DIY Dog Toys (Step-By-Step)

Dogs love to play—it keeps them happy, active, and out of trouble.

But store-bought toys? Expensive and often short-lived.

The solution? DIY dog toys!

They’re cheap, durable, and customized for your pup’s play style.

Plus, making them is just as fun as watching your dog enjoy them!

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Step-by-step guides for making durable, dog-safe toys
Budget-friendly materials you already have at home
Fun, creative ideas to keep your pup entertained for hours
Pro tips to ensure safety, durability, and maximum fun

Let’s get crafting!

Table of contents

DIY Dog Toys
Step-by-Step DIY Dog Toy Ideas
Tips for Making Safe and Durable Dog Toys
How to Choose the Right DIY Toy for Your Dog
Fun Facts About Dog Toys
Conclusion
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DIY Dog Toys

Step-by-Step DIY Dog Toy Ideas

Toy 1: T-Shirt Rope Tug Toy

Why Your Dog Will Love It: A tug toy is ideal for play.

Its soft, old T-shirts are gentle on your dog’s teeth.

It’s easy to make, tough, and great for bonding time with your pup.

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Materials Needed:

2-3 old T-shirts.
Scissors.

Steps:

Lay the T-shirts flat and cut them into long strips about 2 to 3 inches wide.
Gather 6-8 strips together and tie a tight knot at one end.
Divide the strips into three groups and braid them tightly.
Once you reach the end, tie another knot to secure the braid.
Trim any excess fabric, and your tug toy is ready for some serious playtime!

Fun Fact: Tug-of-war isn’t just fun—it helps build your dog’s confidence.

Letting them “win” occasionally can make them feel even more bonded to you.

Toy 2: Tennis Ball Treat Dispenser

Why Your Dog Will Love It: This toy combines two of a dog’s favorite things: playtime and treats.

It’s a great way to keep them mentally stimulated while rewarding them with snacks.

Materials Needed:

1 tennis ball.
A sharp knife or a pair of scissors.
Dog-safe treats or kibble.

Steps:

Carefully cut a small slit in the side of the tennis ball. Make sure the cut is big enough for treats to come out but small enough to keep them from falling out too easily.
Fill the ball with your dog’s favorite treats or kibble.
Hand it to your pup and watch them figure out how to shake and roll the ball to get the treats out.

Pro Tip: Use softer treats for beginner dogs and tougher treats for dogs who love a challenge.

Toy 3: Sock and Water Bottle Cruncher

Why Your Dog Will Love It: Dogs love the crunch of plastic bottles.

This toy lets them enjoy that sound safely.

Plus, it’s super easy to make!

Materials Needed:

1 old sock (a long sock works best).
1 empty plastic water bottle (labels removed).

Steps:

Take the empty water bottle and make sure the cap is tightly secured.
Slide the water bottle into the sock.
Tie a knot at the open end of the sock to seal the bottle inside.
Let your dog enjoy the crinkly fun!

Fun Fact: Dogs love crinkly sounds.

They mimic prey animals, triggering their hunting instincts.

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Toy 4: DIY Snuffle Mat

Why Your Dog Will Love It: Snuffle mats make snack time fun.

They spark your dog’s natural foraging instincts.

It’s like a puzzle, but with snacks!

Materials Needed:

A rubber sink mat or dish-drying mat with holes.
Fleece fabric (cut into strips about 1 inch by 6 inches).

Steps:

Take a fleece strip and tie it through one of the holes in the mat.
Keep tying strips until the entire mat is covered and fluffy.
Once done, sprinkle some kibble or small dog treats into the fleece “grass.”
Let your dog sniff, dig, and forage for their rewards!

Pro Tip: Use different colored fleece strips.

They will make the snuffle mat more engaging for your pup.

Toy 5: Braided Rope Ball

Why Your Dog Will Love It: This toy is great for chewing, fetching, and tug-of-war.

It’s durable, fun, and keeps your dog entertained for hours.

Materials Needed:

1 old pair of jeans or thick fabric.
Scissors.

Steps:

Cut the jeans into long, thick strips (about 3 to 4 inches wide).
Tie a tight knot at one end, leaving some fabric hanging.
Braid the strips together tightly, then tie another knot at the end.
Roll the braid into a ball shape and secure it with more fabric strips tied tightly around the ball.
Test the ball’s durability before letting your dog play with it.

Fun Fact: Chewing fabric toys can clean your dog’s teeth.

It helps reduce plaque and satisfies their need to chew.

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Tips for Making Safe and Durable Dog Toys

To keep your DIY toys safe and long-lasting, follow these tips:

Choose Dog-Safe Materials: Avoid toxic items, like painted fabrics and sharp objects. Don’t use anything that could splinter.
Supervise Play: Always check your dog with a new toy to ensure it’s safe and holding up well.
Secure Knots and Seams: Ensure all knots and seams are tight. This will prevent pieces from coming loose.
Size Matters: Ensure the toy is big enough that your dog can’t swallow it but small enough to carry comfortably.
Replace Worn Toys: If a toy starts falling apart, retire it and make a new one to avoid accidental ingestion.

Pro Tip: Keep a rotation of toys to keep your dog engaged and prevent boredom.

How to Choose the Right DIY Toy for Your Dog

Not all toys are created equal, and what works for one dog might not work for another.

To make the perfect DIY toy, know your dog’s personality, play habits, and needs.

Here’s how to pick the right toy for your pup:

1. Consider Your Dog’s Play Style

Chewers: Does your dog love to chew? Opt for durable materials like denim or braided ropes to give them a satisfying outlet.
Fetchers: If your pup loves to fetch, use lightweight toys. Try tennis balls or fabric-wrapped items that are easy to toss.
Problem-Solvers: For smart dogs, use puzzle toys like treat dispensers or snuffle mats. They will keep them mentally stimulated.

Pro Tip: Watch how your dog plays with their current toys—this gives you clues about what they’ll enjoy most.

2. Match the Toy to Your Dog’s Size

Small Dogs: Use lightweight, smaller toys that fit comfortably in their mouths.
Large Dogs: Choose sturdier, larger toys that can stand up to their strength.

Fun Fact: Dogs like toys that feel like prey. So, make sure their size and texture mimic something they’d enjoy “capturing.

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3. Factor in Age and Energy Level

Puppies: Teething pups need soft, chewable toys to soothe their gums.
Seniors: Older dogs may prefer gentler toys that are easier to grip and chew.
High-Energy Dogs: Active breeds thrive on toys that involve movement, like tug ropes or balls.

Pro Tip: Rotate toys weekly to keep even the most playful pups excited about their options.

Make DIY toys that suit your dog’s needs.

This way, your furry friend will love them and play for hours!

Fun Facts About Dog Toys

Let’s take a closer look at why dogs love toys so much:

Why Squeaky Toys Are Irresistible: The sound mimics prey. It triggers your dog’s hunting instincts.
Mental Stimulation: Toys like snuffle mats or treat dispensers challenge dogs. They keep them sharp and prevent boredom.
Chewing Benefits: Chewing helps reduce anxiety while keeping teeth clean and gums healthy.
Eco-Friendly Toys: Many dog owners now use sustainable materials for DIY toys, like hemp or recycled fabrics.

Dogs and Colors: Dogs see the world in shades of blue and yellow, so toys in these colors are more visually appealing to them.