Getting ready for summer adventures doesn’t have to break the bank, especially when it comes to your furry companions. While spoiling your dog with new toys is one of the joys of pet parenthood, the cost can add up quickly with so many trendy options available. Luckily, you can create fun and engaging toys for your dog using items you likely already have at home. This guide offers 10 simple DIY dog toy ideas that will keep your pup entertained and save you money. Consider using your toy savings to invest in a new harness or two for your adventures!
DIY Denim Chews
For dogs who love to chew, denim is a durable and fantastic material. This no-sew toy is perfect for “power chewers” and their owners.
How to make it:
- Cut strips of denim from an old pair of jeans or a jacket.
- Tie the strips into knots, adding more strips and knots as you go to create a sturdy chew toy.
- For added interest, cut tassels into the denim strips for your dog to explore.
T-Shirt Tug Toy
If you’re not much of a seamstress, this T-shirt tug toy is an excellent alternative. Since T-shirt fabric is more prone to ripping than denim, a braided design works wonderfully.
How to make it:
- Cut an old T-shirt into several strips.
- Tie a large knot at one end of the collection of strips.
- Braid the strips together as tightly and thickly as possible to create a durable tug toy.
- Let the tug-of-war games begin!
Refreshing Summer Pupsicles
Many of our favorite summer treats are also safe and nutritious for dogs. You can easily make a delightful “pupsicle” using just an ice cube tray and a few simple ingredients.
How to make it:
- Create a base by mixing one part Greek yogurt with three parts water.
- Fill an ice cube tray with this mixture.
- Add fun mix-ins like a handful of blueberries or a chopped-up dog treat.
- For a savory upgrade, use a bully stick as the base of your pupsicle.
Always consult your veterinarian before making significant changes to your pup’s diet.
Frozen Sock Toy
There’s something about frozen socks that dogs can’t resist. This incredibly simple toy is guaranteed to be a hit.
How to make it:
- Find an old sock you no longer wear.
- Tie a knot at the end of the sock.
- Dip the sock in water.
- Place the sock in the freezer for a few hours until solid.
- Offer the frozen sock to your delighted dog.
Homemade Squeaker Toy
Give a new life to the squeaker from a previously destroyed toy by creating a homemade squeaker friend.
How to make it:
- Carefully extract the squeaker from an old, destroyed toy.
- If the squeaker is intact, sew it into a small fabric shape or pouch.
- Ensure it’s securely sewn to prevent your dog from accessing the stuffing or the squeaker itself.
Tennis Ball Treat Puzzle
This easy puzzle toy will keep your dog engaged as they work for their rewards.
How to make it:
- Take a tennis ball and cut it about one-third of the way around.
- Carefully remove the plastic insides.
- Stuff the cavity with your pup’s favorite treats.
- Throw the ball and let your dog figure out how to get the treats out.
Magic Wand Toy Upgrade
Give your dog a fun chase toy by adapting a cat wand concept.
How to make it:
- Choose a durable chew toy, such as a tennis ball wrapped in a T-shirt, or one of the denim/fabric chews mentioned earlier.
- Attach the chew toy to the end of a sturdy rope or bungee cord (ensure there are no metal parts).
- Securely tie the other end of the cord around a stick or broom handle.
- Use the chew toy as a lure, enticing your pup’s attention and swinging the toy just out of reach. This provides excellent exercise for both you and your dog.
T-Shirt Wrapped Ball
If you have old tennis balls or chew balls lying around, this is another simple way to create a new toy.
How to make it:
- Cut an old T-shirt along its seam to create one long strip of fabric.
- Lay the tennis ball flat on the fabric.
- Wrap the fabric around the ball, cutting more strips as needed, like spokes on a wheel.
- Use these strips to secure the ball in place.
- Braid or knot the remaining fabric for added texture and interest. Dogs LOVE frozen socks, and this wrapped ball offers a different kind of sensory play.
Bottle Bopper Crinkle Toy
This project involves wrapping an item in a T-shirt, similar to the ball toy, but this one is designed for dogs who enjoy noisy toys.
How to make it:
- Take an empty water bottle or 2-liter bottle. Gently crinkle it to create satisfying noises.
- Wrap the entire bottle in T-shirt fabric.
- Twist the fabric on both sides of the bottle, much like wrapping a candy.
- Use additional fabric strips to secure these twists in place.
- You can then gently “bop” your dog on the nose with the toy and let them enjoy chewing and crinkling it.
Frozen Toy Cake
This celebratory treat is perfect for birthdays or any occasion, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for dogs of all ages.
How to make it:
- Select a large, freezer-safe bowl.
- Stack a few of your pup’s favorite toys inside the bowl.
- Fill the bowl with water or a diluted pupsicle mix.
- Freeze the mixture overnight.
- Once frozen, invert the bowl to release the “cake.” Your pup will love discovering their toys within this icy treat.
Did you try making any of these DIY dog toys? Share your results by posting photos and videos of your pups enjoying their new creations on social media and tag us @frenchie_bulldog on Instagram!
Explore our latest collections, including Leo Pride, Double Scoop, and Poppin’, for more stylish accessories for your canine friend.
