I’ve been meaning to do this for ages! Have you ever seen a store bought dog toy and thought, “I could make something better”? Today we’re diving into the world of DIY dog toys.
Imagine the satisfaction of making a toy that not only saves you money but brings pure joy to your dog.
My dog Snippet.
He chewed through every toy in days. One lazy Sunday I decided to try making a toy from an old T-shirt. The result? A rope toy that survived (until lost).
Not only was it a hit but it sparked a creative journey I’m excited to share with you.
Why DIY Dog Toys?
Making your own dog toy isn’t just about saving money.
I found it’s a labor of love that allows you to customise each toy to your pet’s individual personality and needs. Here are my favourite reasons to make your own dog toys.
Cost effective: We all know how quickly store bought toys can add up, especially if you have an enthusiastic chewer or toy destroyer. By using materials you already have at home like old clothes or towels you can create durable and engaging homemade dog toys without spending a dime. Think of it as upcycling with a purpose – turning old items into treasures for your dog.
Customisation: When it comes to dog enrichment ideas. Some love to chew, others love to play fetch or a puzzle. When you make your own dog toys you can customize them to your dog’s preferences.
For example making a throw toy by feeding a swinging rope through an old tennis ball may not be ideal for a puzzle solver that would rather try to get a treat out of a tennis ball you pushed inside it!
Bonding: There’s something special about playing with a toy you made for your dog. It strengthens the bond between you and your dog as your dog will sense the effort and love that went into making their new favourite toy.
Making toys
I remember the fun of making toys; a dog sees you as part of the pack – it was a price-less moment of connection.
Have you noticed a difference in your dog’s behaviour with DIY toys versus store bought ones? There’s something about making a toy that keeps your dog mentally stimulated.
DIY Dog Toys – A few great ideas
Rope Toys: For dogs that love to chew and play tug-of-war “tug toy”. Cut old T-shirts into strips, braid them and tie the ends into knots. This also works well for making a rope ball toy!
Treat Dispensing Toys: Use a tennis ball with a small slit and fill with treats like dry food. This keeps most dogs entertained and mentally stimulated. My dog loves this; he was a Lurcher and loved a puzzle even as a puppy.
Stuffed Toy: Repurpose old socks and stuff them with fabric scraps or stuffing and sew the end shut. Putting food in a tennis ball also works really well, ill cover this more below!
Plastic Bottle Crunch Toy: I’ve seen this one done by many people including my fiancé Eve. The noise it creates can be a downside! Place an empty water bottle inside one sock or wrap it in fabric and secure the ends for a crinkly chewable toy. Although its noisy it makes great dog puzzle toys!
Braided Towel Toy: This is a great way to use old towels, old jeans or an old shirt. Cut the towel into a long strip and braid them together then tie the ends to create a sturdy tug toy, three strips should do. Perfect for dogs that love to chew and play fetch and no need for a sewing machine!
Braided Towel Toy
(One step further on the Braided Towel Toy: Adding weight to one end using more wool or rope knotted up increases swinging power and gives you better grip on the other end when playing tug-of-war!)
Muffin Tin Game: Stuff a muffin tin with dog treats and hide each treat within tennis balls.
This DIY dog puzzle toy will keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated as they figure out how to get the tennis balls out to get to the treats inside. A Cardboard tube or empty box like a cardboard box works well to if you don’t mind the mess!
Snuffle Mat: Use long strips of fabric tied onto a rubber mat with holes. Hide treats inside the fabric strips for your dog to sniff and find.
Safety Considerations
Safety is key with DIY dog toys. Always avoid using toxic materials (really old water bottles) or materials with small parts that can be a choking hazard. Check toys regularly for wear and tear and watch playtime in the house to prevent accidents.
With plastic bottles I’ve never had an issue even when they are so chewed up that bits are coming off, but I do recycle them at that stage. Just remember to remove the bottle cap!
Some store bought toys are made of plastic, rubber, wood etc. So using plastic bottles (as long as they’re not toxic ones) is totally fine.
I’ve only done this once though; it was an outside toy filled with fabric and a tiny bit of dog food. It worked a treat as a short term toy, good that it’s easy to make!
You made it to the FAQ!
What household items can dogs play with?
Dogs can enjoy a variety of household items as toys. Old T-shirts, towels, and socks can be turned into rope toys or stuffed toys.
Empty plastic bottles (with caps removed), cardboard boxes, and paper towel rolls can also provide hours of entertainment. Just ensure these items are safe and free of choking hazards.
What can I give my dog to chew on at home?
At home, you can give your dog plenty of safe items to chew on, like rawhide-free chews, nylon bones, or even sturdy rope toys made from old T-shirts or towels.
Natural chews like antlers or bully sticks can also be great options, but always supervise your dog to prevent any choking or ingestion of large pieces.
What is the best material to make dog toys out of?
The best materials for making dog toys are durable fabrics like denim from old jeans, heavy-duty rope, and tough rubber. Old T-shirts, towels, and socks can also be repurposed into fun toys. For treat-dispensing toys, tennis balls and PVC pipes work well, ensuring they are free of any harmful chemicals.
How do you make dog toys for heavy chewers?
For heavy chewers, use strong, durable materials like braided rope, denim, or thick rubber. Create toys that have multiple layers or knots to make them more challenging to destroy.
A simple yet effective toy is a braided rope toy made from strips of old T-shirts or towels, tied tightly at the ends. You can also stuff a tennis ball with fabric scraps and sew it shut for added durability.
How to make homemade toys for puppies?
Puppies need soft but durable toys that can withstand their teething. You can make plush toys by stuffing socks with fabric scraps or using a sewing machine to create small stuffed animals.
For a fun chew toy, try braiding strips of fleece or T-shirts and tying the ends securely. A muffin tin filled with tennis balls and treats underneath can also provide mental stimulation and entertainment.
What can I give my puppy to chew on at home?
At home, puppies can chew on soft, safe items like teething toys, plush toys, or braided fabric toys made from old T-shirts or fleece.
Frozen washcloths can also provide relief for teething puppies. Natural chews like bully sticks or dental chews are good options too, but always supervise your puppy to ensure they don’t swallow large pieces.
The End Bit.
In my experience making homemade toys for your dog is a great way to save money, tailor playtime to your dog’s individual needs and strengthen your bond.
The joy in your dog’s eyes when they play with something you’ve made with love is priceless. So grab the supplies, unleash your creativity and start making those tails wag!
We’d love to see your DIY dog toy creations and hear about your experiences. Share your stories and photos on social media; we love to inspire others and will probably post it on our socials and tag you!
