Keep your pup entertained without spending big with DIY materials – they make making playthings for your dog easy and cost effective! With these ideas you can craft engaging games for them at home!
One of the easiest and cost-effective eco-friendly DIY options involves upcycling old clothing. Converting old T-shirts, jeans, or bedsheets into rope toys for your pet reduces textile waste while giving these garments new purpose in life.
1. Rope Toy
If your pup loves tug of war, make this DIY rope toy with ease! Simply thread some bungee cord through PVC pipe and loop it around a stick – creating a toy which will both delight both of you.
If your pup loves plastic bottles, be sure to give him something he’ll really love: an upcycled T-shirt or fabric (see Hands Occupied’s tutorial) can create the illusion that this DIY bottle toy came right off the supermarket shelf!
Crafters can turn old T-shirts that have been collecting dust in the closet into a fun toy with this no sew braided DIY rope toy plan. Experiment with different fabrics for an interesting design!
Interacting with toys that challenge your pup to use his or her problem-solving abilities is an excellent way to keep their mind active while building strong bonds between you and other members of the household. Just make sure the size of any DIY plush puzzle toys or crafts fit with their specific dimensions – something suitable for a kitten or smaller breed could pose a choking hazard for larger breeds!
2. Sock Ball
Recycled fabric toys not only reduce textile waste but are an eco-friendly way to provide mental stimulation for your pup. You can even transform t-shirts and flannel PJs that have lost their appeal into engaging toys by cutting into strips and braiding them together into long ropes or strips.
Created without sewing and using only minimal supplies (socks (preferably sports ones) and tennis ball), creating a sock ball is an easy DIY dog project that requires no sewing at all! Simply stuff the sock with more socks or fabric scraps before tying off at its end before adding the tennis ball for some physical stimulation as an enjoyable chew toy that also offers physical stimulation for your pup!
Make an engaging toy out of an ordinary plastic water bottle to help your dog keep his or her teeth clean and healthy! Find an empty soda or juice container, cut holes into it, fill it with your dog’s favorite treat and watch them work to access it – an exercise both mentally and physically for them!
3. Flirt Pole
A flirt pole provides an effective means for pet owners to help their pup work on impulse control and build obedience during high arousal situations, while providing physical exercise essential for overall body wellness.
AMYESE offers this model that features two detachable squeaky tail toys which will delight dogs that love to play. Although designed for outdoor use, it may also come in handy if your pet needs entertainment in a smaller space for short periods.
Christy Hikes With Jake the Dog provides DIY-minded pet parents a step-by-step tutorial on making a flirt pole out of PVC pipe and rope, so you can train your pet to chase after its lure. Once your supplies are assembled, begin teaching your pup how to chase after its lure!
Another option for creating your DIY flirt pole is purchasing one from the store like this collapsible version by POPETPOP, which makes for simple use and storage while offering plenty of chasing and playing entertainment for your pup.
4. Chicken Nesting Box Toy
There are countless interactive toys designed to keep dogs active and entertained. While some require time and money for production, you can easily make your own versions at a much lower cost.
This activity requires only minimal materials – chances are, you already have most of them lying around! Start by wrapping an old water bottle in scraps of fleece fabric (or, alternatively, strips from an old t-shirt), before hiding some treats or kibble for added fun!
Dogs love puzzle toys, and this DIY version is simple! Grab an old box, cut holes of various sizes into it, fill it with treats or toys, and give it to your pup. He or she will have loads of fun chewing, crunching and mashing this little treasure! Make it more difficult by hiding treats and toys at different spots so they have to figure out where all their goodies are hiding!
5. Pupsicle
Every load of laundry seems to leave one sock behind, making this DIY squeaky toy easy to make and entertaining for hours! Simply cut a hole in the toe side of a full length sock, add an old toy’s squeaker inside, tie each end and you are good to go – taking just seconds and sure to keep your pup entertained for hours!
A tennis ball foxtail toy can provide your dog with hours of entertainment! All it requires is some utility knife skills and small treats (available through KCL coupons for dogs!). So get creative, and keep them entertained for hours upon hours!
Creative toys can help keep your dog entertained for hours on end! Just remember to supervise playtime and inspect toys regularly for damage; anything which poses as a choking hazard should be immediately taken off of play! Have fun using items already lying around to create fun playthings for your furry pal!
