DIY Toys For Your Pup!

Dogs are lovely new family members that bring joy, energy, and entertainment to any home. Part of owning a dog is providing loads of exercise and playtime. But, if your dog is rough on its toys, you could be burning through new toys at an alarming rate. Buying new dog toys at the pet store is expensive, especially when the toys only last a few weeks. Making DIY toys at home is a great way to keep your dog entertained and save some money. Let's take a look at some fun ideas to make your own dog toys at home.

Water Bottle

A used plastic water bottle can be enjoyable for a dog. It's chewable, crinkly, and makes fun sounds. Take an empty water bottle and wrap it in an old T-shirt or sock. Be sure to secure the end of the sock, so the water bottle can't come out. Toss your pup the new toy and watch him play! You'll want to keep a close eye on your dog to ensure he doesn't pull out the water bottle and tear it into the plastic.

Braided T-Shirt and Ball

Take an old T-shirt and rip it into three equal sections. Braid the sections of the T-shirt to make a thick rope. Next, take a tennis ball and cut a small hole through two sides. Feed the braided T-shirt through the tennis ball. Tie knots at the end of the T-shirt rope to prevent the tennis ball from sliding out. Now, toss and play or enjoy some tug-of-war with your furry best friend. This toy is free to make and works just as well as the $20 toys you can buy at the pet store.

PVC Puzzle

Make a trip to the hardware store and buy some short sections of 1 inch PVC pipe. You can purchase straight pieces, elbows, or T-shaped pieces. Buy two end caps for each section of pipe. Go home and drill a few holes through the PVC pipe that are large enough to allow your pup's favorite treat to pass through. Load your PVC pipe with goodies and cap the end. Now, toss the pipe and let him roll it around to get the treats out the pipe.

Treat-Sicles

This DIY Treat is ideal for hot days. Find a small glass or an ice cube tray. Fill with water and stretch plastic wrap over the top. Next, find your pup's favorite treat or chew and insert the treat through the plastic wrap, so it is standing upright in the water. Place the entire assembly into the freezer and allow the water to freeze. Your pup will not only enjoy licking up the ice cube on a hot day but will enjoy the puzzle of trying to get his favorite treat freed from the ice.

Towel Throw

Find an old towel and lay the towel flat on the ground. Cut long slices through the towel around the edges, leaving the center in one piece. Take a ball, place it in the center of the towel, and wrap the towel around the ball. This step should completely cover the ball but leave fun tethers free to float at the end of the ball. Affix a tie around the base of the ball, trapping it in the towel. Now, when you throw that towel-covered ball, it has fun streamers for your dog to chase.

Recycled Squeakers

If your dog likes to destroy toys with squeakers, collect the discarded squeakers to use in this new toy. Take a handful of squeakers and fill an old sock. Tie the end of the sock to secure the squeakers and let your dog play. Your dog can have the time of its life squeaking away while you have peace of mind knowing the squeakers are secured within the sock.

Muffin Tin

Use any conventional muffin tin to make a fun puzzle game for your dog to figure out. Place a few treats inside a few of the muffin depressions in the tray. Next, cover every muffin depression with a tennis ball. Let your dog figure out where the treats are hidden by pulling away from the tennis balls until all the goodies are uncovered. This game is a great way to keep your pet both physically and mentally exercised.

Shoe Box Mystery Game

If you have a collection of boxes at your house, you can play a fun game with your dog. Lay out the boxes in your home, placing treats in a select few boxes. Watch your dog sniff through the boxes, trying to open the lids, and remove the treats until all the treats are found. This game is the perfect way to exercise your dog's nose when stuck inside on a rainy day.

Treat Ball

Take a discarded tennis ball and cut a small slit in the ball. This step will create a slight opening into the center of the ball. Stuff the tennis ball full of a few of your pet's favorite treats. You can still play with the ball like normal, but occasionally, your pet may get a tasty treat out of the ball if they bite the ball in just the right spot.