Many of these toys use materials you already have at home and are simple to assemble – keeping your pup entertained for hours on end!
Snuffle mats are affordable nose work brain games designed to stimulate your dog’s hunting instincts and foster good behavior. Constructed of fleece fabric strips tied onto a sturdy backing, these fun little games conceal treats for them to discover!
1. Water Bottle Sock Toy
Utilising a water bottle and unworn socks containing your scent (ideally with no holes!), you can create an engaging toy for your pet to play with. In addition, you will need an online-available squeaker as well as stuffing. This project would make an excellent opportunity to teach or practice sewing techniques or teach their pup how to sew; plush toys with long tails or arms may become irretrievably damaged when left in play by serious chewers – always supervise play when giving your plush toys out!
Make this DIY toy with your pup for hours of entertainment and watch as she enjoys it! This activity can help her get used to different sounds and textures while developing her sense of smell; plus it’s an efficient way of recycling items that would otherwise go to waste or recycling bin! Just be sure it is used under supervision – otherwise treats could easily find their way inside!
2. Tennis Ball Toy
Your home likely already contains some of the materials for making this DIY dog toy. Simply cut up some old, worn jeans to create this fun tug-of-war toy for your pup! Made of thick material that resists tears and chewing, this durable option makes a good option for determined chewers.
If your pup loves treats, consider stuffing this destructible tennis ball with them for an interactive game of fetch. Just be sure that everything they eat meets with your approval – and has been treated with safe preservatives.
Your pup will love burying treats in other DIY toys, like a muffin pan. Place treats inside each cup of the muffin tin and cover them with tennis balls as an engaging game; as they get better at this game, switch out tennis balls for smaller treats for an increasingly challenging game! Another simple DIY toy includes stuffing cardboard tubes full of treats such as peanut butter or cheese for even more play value!
3. Rope Toy
At an average pet store, rope toys cost $15 each; you can make your own free-of-charge in under half an hour using a square knot to securely fasten its ends and lessen the risk that they’ll unravel during playtime. Applying non-toxic glue may further reinforce its strength.
Pet parents on a budget can easily turn spare clothing and socks into chew toys for their pet. Cut strips from two outgrown shirts, tie them together in a knot, and add tennis balls as extra incentives. Your pup is sure to find these irresistible!
As with the plush rope toys, using this same method to create plush rope toys with natural dog chews like bones, rawhide, hooves or antlers attached can make for a rewarding play session for heavy chewers. When selecting toys that will withstand your pup’s chewing skills it is crucial that they be durable enough and carefully monitored during play as chewing can lead to choking hazards.
4. Tennis Ball with Treats
Use an old tennis ball as a chew toy or puzzle toy by cutting a small hole on one side and stuffing it with training treats or your pup’s favorite treats – they will love rolling, batting and catching these goodies inside!
With a simple DIY, give your dog something special with this new treat toy using a tennis ball and piece of old, unworn clothing. It is especially fun for new puppies so they can experience some of their family scents first hand!
Save one of those mismatched socks from your drawer, fill it with treats, and create a brand new toy for your pup to play with! They’ll love rolling, chewing, and retrieving it! Plus it teaches them the value of hard work and perseverance too! Just make sure you supervise their play session while they enjoy these toys; any that show signs of wear should be thrown away immediately!
5. Fleece Ball
No sew project to give dogs something fun to chase and chew without fabric bits coming loose, this no sew project from anti pill fleece makes an easy dog ball project that won’t fray. Create a long handle so it can also be played tug or throw with. Simply cut an old T-shirt or piece of fleece into 2 inch strips; cross and tie them together into a ball; braid as desired!
If you don’t have fleece handy, why not try making this no sew dog toy from denim instead? For even more entertainment you could even add treats as extra motivation!
Are you in search of an interactive DIY toy for your pet that’s quick and simple to make? Consider creating this busy box (also referred to as an enrichment or foraging box). Take any old cardboard box around the house — such as an empty cereal box, soda bottle, LaCroix can or other container you have lying around — and fill it with items your pup can rummage through or chew through.
