Welcoming a new furry friend into your home is an exciting time, and keeping them entertained is a top priority. While the pet store aisles are filled with a dazzling array of dog toys, the costs can add up quickly. What if you could create engaging and fun toys for your canine companion using items you already have around the house? This guide offers ten creative DIY dog toy ideas that are perfect for saving money and unleashing your dog’s playful spirit. And with the money you save, why not invest in a new harness or two?
Creative and Simple DIY Dog Toy Ideas
Here are ten fantastic ways to repurpose everyday items into exciting new playthings for your dog:
No-Sew Denim Chews: Denim is incredibly durable, making it an excellent material for dogs who love to chew. Cut strips from an old pair of jeans or a denim jacket. Tie them together into multiple knots, gradually adding more strips to create a sturdy chew toy. For added texture and interest, create tassels by cutting fringes into the ends of the denim strips.
Tee Shirt Tug Toy: For a softer tug toy, use old t-shirts. Cut the fabric into strips. Instead of braiding, tie a large knot at one end of a bundle of strips, then braid them tightly and securely. This creates a satisfying toy for games of tug-of-war. Remember, t-shirt fabric is more prone to tearing than denim, so this is best suited for dogs who aren’t extreme chewers.
Summer Pupsicles: Cool down your dog on a warm day with a healthy and delicious pupsicle. Mix one part Greek yogurt with three parts water to create a base. Pour this mixture into an ice cube tray. You can add fun mix-ins like blueberries or small dog treats. For an extra special treat, use a bully stick as the handle for a meaty popsicle. Always consult your veterinarian before making significant changes to your dog’s diet.
Frozen Sock Fun: Dogs often have an inexplicable love for frozen socks! Simply tie a knot in an old sock, dip it in water, and freeze it for a few hours. This creates a long-lasting, refreshing chew toy that dogs find incredibly engaging.
Homemade Squeaker Friend: If your dog has a knack for destroying toys and extracting the squeakers, this DIY is for you. Carefully remove the intact squeaker from a damaged toy and sew it into a small fabric pouch, creating a new, personalized squeaker toy. Your dog will love the familiar sound and the new “friend” to play with.
Tennis Ball Puzzle: Transform a regular tennis ball into an interactive treat dispenser. Cut a hole about a third of the way around the tennis ball. Remove the inner lining to create a cavity. Stuff the ball with your dog’s favorite treats and watch as they enthusiastically work to retrieve their reward.
Magic Wand Upgrade: For an engaging interactive toy, create a “magic wand.” Attach a durable chew toy, such as a fabric knot or a wrapped tennis ball, to the end of a sturdy rope or bungee cord (ensure there are no metal parts). Securely tie the other end of the cord to a stick or broom handle. Use the toy to entice your dog, swinging it just out of reach to provide an excellent physical and mental workout. Consider toys for dogs that destroy everything if your pup is particularly energetic.
Tee(shirt)-Ball: Combine old t-shirts and tennis balls for another creative toy. Cut an old t-shirt lengthwise to create a long strip of fabric. Wrap a tennis ball with the fabric, using strips of the shirt to secure the ball in place. Braid or knot the remaining fabric for added texture and visual interest. This creates a multi-textured toy that’s fun to fetch and chew.
Bottle Bopper: This crinkle toy is perfect for dogs who enjoy noisy play. Take an empty plastic water bottle or 2-liter bottle and slightly crush it to enhance its crinkle sound. Wrap the entire bottle securely in t-shirt fabric. Twist the fabric tightly on both ends of the bottle, mimicking a candy wrapper, and use fabric strips to secure these twists. This creates a satisfyingly noisy toy that dogs will love to chew and “bopper.”
Frozen Toy Cake: Celebrate your dog’s birthday or simply treat them to a special surprise with a frozen toy cake. Select a freezer-safe bowl and layer a few of your dog’s favorite toys inside. Fill the bowl with water or a watered-down pupsicle mixture. Freeze overnight, then invert the bowl to reveal a fun, challenging, and delicious frozen cake for your pup to enjoy. For more toy ideas, explore best dog toy box for chewers.
Have you tried making any of these DIY dog toys? We’d love to see your success stories! Share photos and videos of your dog enjoying their new creations on social media and tag us @frenchie_bulldog on Instagram!
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