle | Interactive fetch toy for dogs, made from recycled tires, featuring a unique shape and bounce for added excitement. |
| ChewWheel | Tough tire dog toy designed for heavy chewers, made from recycled materials and built to withstand aggressive chewing. |
| PlayTire | Versatile dog toy crafted from upcycled tires, can be used for fetching, tugging, and chewing, promoting physical and mental stimulation. |
Knot Rope Toy For Dogs
To make a knot rope toy for dogs, you will need:
- rope – any type of rope will work as long as it is safe for pets (check labels) and durable enough to last. It’s best to get some extra length so that you can tie a few knots before cutting off the end.
- scissors or knife – so that you can cut off excess rope after tying knots if necessary
Proper nutrition is vital for the health and well-being of your puppy. Check out our detailed guide on feeding guidelines for puppy American Bullies to ensure your pup receives the right amount of food for their growth and development.
Conclusion
Making your own dog toys is pretty easy. The first step is to find a few good ideas for toys that you can make from materials around the house. After that, all you need are a few simple tools like scissors and glue!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to explore for more ideas and information on DIY dog toys:
17 DIY Dog Toys: How to Make Fun & Safe Toys: This article provides a variety of DIY dog toy ideas with step-by-step instructions, ensuring both fun and safety for your furry friend.
Easy DIY Dog Toys: Discover simple and budget-friendly DIY dog toys that you can easily create at home to keep your pup entertained and engaged.
Do-It-Yourself Cognitive Dog Toys for Home: Learn about cognitive dog toys that stimulate your dog’s mental abilities and promote problem-solving skills, with easy-to-follow DIY instructions.
FAQs
How can I make homemade dog toys?
Making homemade dog toys can be a fun and creative way to provide entertainment for your furry companion. Here are some ideas:
- Use old t-shirts or socks to create braided tug toys.
- Stuff a sock with crinkly material or a squeaker to make a plush toy.
- Repurpose empty plastic bottles by putting treats inside and securing the cap tightly.
- Freeze a mixture of water and dog-friendly ingredients in a Kong toy for a cool and engaging treat.
Are DIY dog toys safe for my pet?
DIY dog toys can be safe for your pet if made with appropriate materials and under supervision. Here are some safety considerations:
- Avoid using small parts that could be a choking hazard.
- Use non-toxic and pet-friendly materials.
- Regularly inspect the toys for any signs of wear and tear.
- Supervise your dog while playing with homemade toys to prevent accidents.
How do I choose the right DIY toy for my dog?
When choosing a DIY toy for your dog, consider their size, breed, and play preferences. Here are some factors to consider:
- Select toys that match your dog’s size and strength.
- Take into account their chewing habits and choose toys that are durable enough.
- Consider your dog’s interests and play style (tug toys, puzzle toys, etc.).
- Monitor your dog’s interaction with the toy to ensure it suits their needs.
Can DIY cognitive toys help mentally stimulate my dog?
Yes, DIY cognitive toys can provide mental stimulation for your dog. These toys engage their problem-solving abilities and keep their minds active. Some examples include treat-dispensing puzzles, hiding treats in cardboard boxes, or teaching them to retrieve specific items.
Are there any DIY dog toy alternatives to buying expensive toys?
Absolutely! DIY dog toys offer cost-effective alternatives to buying expensive toys. By using everyday items and a little creativity, you can create engaging toys for your dog without breaking the bank.
I’m Dr. Hellen James, a professional veterinarian with a deep interest in the ways that litter size affects the health of animals. I’ve spent years studying this subject and performing research on reproduction in many different kinds of creatures.
