Homemade Dog Toys From Household Items

Most dogs love toys. Toys keep your pet entertained when you're not around, give them something to chew on, and provide a fun way for you to interact with your pet. Introducing new toys regularly keeps your pet from getting bored. But buying new toys all the time can get expensive. Learn to make toys from items around your house. You and your pet will both enjoy the fruits of your creative efforts.

  1. Rope Toys

    • Dogs enjoy chewing on soft rope toys. If you have a non-aggressive dog, rope toys make for fun tug-of-war games. Make soft rope toys by braiding together long lengths of fleece fabric cut in strips. Fleece doesn't fray and you can throw the toy in the washer if it gets dirty. Sew three to six strands of fleece together at one end, then braid them. Make a knot in the middle or sew into a loop. For a variation, thread the fleece rope through a section of rubber water hose or a tennis ball into which you've drilled holes. You can also make rope toys from cotton rope, but choose a rope that is tightly woven that won't fray.

    Stuffed Toys

    • Many dogs enjoy stuffed toys to carry around, sleep with or gnaw on. Fleece makes a good foundation for these toys, too. Cut into simple shapes, such as a bone or a triangle. Sew two pieces together and stuff with polyester stuffing -- the kind made for children's stuffed animals. If you want to add decoration, stick to embroidery and avoid buttons or eyes that could easily come off and choke your dog.

    Towel Toy

    • Roll a hand towel tightly and secure the ends with your sewing machine. Or simply wrap duct tape around the ends. Dogs enjoy chewing these towel toys and carrying them around. Tracie Hotchner, in her book "The Dog Bible --- Everything Your Dog Wants You to Know," reports that search and rescue dogs get these towel toys to play with as a reward when they're off duty. If you have a teething puppy, make one of these towel toys out of a washcloth. Soak the cloth in water, then freeze it. Chewing the frozen towel can ease teething pain.

    Precautions

    • Use nontoxic materials in your homemade toys. Avoid anything that will chip and shred into small pieces, which could choke your dog. And avoid hard plastics that can develop sharp edges that could cut your dog. When toys become worn or frayed, discard them and make another. Avoid fabric trimmed with glitter, sequins or any other items that could come off and your dog might swallow.