How to Make Interactive Toys for Dogs

With nothing else to do, dogs get into mischief -- and that can mean chewing furniture and digging a hole in your carpet. Interactive dog toys can keep your dog entertained for hours, without you even being around. Although interactive dog toys from the store can be expensive, you can make toys at home for just a small investment.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 plastic milk or water jugs
  • 6 to 12 inches of thin rope
  • Kibble
  • 1 disposable screw-top plastic container
  • Scissors or craft knife
  • Dog treats or kibble
  • Stuffed bear or other toy
  • 1 yard fleece fabric
  • Needle and thread
  • 1 package plastic squeakers
  • 1 bag white polyfill stuffing (optional)
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Instructions

  1. Plastic Jug Toy

    • 1

      Remove caps from both jugs and throw away.

    • 2

      Wash inside the plastic jugs, if they have contained anything other than water. Rinse thoroughly. Allow to dry.

    • 3

      Tie jugs together with thin rope.

    • 4

      Put kibble inside the plastic jugs.

    Treat Tub

    • 5

      Poke several holes in the bottom of the tub. These holes are to provide air flow inside the toy, so they don't have to be large.

    • 6

      Cut a hole in the center of the lid. The hole should be between the size of a nickel and the size of the quarter, depending on the size treat being used.

    • 7

      Place a small handful of treats in the tub. It should be no more than half to three-quarters full so that treats can rattle but are not easy to remove.

    • 8

      Screw top on securely. Refill as needed.

    Stuffed Bear Toy

    • 9

      Use scissors or a craft knife to cut a slit lengthwise across the stomach of the bear.

    • 10

      Remove the stuffing from inside the bear. Save the stuffing for the small toys you will place inside the bear.

    • 11

      Sew interfacing to the edges of the slit using the needle and thread. The interfacing will keep the edges from fraying. Sew the slit partly closed, so that your dog can just fit its open muzzle inside.

    • 12

      Cut fleece fabric into an even number of 3-inch circles. Cut enough circles so that the bear, including its head, arms and legs, will be firmly stuffed with toys.

    • 13

      Place the fleece side of two circles together. Sew them together, leaving about one-third of the circle open. Turn the circle right side out.

    • 14

      Wrap one squeaker inside some stuffing. Place the wrapped squeaker inside the circle pouch and sew it shut. Repeat for all circle pairs and squeakers.

    • 15

      Show your dog the squeaky toys. Stuff them inside the bear.

    • 16

      Give the toy to your dog.