How to Create Your Own Dog Toys

Dog toys are available for purchase at nearly every grocery store, pet supply store and drug store, but if you want to save money, and/or if your pet shreds "indestructible" playthings in an hour, you can make dog toys at home for free. Toys made from common household items may not stand up to the dedicated, hard chewer, but can provide your dog with mental stimulation, exercise and fun.

Things You'll Need

  • Old jeans
  • Sewing machine
  • Cellophane wrap
  • Empty plastic bottle
  • Treats
  • Tennis balls
  • Knife
  • Cardboard box
  • Tape
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Instructions

  1. Transform Old Jeans

    • 1

      Cut the legs of an old pair of jeans into three strips three inches wide and as long as possible, depending on the leg length.

    • 2

      Fold each strip in half lengthwise, right side out.

    • 3

      Stitch along the cut side to minimize fraying.

    • 4

      Tie the three sewn strips together at one end and braid them until you reach the other end. Tie another knot and you have the perfect toy for the tug-of-war lover.

    • 5

      Cut a large rectangle from the remaining denim. Fold and stitch three sides together.

    • 6

      Stuff with crumpled cellophane wrap and stitch remaining side for a fun, crinkly toy.

    Make a Treat Dispenser

    • 7

      Rinse a 20-ounce plastic soda or water bottle. Remove label, if present. Allow to dry thoroughly.

    • 8

      Cut a treat-sized hole in the side of the bottle. Place a few treats inside.

    • 9

      Screw on the bottle top, tightly. Your dog will try to get the treats to come out of the hole. After the bottle has been thoroughly crunched, it can be recycled.

    Recycle Tennis Balls, Reuse Boxes

    • 10

      Collect used balls abandoned by players at nearby tennis courts and let your fetch fanatic give chase.

    • 11

      Cut slits in some of those tennis balls and stuff with treats. Then let him figure out how to remove and eat them.

    • 12

      Place treats inside a cardboard box that has not held food and is comparable in size to your dog (no refrigerator boxes for very small breeds such as Yorkshire terriers). Lightly tape the box shut and allow your dog to crush it to get to the treats. The pieces may be recycled after the dog has retrieved the goodies inside.