Apr 11, 2025   Critter Nets - Blogs

How to Make Homemade Dog Toys from Everyday Items

Make Homemade Dog Toys from Everyday Items:
Creating homemade dog toys is a fun and budget-friendly way to keep your furry friend entertained while also promoting sustainability.

Using everyday items around your home, you can craft engaging toys that will provide mental stimulation and physical exercise for your dog. Here are some creative ideas to get you started!

1. T-Shirt Rope Toy

What You'll Need:

• Old t-shirts (preferably cotton)
• Scissors

Instructions:

1. Cut the t-shirts into long strips (about 1-2 inches wide).
2. Gather three strips and tie them together at one end.
3. Braid the strips together tightly until you reach the desired length.
4. Tie a knot at the other end to secure the braid.

Benefits:
This rope toy is perfect for tug-of-war games and can withstand plenty of chewing. Plus, it’s an eco-friendly way to repurpose old clothing!

2. Tennis Ball Treat Dispenser

What You'll Need:

• A tennis ball
• A knife or scissors
• Treats

Instructions:

1. Cut a small slit in the tennis ball (just large enough to fit a treat inside).
2. Fill the ball with your dog’s favorite treats.
3. Let your dog roll and play with the ball to get the treats out.

Benefits:
This interactive toy will keep your dog mentally stimulated and engaged as they figure out how to get the treats out.

3. Plastic Bottle Crinkle Toy

What You'll Need:

• An empty plastic water or soda bottle (remove the label)
• Old socks or fabric scraps
• Tape (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place the empty bottle inside a sock or wrap it in fabric.
2. Secure the ends with tape or tie them off.
3. Ensure the bottle is fully encased to avoid sharp edges.

Benefits:
The crinkly sound of the plastic bottle will intrigue your dog, and the soft covering will make it safer for chewing.

4. Fleece Tug Toy

What You'll Need:

• Fleece fabric (old blankets or scarves work great)
• Scissors

Instructions:

1. Cut the fleece into long strips (about 1-2 inches wide).
2. Take two strips and tie a knot at one end.
3. Braid the strips together and tie another knot at the other end.

Benefits:
Fleece is soft on your dog’s teeth while providing durability for tugging and chewing. It's also easy to wash when it gets dirty!

5. Sock Ball

What You'll Need:

• An old sock
• A tennis ball or any small ball

Instructions:

1. Place the tennis ball inside the sock.
2. Tie a knot at the end of the sock to secure the ball.
3. You can add another sock for extra cushioning if desired.

Benefits:
This soft, squishy toy is great for fetching and can be used indoors or outdoors without causing damage to your furniture.

6. Cardboard Box Puzzle

What You'll Need:

• An empty cardboard box
• Dog treats or toys

Instructions:

1. Place treats or small toys inside the box.
2. Close the box flaps and let your dog figure out how to get to the goodies.

Benefits:
This DIY puzzle toy engages your dog’s problem-solving skills, making them work for their treats!

7. Egg Carton Challenge

What You'll Need:

• An empty egg carton
• Dog treats

Instructions:

1. Place treats in some of the egg carton cups.
2. Close the carton and let your dog open it to retrieve the treats.

Benefits:
This simple toy encourages your dog to think creatively while providing mental stimulation and excitement.

Conclusion

Making homemade dog toys from everyday items is not only a cost-effective way to keep your dog entertained but also an enjoyable activity for you both. These DIY projects encourage creativity, promote sustainable practices, and enhance your dog’s playtime experience. So gather your supplies, get crafting, and watch your furry friend delight in their new toys! With a little effort, you can provide endless fun and engagement while saving money and helping the environment.

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