Is your dog’s toy box looking a little sad? Are you tired of spending money on chew toys that don’t last long? Well, get ready to become your dog’s favorite human all over again with these homemade dog toys. There’s something extra special about a toy made with love (and maybe a little duct tape).
1. The Indestructible Sock Monster
Got a drawer full of mismatched socks? The Sock Monster is perfect for pups who love to shake, rattle, and destroy.
Stuff the sock with your filling, pop a tennis ball in the toe and tie a knot. Voila! You have a tug toy, a fetch toy, and a cuddle buddy all in one.
Pro tip: Use a sock with a fun pattern for extra visual appeal.
2. The Bottle Cruncher Delight
Does your dog go nuts for that satisfying crunch? Meet their new favorite toy: The Bottle Cruncher Delight!
Grab an empty plastic bottle, wrap it in an old T-shirt or sock, and secure the ends. Always supervise your dog with this toy and replace it if it starts to fall apart.
3. The Treat-Dispensing Puzzle Box
Put your dog’s problem-solving skills to the test with this DIY treat puzzle!
Take an old cardboard box, cut some holes in it, and hide treats inside. Your dog will have a blast figuring out how to get to the goodies. You can increase the difficulty as your dog gets smarter.
4. The Rope-Tastic Tug Toy
This rope toy is a dream come true for the pup, who thinks they’re secretly a sailor. Braid together some old t-shirts or any soft material to create a durable tug toy.
Bonus points if you use your dog’s favorite colors (yes, dogs can see some colors).
Remember to play tug-of-war safely, and let your dog win sometimes. It’s good for their confidence.
5. The Muffin Tin Memory Game
You can test your dog’s skills with this simple yet engaging game. Hide treats in some of the muffin cups and cover all the cups with tennis balls.
Watch as your clever dog figures out which balls to move to get to the treats.
6. The T-Shirt Treasure Hunt
Got an old T-shirt and some treats? Lay the shirt flat, sprinkle some treats, then roll it up tightly. Your pup will have a blast unrolling the shirt to find the hidden goodies.
7. The Cardboard Tube Treat Dispenser
Don’t toss that empty paper towel roll. It becomes an engaging puzzle toy with a few strategic holes and some tasty treats.
Cut holes in the tube, pop in some treats, and fold the ends closed. Your dog will have a blast rolling the tube around to make the treats fall out.
8. The Ice Block Bonanza
This toy is perfect for hot summer days. Freeze some of your dog’s favorite toys or treats in a big block of ice. As the ice melts, your pup can “dig” for the prizes.
9. The Fleece Flip Flop
No, it’s not your beach footwear. This toy is all about the flip and the flop. Cut strips of fleece and tie them together in the middle.
The result? A floppy, fleecy toy perfect for fetching, tugging, and general dog shenanigans.
10. The Snuffle Mat Extraordinaire
For the pup who thinks they missed their calling as a truffle pig, the Snuffle Mat is a dream come true.
Using an old rubber mat and strips of fleece, create a fuzzy surface perfect for hiding treats.
11. The PVC Puzzle Feeder
Is some PVC pipe lying around? Time to put on your inventor’s hat.
Create a vertical puzzle feeder by drilling holes in a PVC pipe and capping the ends. Fill it with kibble, and watch your dog figure out how to tip and turn it to get their dinner.
12. The Braided Fleece Ball
This toy is perfect for dogs who think they’re secret yarn enthusiasts.
Braid strips of fleece into a ball shape for a soft, throwable toy that’s gentle on teeth and great for indoor play. It’s like a stress ball for dogs, minus the stress, plus a lot of fun.
13. The Towel Treat Roll
This toy is simple yet effective for those “I need to entertain my dog NOW” moments.
Roll some treats in a towel and let your dog unroll it to find the goodies. It’s less messy and more fun to unwrap.
14. The Denim Pocket Puzzle
You can upcycle your old pair of jeans into a treat-hiding masterpiece. Simply cut out the pockets and sew them onto a larger piece of denim. Hide treats in the pockets and let your dog nose around to find them.
15. The Water Bottle Crinkler
This toy is great for dogs who love that crinkly sound but always try to eat the water bottles.
Remove the cap and label from a plastic water bottle, wrap it in a sock or fabric, and secure the ends. This toy will not leave plastic shards all over your floor.
16. The Knotted T-Shirt Rope
If your pup thinks they’re part shark and part shredder, they’ll love this toy.
Cut an old t-shirt into strips and braid or knot them together to create a durable tug toy. It’s like a big friendship bracelet.
17. The Tennis Ball Treat Puzzle
Tennis balls aren’t just for fetching anymore; you can do more with them. Cut a small slit in a tennis ball and stuff it with treats. Your dog will have to figure out how to get the goodies out.
18. The Cardboard Box Castle
One dog’s trash is the same dog’s treasure. Save those Amazon boxes and create a castle for your pup to explore. Cut doors and windows, and maybe hide some treats inside.
19. The Sock and Ball Swing
This one is for the dog who wishes they had opposable thumbs to play tetherball. Tie a tennis ball in the toe of a sock, then hang it at your dog’s height. They’ll have a blast batting it around.
20. The Muffin Tin Ball Drop
Think your dog could have a future in basketball? This game might be their calling.
Place treats in a muffin tin and cover each cup with a tennis ball. Your dog must remove the balls to reach the treats.
21. The Stuffingless Squeaker
This is a perfect replacement if your dog loves the squeak but always guts its toys. Take the squeaker out of an old toy and wrap it in layers of fabric.
Your dog gets the joy of the squeak without the mess of stuffing.
22. The Treat-Dispensing Bottle
Recycling has never been so fun! Cut holes in a plastic bottle, fill it with treats, and let your dog roll it around to dispense them.
23. The Blanket Burrito
Last but not least, for the dog who loves to burrow. Roll up some treats in an old blanket and let your dog unroll it to find the goodies. It’s like a treasure map but cozier and more edible.
There you have it – 23 homemade dog toys that’ll have your pup forgetting all about those store-bought alternatives. Remember, the best toy for your dog is one that’s safe and suits their play style. Always supervise your pup with new toys and replace them if they fall apart.