Dogs quickly tire of toys they already own, and new purchases can quickly add up in cost and time spent acquiring more. Save both by creating simple DIY dog toys at home – saving both money and time in doing so!
Make an interactive toy for your pup using an old glove and some fabric scraps from home using this simple DIY project – also called a busy box or enrichment box – by stitching together some fabric. Your dog will be entertained while also mentally stimulated!
1. T-Shirt Rope Toy
A classic rope toy is an integral part of every pet’s experience, but this DIY version by eHowPets uses old t-shirts and flannel pajamas that smell like you to create an exciting tug-of-war toy for your furry companion! Plus, if your furry pal suffers from separation anxiety this toy will keep them entertained while they await their master.
Have some extra denim hanging around? Turn it into an exciting plaything by cutting up shirts into strips and braiding them before tying both ends off at both ends – this technique also works great as fetching toys for your dog if he/she likes chewing! Just be sure that playtime is monitored to avoid any unpleasant incidents! It is especially essential if your pup tends to chew more aggressively.
2. Chew Toy
Purchased toys for your canine can quickly add up. But with some creativity and materials readily available to you, creating engaging playthings may be much cheaper.
YouTube video offers an innovative solution for turning old t-shirts that would otherwise end up in the trash into chew toys for pets. Simply cut an old shirt into strips and wrap them around a tennis ball to create your chew toy!
If your pup loves puzzle toys, Eveline Poot’s YouTube video offers a simple solution: make him one yourself! Simply ensure he stays under close watch to prevent destruction or any small pieces of fabric being consumed that could become potential choke hazards.
3. Fleece Ball
Soft, fuzzy toys bring joy to many dogs. If your pup enjoys chewing on soft surfaces, this DIY fleece toy might just be perfect for him or her. Utilizing cobra knots – multi-strand weaving technique commonly seen on paracord bracelets and keychains – creates a durable woven toy which can withstand rough play without falling apart easily.
If your dog rips up stuffed toys, chances are your backyard has become the site of a toy graveyard. Make the discarded squeakers into new stuffed toy friends using this easy project! Use an old toy that no longer belongs to your child or cheap one you found at Goodwill; add some squeakers before stuffing and stitching the opening closed to finish this quick and simple creation!
4. Chicken Nesting Box Toy
Your pup might be leaving an impressive trail of broken-apart stuffed animals behind, particularly if he enjoys shredding toys. A DIY enrichment toy like this one is a fantastic way to help them burn off some excess energy before bedtime, and is simple and inexpensive to create using items you already have on hand.
Permacrafters outlines that all you need for this craft project are pieces of fleece cut into ropes and an old pillowcase-type plastic sheet, along with plenty of treats! Fill these sheets with treats so your pet can sniff out hidden treats!
Hands Occupied’s easy tennis ball puzzle toy makes for an even easier solution, simply cut a tennis ball in half and stuff it inside a pair of socks; your pup will love nudging out those balls to reveal delicious treats!
5. Ball Toy
This fleece pull toy will bring delight to any pup! A no-sew project, you can make this toy using any leftover pieces of fleece scraps and keep their attention while playing fetch or tug-of-war with them.
Another wonderful upcycling project is creating a Tee(shirt) Ball Toy. All it requires is an old tennis ball and some cut t-shirt fabric strips, wrapped around and braided around to form a chew toy that your pet will love playing with!
Water bottles can make an engaging toy for your dog if converted into crinkle buddies with holes for treats and added features like rattles. You could even add treats as rewards!
6. Chicken Broth Chew Toy
Dogs that like to chew can quickly become bored if given no stimulating toys to engage them. But this DIY snuffle mat from Daily Dog Tag will keep your pup engaged with the task of sniffing out treats hidden within its holes – perfect for keeping their minds busy while they hunt out delicious bite-sized treats!
Dog Tipper’s crinkly toy will mentally challenge your furry pal while making them work for their treats. Just dangle an empty plastic bottle from a PVC pipe, and your pup will nudge with their paws or nose until they find some tasty morsels inside!
If you have some tattered old towels lying around, this cinch-up toy from Good Housekeeping offers an easy and cost-effective solution to turning them into engaging toys for your pup. Simply cut strips of towel fabric, braid it together and tie off one end with a knot for instant playtime fun!
7. Plastic Bottle Toy
If your pup can tear apart stuffed toys with ease, the graveyard may grow quickly – leaving you to wonder where all that money has gone. But that doesn’t need to be wasted when making toys yourself using items already lying around!
Make an old water bottle an irresistible dog toy by stuffing it inside an old sock and knotting its end; your pet’s senses will be stimulated both audibly and tactilely while recycling plastic that would otherwise go to waste!
Before undertaking DIY projects for your pup, it is important to consider their primary usage: tug of war or self-entertainment? Or is the toy serving enrichment needs? Keeping this in mind will guide your material and design choices.
