Utilizing inexpensive materials will keep your pet-loving budget under control and these DIY projects help reduce waste while increasing sustainability!
Flirt poles can provide your pup with physical exercise! Good Housekeeping’s DIY project makes this a fun and efficient way to provide their four-legged companion with plenty of stimulation.
All that’s required for making one is an old pair of jeans, PVC pipe, and either a bungee cord or rope.
1. Rope Toy
Your dog may be one of those gifted individuals capable of dismantling any stuffed animal within 20 seconds or simply enjoys chewing anything they come across, which means investing in an appropriate chew toy can save time and money spent cleaning up toys after them.
Upcycled fabric allows you to turn old T-shirts or bed sheets into entertaining dog rope toys, perfect for recycling material and cutting waste. Your pet will love the tugging game that ensues from this simple DIY toy – ideal for dogs of all sizes!
2. Tennis Ball Toy
DIY dog toys made from recycled materials help reduce waste while offering creative outlets. Repurposed T-shirts can be braided into tug-of-war ropes; socks filled with treats can serve as “find it” games; while old plastic bottles can become crinkle toys for your pup!
Put an old muffin tin to work as a treat dispenser to stimulate your pup’s mind! They’ll love figuring out how to unlock rewards hidden behind ball-filled compartments! Daily Dog Tag’s interactive toy also promotes physical activity and builds bonds between pet parents and their dogs.
3. Fleece Ball
Puppies love to chew and shred toys, but buying multiple tug toys that quickly get destroyed can add up. This DIY fleece toy offers your pup something they can rip apart without costing much – an affordable solution that gives him something he can chew on and play with!
Don’t keep those old socks lying around; put them to good use by crafting this exciting dog toy with PermaCrafters’ easy tutorial! They make for the perfect enrichment puzzle for dogs!
4. T-Shirt Rope Toy
Create a fun tug toy for your pup that will help him channel some energy. Cut strips from an old shirt you no longer wear, braid them together, then add a chew-resistant tennis ball for maximum playback!
These leftover socks may find new purpose as an easy, affordable dog toy! Simply roll up one into a donut shape, wrap with fabric and secure with a tie – this simple project will bring hours of entertainment for both you and your pup.
5. Plastic Bottle Toy
An old plastic bottle can make an excellent and safe toy for your dog if its cap can pose a choking hazard.
Make an adorable rope toy out of an old T-shirt or piece of colorful fabric like Ammo the Dachshund has done here with his adorable octopus tutorial!
Frugal pups will appreciate this DIY toy, particularly if they tend to chew through toys. Take an old sock and stuff in a water bottle; secure both ends by tying a knot at each end for maximum security.
6. Water Bottle Toy
If your pup delights in hearing the crackle and crunch of water bottles in the recycling bin, save a few from shredding for crafting this plush toy. With its adorable critter design that fits snugly over any bottle and offers all-day crunching fun he craves, this plush toy may keep them busy for hours of crunching fun! Be wary, however; aggressive shredders could rip off its tails or limbs – this poses a possible choking risk!
Use mismatched socks as an interactive toy by adding treats or kibble to the bottom and watching your dog amuse himself by trying to reach for them.
7. Rope Spider
Combine fabric scraps and rope to make an engaging toy for your pup that will also stimulate their minds and hands, plus add treats for added challenge! Check out Club Dogue for this easy solution.
Good Housekeeping recommends braiding strips together into braided rope for use as tug of war rope.
Create your own treat-dispensing toy using an empty plastic bottle by cutting holes of various sizes into it and creating your own treat dispenser for your pup to learn how to retrieve their food! They’ll love figuring out how best to retrieve their treats!
8. Prey Stick
Your pup might go wild for this entertaining frisbee-type toy made out of denim strips you tie together! Although it takes some time and skill, this great no sew project makes an awesome present!
Create a toy your dog will love by using mismatched socks you already have lying around the house to make one! Plus, save money when buying new toys – follow Club Dogue for their tutorial.
If your pup tends to destroy toys, consider giving him this treat-filled one instead. Just remember to keep playing sessions brief.
9. Tennis Ball Toy with Treats
Convert that pile of old tennis balls into an engaging toy that will delight pups! This DIY enrichment toy, known as a busy box or foraging box, stimulates their natural curiosity while helping them use up energy before bedtime.
Vet Street provides this innovative tutorial on making a sweet potato chew toy in minutes using only an empty plastic water bottle and long tube socks (thick ones work better for tying knots). Perfect for sewists!
10. Rope Ball
Hands Occupied offers a great tutorial to make an engaging DIY rope ball to keep your pet busy while helping reduce waste.
Plastic water bottles can easily be transformed into treat dispensers by cutting holes into their sides and filling it with treats or kibble. This simple yet cost-effective toy will provide hours of entertainment while simultaneously encouraging problem-solving skills in your dog.
