Why spend a lot of money on dog toys that probably won’t last very long anyway? Your dog doesn’t care about labels or price, he just wants to play.
These suggestions are easy to put together. Consider organizing a rainy-day project for the family. Making your own dog toys is a great way to teach kids to be practical, thrifty and artistic, while repurposing unused clothing and items from around the house. Have a great time together, and keep your active dog happy.
Braid a Tug Toy
Playing tug-of-war with your dog is a perfect way to satisfy his natural canine urge to grab and pull things with its mouth. Instead of going to the store to buy a tug toy, make one at home in just a few minutes. For materials, all you need are some old t-shirts or fleece blankets. Cut into three strips about two feet long and two or three inches thick and tie them at one end with a knot. Then braid the strips tightly and make a knot at the end. Voila! Instant tug toy!
For another easy DIY tug toy, stick a tennis ball into the toe end of a sock and tie a knot to secure the ball in place. Your dog can tug or chew or chase.
It’s best to avoid games of tug-o-war with puppies that are still teething. Their primary (“baby”) teeth tend to be pretty fragile, and can break easy, so wait until at least 8 months of age to play with these toys.
Treat Puzzles
Exercise your dog’s brain as well as its body with a simple food dispensing toy made from any empty plastic container. Cut some holes in the container, and then pop a few treats inside. You might want to cut the treats into smaller pieces to make sure they will slip through the holes when the dog plays. Try shaking the toy to attract your dog’s attention, and then let him bat the toy around. When the game is over, help your dog give up the toy by trading it for another treat. Getting yummy rewards will encourage your dog to play nicely.
Chew and Crinkle
Everyone knows dogs love to chew. It helps keep their teeth healthy and strong. Puppies instinctively chew when they’re teething. For adult dogs, it relieves boredom and stress. Instead of the furniture or your leather shoes, give your dog a new chew toy to chomp on. Empty water bottles work well, and make a crinkling noise that dogs enjoy. Even better, wrap the bottle in an old t-shirt or stuff it in a sock, to make the toy softer, more durable and easier to grasp.
Box Busters
Here is a one-time-use toy you can make before recycling empty egg cartons and cereal boxes. Just put a few treats inside and tape the box or carton shut with masking tape. Give the sealed box to your pet and watch it burn energy and have a blast as it rips the box to pieces to find the treats. It makes a big mess, but just sweep up the ripped paper and recycle.
Puppy Playhouse
Many small dogs love to play hide-and-seek in cardboard boxes as much as cats do. Take a large box, and cut a couple of flaps for doorways. Cut some windows to let light through. You can toss a toy or treat in the box and engage your pet in a fun activity. For quiet time, place an old towel or blanket in the box, and create a cozy space to take a nap.
When you’re making toys, it’s important to think of your dog’s safety. Supervise play time. Make sure there are no strings or small parts that might fall off and become a choking hazard. If a toy falls apart or rips beyond repair, just toss it. With a little creativity and love, there are endless ways to make new and exciting toys with items you already have at home.