Easy DIY Dog Toys
Are you tired of buying toys for your pup and they repay you by tearing them up immediately? Many dog’s versions of playing with their toys is to destroy them, and it can get costly to continue to buy them new toy after new toy. There is always the option to buy toys that are labeled as “indestructible” or “for heavy chewers”, but sometimes those won’t even cut it.
Another alternative is to make your own DIY toys. They can be extremely easy to make, and typically, you can find at least a couple of items already in your house. Below are some of our favorites that hopefully your furry friend, and your wallet, will love too!
Towel Tug-of-War Toy
What’s Needed
- 1-2 Old Towels
- Scissors
Instructions
- Cut three long strips from the towels, approximately 12 inches long and 4 inches wide
- Cut two additional strips around 6 inches long and 1 inch wide
- Put the three large strips together and tie them at one end using one of the thinner strips
- Braid the three large strips in a tight braid
- Tie the opposite end using the other thin strip
Special Tip: Wet the towel or place it in the freezer if you are in a warmer environment. If you don’t want to get your house wet, make it an outdoor only toy.
Plastic Bottle Toy
What’s Needed
- Old Plastic Bottle
- 1 Yard of Old Bed Sheet
- Scissors
Instructions
- Cut out four strips that are around 1 inch wide (will be used as ties)
- Wrap what is left of the sheet around the water bottle with the extra material hanging from the bottle cap end
- Use three of the strips to secure the wrapping tightly to the bottle and ensure a snug fit
- Use the last strip to tie the sheet just after the bottle cap into a large knot (be sure to tie it as tightly as possible so the cap does not fall out)
- Take the remaining fabric and cut it into strips two inches wide and braid them three at a time
Special Tip: Try putting uncooked rice into the bottle prior to wrapping it up. The shaking sound will make the toy more interactive for your pup.
Cereal Box Destruction Toy
What’s Needed
- An Empty Cereal Box
- Tape
- Dog Treats
Instructions
- Put a few treats inside an empty cereal box
- Using as little tape as possible, tape the top of the box closed
- Let your dog rip apart the box to find the treats inside
Special Tip: If Fido is going through these toys too quickly, you can add peanut butter to the treats. This will make the treats stick to the side and make it harder to get the treats out.
Muffin Tin Puzzle Game
What’s Needed
- An Empty Muffin Tin
- A Pack of Tennis Balls
Instructions
- Put the muffin tin on the ground where your dog can get to it
- Place one tennis ball in each compartment
- Let your pup paw and scratch at the balls to try and get them out without using their teeth
Special Tip: If it is a hot day, put water in the muffin tin before placing the balls. This way it can be a cooling and refreshing game for them as well!
PVC Pipe Puzzle Toy
What’s Needed
- PVC Pipe
- PVC Pipe Ends
- A Drill
Instructions
- Cut pipe down to desired size depending on the size of your dog
- Drill various sized holes into the pipe that can fit different kinds of treats
- Clean out any shavings after drilling
- Put in a handful of differing sized treats
- Firmly plug the ends of the pipe with the pipe caps
- Let your dog figure our how to shake the treats out
Special Tip: Try corner piece PVC pipes to shape into a more interesting puzzle for your four-legged friend.
Making DIY dog toys is a great way to save money, but still spoil you furry companion. There are many other options out there in addition to the ones on this list. Who knows, you may be able to come up with some on your own!