The litter end of dead dog toys is extensive. If your dog is one of those talented animals that can tear apart a stuffed toy in 20 seconds, it may feel like toy funerals are happening all too often and money is being thrown down the drain.
Toys are a necessity for keeping dogs happy, active, and out of trouble, but spending money on them doesn’t have to be part of the equation. In fact, there are dozens of potential DIY dog toys waiting to be made from unused items that have been lying around for a long time, such as old T-shirts, jeans, towels, or bed sheets.
Check out these genius ideas for DIY dog toys. Pick one and get crafting!
1. Interactive dog feeder toy
PVC pipe is the main ingredient in this sturdy feeding toy made by Dog Tipper, which aims to keep your dog busy by making it for the treats inside. You will need to drill holes in the pipe fairly easily, which you can do safely when the pipe is secured in a vice. Sand the rough edges of your holes with sandpaper and once everything is smooth, put the pipe in the dishwasher for cleaning. Place PVC caps on each end of the pipe.
2. Plastic bottle tug toy
Plastic bottles are a decade away, but if you still bring one home from time to time, why not turn it into a tug toy before tossing it in the recycle bin? How perfect is this simple plastic bottle toy from Eigil the Staffy?
3. Ball tug toy
You’ll need an old T-shirt, a tennis ball, and a pair of scissors to build this fully retractable dog toy. Simply lay out your shirt and cut in three strategic places, according to She Knows, then wrap the ball inside two of the pieces. Use the smallest piece of shirt to tie the toy. Cut the remaining pieces of fabric into strips and braid.
4. Rope ball toy
You’ll need patience (and some pliers!) to tackle the tying involved in this rope toy recipe, courtesy of Instructables. Things you will need: rope (2 cm diameter), a lacrosse ball, and some electrical tape. First, break between 3 to 4.5 meters of rope and tape the ends. If you are comfortable with knots the next steps will be a doddle for you, but if not, there are how-tos provided for each knot. Pliers can be useful for pulling on rope strands.
5. T-shirt rope toy
A stack of unworn T-shirts in the closet can be turned into a T-shirt rope toy for your dog. Permacrafters has a very simple tutorial on Instagram for this stylish DIY dog toy. Your dog—and your wardrobe—will thank you!
6. DIY agility jump
Give your pup some extra exercise with an easy-to-do agility jump that can be set up in the garden, or if you’re feeling brave, in the living room. Gone to the Snow Dogs built their own using furniture grade PVC pipes (both white and blue) and a variety of furniture grade PVC fittings. The important thing here is to have a PVC pipe cutter—and know how to use one!—and carefully cut each piece as directed (the long white pipes, which will be the ground bars, need to measure 120 cm long ). Follow the directions provided and you’ll have leftovers for future projects.
7. Toy dog seamless jeans
Don’t have a sewing machine? No problem! All you need to make this denim dog toy from Siva Sobieski Mcmullin is some scissors and an old pair of jeans. The finished product is simple, durable, and a lot of fun to chew!
8. Towel pull toy
Torn towels are given new life when they’re fashioned into (washable!) toys for your pup—and the key word here is: easy! Per Good Housekeeping, just cut three pieces of towel, about 10 cm wide and at least 30 cm long. Tie them at one end with a small strip of towel (2.5 cm wide and 15 cm long). Braid and use another strip to tie the end.
9. Apple pie pupsicles
It’s part toy, part treat, with a whole serving of cuteness. These three-ingredient frozen yogurt dog treats from Dalmatian DIY require a cute silicone mold, but really, any shape will do because eating them is all your dog can think of. Mix 120 ml of yogurt and 120 ml of unsweetened apple sauce or pureed apple in a bowl. A sprinkle of Ceylon cinnamon is optional. Freeze completely and serve with a smile!
10. Sweet potato rope toy
Here’s a great way to add some fiber (and fun!) to your pup’s daily routine. Clean a large sweet potato and cut into 2.5 cm round pieces. Use a biscuit cutter or apple corer to cut a hole in the center of each piece, as shown in this video from Elmo’s Kitchen. Dehydrate by baking for 5 hours in the oven. Tie a knot in the end of your rope (about 30 cm long) and tie the potato rings to it.
11. Simple sock toy
The mystical force that takes one sock out of every load of laundry wants you to do something good with the one left over, and here it is! Just cut a hole in the toe of a full-length sock and put a water bottle in it. Then tie each end with twine. The Barkington Post recommends hemming each side to make it last longer.
12. Homemade toy toys
Do you have a puppy with a penchant for squeakers? Try putting together this simple DIY squeaky toy from Luna and Two Boys. All you need are some socks and the squeakers from old toys, and voila! Entertainment for many hours.
13. Soda bottle treat dispenser
This interactive toy—creatively fashioned from a chicken nest box by Daily Dog Tag—is a brain teaser for your dog. A Chicken Ware nesting box, PVC pipe, and two 2-liter pop bottles are some of the essential supplies you’ll need to make this. Drill holes in the box and hang the treat-filled bottles from the pipe. Spray paint to match your home decor.
14. Separate toy dog
Here’s one for the dog who enjoys sending stuffed toys to the bin by tearing them apart, piece by piece. Place pre-cut pieces of fleece fabric, along with a tasty treat, into a 12.5 cm Hol-ee Roller Dog Toy. Throw in and watch the destruction begin. Leopold’s Crate does not recommend these for dogs that eat cloth.
15. Fleece stuffed toy
Want to decorate something for your dog, but don’t like the squeaky sound? Try a no-sew fleece toy like this bone-shaped one from Christy Hikes With Jake the Dog! Some sewing knowledge is required, but look at the happiness on this good dog’s face!
16. Super-simple frozen sock toy
Nothing is easier than this idea from Instructables.com. Tie a long sock in a knot, soak it in water, and freeze. Boom! Your dog has a cool new chew toy.
17. Flirt stick
This adorable flirt stick by The Amazing Obi is a guaranteed fun time for any active dog. You can make them as simple or as colorful as you—or your pup—want!
