DIY: Dog Tugs

Dog toys can be costly, but making your own dog toys is easy and inexpensive. Tug toys are a popular item with most dogs, and can be made with items you may already have on hand. Keeping your dog busy and exercised makes for a happy, relaxed dog. Don't let the price of commercial dog toys keep your dog from having a basket full of toys.

Things You'll Need

  • Socks
  • Towels
  • Clothes
  • Blankets
  • Tennis balls
  • Rope
  • Utility knife
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Instructions

    • 1

      Look around your home for rope, socks, towels, blankets or clothing you no longer use. These items should be clean and in good condition. Remove any tags on the towels or blankets. Use items that do not have zippers, buttons or other embellishments that could pose a choking hazard to your dog. Clothing, blankets and towels should be cotton or fleece, as these materials provide the best quality and strength.

    • 2

      For a tug toy that is braided, cut three wide strips of fabric from towels, blankets or clothing, or use three long tube socks. The fabric strips should be about 2 feet long, depending on the size of your dog and the strength of his jaw. Braid the three strips or socks together as tightly as possible. Knot the two ends. You can also braid three pieces of cotton rope.

    • 3

      To create a tug toy with handles, cut 3 feet of heavy cotton rope, which is both strong and safe for your dog. Tie one end into a loop, securing tightly with a double knot. Repeat this with the other end of the rope.

    • 4

      Make a tennis ball tug with one or two tennis balls and heavy rope. Carefully cut two holes on opposite sides of the the tennis ball with a utility knife. Thread the rope through the holes. Knot the rope up against the ball, so the ball cannot slip off when the dog tugs. You can loop the other end of the rope to create a handle, or put a second tennis ball on the other end.

    • 5

      Create a sock tug with a tennis ball. Put a tennis ball into a long tube sock. To make the sock tug strong, use three socks for thickness. Tie a tight knot close to the ball to keep it secure.