Make Your Own Dog Toys from Inexpensive Materials

Edited by Mian Sheilette Ong, Lynn, Jen M, Eng and 2 others

If you're an avid dog lover, and devoted dog owner, then you know how expensive dog toys can be. Dog toys are usually made of durable materials that can withstand your dog's biting, shaking, and chewing. Examine the dog toys you already have. Check out the materials used to make them. With a little help from this VisiHow article, you can make your own dog toys from inexpensive materials. All you have to do is figure out the design and be creative.

Have you looked inside your closet lately? Many materials are gentle yet durable - perfect for making dog toys. Your dogs deserve to have only the best from you. Their toys don't have to be store bought. There is no item that gives more love to your furry friend than a homemade dog toy. The love that comes with the toy is what really counts. It is passed onto your dog because you made it, and it will definitely make your bond stronger if you make the dog toys yourself. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and share the love!

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How to Make Your Own Dog Toys

The best dog toys are important for your furry companions. The toys have to be entertaining and durable so your dog won't make toys out of your clothes, gadgets, slippers or shoes. You could just make your way to the local pet store and look at the sales they have on dog toys. On the other hand, why not make your own dog toys inexpensively by following the techniques below:

Gather your materials.

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The materials should be durable and easily found inside your home. These can be denim or any thick fabric, old tennis balls, and other things that you know can withstand your dog's chewing. Make sure that the materials will not cause issues with your dog's digestive tract. Now you're ready to start making your homemade dog toys.

  1. 1
    Old socks
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    Socks, especially thick running or hiking socks, are good for making dog toys.
     
    1. Place an empty plastic bottle inside an old sock, and tie a knot at the open end.
    2. Just tie the old sock into a knot for hours of chewing and tossing fun.
    3. Dip the old socks in juice to add flavor to them. You can even place the socks in the freezer and bring them out for hydration and cooling.
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  2. 2
    Old tennis balls
    .
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    Old tennis balls can be used for several different things other than playing fetch. One idea:
     
    1. Cut into the seam of your old tennis ball.
    2. Place your dog's treats into the ball's center.
    3. Sew back the seam and give the ball to your dog.
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  3. 3
    Worn out jeans
    .
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    Old jeans are durable and can stand a lot of chewing.  
    1. Find your old jeans and cut the fabric into one-inch strips.
    2. Braid the strips into a rope.
    3. Tie both ends of the rope.
    4. Let your dog chew on it.
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  4. 4
    Old towels
    .
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    1. Cut the towel into three- or four-inch strips.
    2. Tie knots throughout the strips.
    3. Let your dog play with you as you swing the knotted towel strips in the air.
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Other Possibilities

There are other toys you can make for your dog with a little imagination.

Digging Box

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  1. 1
    Find an old sand box and fill it with sand
    .
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  2. 2
    Bury treats or toys in the sand.
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  3. 3
    Invite your dog to dig.
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Backyard Gym

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  1. 1
    Find old PVC pipes to use as poles.
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  2. 2
    Hang old tires to create jumping obstacles for your dog.
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  3. 3
    Just make sure to adjust everything based on your dog's height.
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Tennis Ball Tug Toy

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  1. 1
    Get an old sock, a rope, and a tennis ball.
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  2. 2
    Place the ball inside the sock.
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  3. 3
    Tie the rope at the sock's opening.
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Fleece Dog Tug Toy

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  1. 1
    Get several strips of fleece, 3 ¼ yards each
    .
    They should be different colors.
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  2. 2
    Make the strips bigger if your dog is a larger breed.
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  3. 3
    Stack the strips together.
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  4. 4
    Wrap the rubber bands about 4-5 inches from the edge of the fleece.
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Tips, Tricks & Warnings

  • Inform your vet about the dog toy projects you want to make, and ask about their safety.
  • Supervise your dog's playtime with the homemade toys you just made.
  • Clean up after your dog's chewing to make sure no bits or pieces are swallowed.
  • Contact your vet if you notice any behavioral changes that are causing you concern.

If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

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Article Info

Categories : Dogs

Recent edits by: Nuance, Eng, Jen M

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