DIY toys for dogs that you can make at home

When it comes to pampering our furry friends, there’s nothing we wouldn’t do. And just like us humans, dogs love receiving gifts and toys that they can play with. However, store-bought dog toys can be expensive and some may not even last long enough for your furry pal to enjoy properly. The good news is that you don’t have to break the bank to keep them entertained – with a few simple materials and a little bit of creativity, you can make DIY toys for dogs at home!

In this post, we’ll share easy-to-follow instructions on how to create fun and stimulating homemade toys that your dog will love playing with over and over again. So let’s get started!

What are DIY toys for dogs?

Do you have a dog that loves to chew on things? Do they always seem to be looking for something to play with? If so, you may be looking for some DIY toys that your dog can enjoy playing with.

Here are six DIY toys that your dog can make at home:

“Fetch” toy

• This is a simple fetch toy that can be made from any medium weight object. All you need is a long object, such as a piece of PVC pipe, and some tape or glue. You first need to cutting the PVC pipe into two equal pieces. Then, cut one of the pieces in half so that it is now roughly square-shaped. Tape or glue one side of the PVC pipe to the top half of the long object (so that it forms a “handle”), and then put the other side of the PVC pipe into the other half of the long object ( forming the “basket”). When your dog brings you the “Fetch” toy, just take off the handle and give it to them!

“Treat ball” toy

• This is another easy DIY toy that can be made out of virtually anything! All you will need is some stuffing (any kind will do), and an appropriate size ball. Simply fill up the ball with stuffing, making sure that it is well packed in, and then place it inside another small object (such as a small plastic container). When your dog plays with this toy, they will get to ” tug” on the small object while trying to get the treat out of the ball.

“Blanket” toy

• This is a great toy for dogs that love to cuddle. All you need is a soft blanket, some stuffing, and some tape or glue. Cut the blanket into a square shape, and then fill it with stuffing. Once it is stuffed, place tape or glue over the top of the blanket, so that it forms a “sleeve.” When your dog plays with this toy, they will get to cuddle with the soft blanket while they try to figure out how to get the stuffing out!

“Bone” toy

• This is another simple but fun DIY toy for your dog. All you will need is some bone Fragments (e.g. from a chicken or ham), and some stuffing. Simply mix together some stuffing and bone fragments until you have a desired consistency, and then place it inside an appropriate sized object (such as a small plastic container). When your dog plays with this toy, they will be able to tug on the object while trying to find the hidden bones!

“Nose flap” toy

• This is another fun DIY toy that can be made from virtually anything. All you need is a piece of fabric, some glue, and a small piece of fabric for the “nose flap.” Cut the fabric into a small shape, and then glue it to the top of an appropriate sized object (such as a small plastic container). When your dog plays with this toy, they will be able to open and close the “nose flap” by tugging on it!

“Puzzle” toy

• This is another great toy that can be made from any medium weight object. Simply mix together some stuffing, and then place it inside an appropriate sized object (such as a small plastic container). When your dog plays with this toy, they will have to figure out how to get the stuffing out!

How to make DIY toys for dogs

You don’t have to spend a fortune on your dog’s toys to keep them entertained – you can make your own! These DIY toys are simple but fun and will keep your pup amused for hours.

Material List:

• Injection-molded plastic chew toy (available at pet stores)
• Fiberfill stuffing
• String/yarn

• Begin by taking the injection-molded plastic chew toy and cutting it into thirds. Then, cut each third in half so that you have 6 pieces. Use the fiberfill stuffing to fill each piece, making sure the Puppy loves chewing on them! We like to put a little peanut butter or another sugary substance in ours to make them even more delicious! Once filled, tie each one off with some string or yarn for extra durability.

• For variation, you can also make a “ball” toy out of the same material by shaping it into an initial using an 18 inch piece of ribbon (weave in and out of the stitching at regular intervals). Once formed, use a needle and thread to sew two opposite ends closed, leaving an open end for rolling.

What materials you need

To make toys for your dog that are just as fun as the store-bought variety, you’ll need some materials. You can find everything you need at most convenience stores and many big-box retailers.

In the category of rawhide chews, you’ll need rawhide, water, and a natural enzyme. Place 1 or 2 pieces of rawhide in a small bowl and pour enough water around it to cover. Soak the rawhide in the water for about 30 minutes, then drain it. Add one or two spoonfuls of the enzyme to the bowl, then roll up the soaked rawhide and put it in your dog’s food or toy dish. Your dog will love trying to get to the meat inside!

If you’re looking for something your dog can play with indoors, try a rubber ball or Kong toy filled with treats. Be sure to supervise your dog while he plays with these toys; Lost Balls (which come in both large and small varieties) can suddenly pop open and send balls scattering across rooms.

How to make the toy

You don’t need a lot of expensive materials or tools to make your own dog toys. In fact, many of the toys you can make at home are cheaper and easier than buying them from the store.

Here’s how to make some easy DIY dog toys:

• Start by gathering some supplies: some foam pieces, a craft knife, scissors, and stuffing.

• Cut the foam into small pieces and start assembling the toy. One way to do this is to place one piece of foam on top of another, then cut around the edge so that it forms a circle. Do this with all of the pieces of foam until you have a complete toy.

• Next, add stuffing to each piece of foam until it’s full. You can use any kind of stuffing you like (shredded newspaper, old fabric scraps, etc.), but be sure to keep it clean so your dog doesn’t get sick from eating the toy later on.

• Give your toy a final shape by crimping or folding the edges together with your fingers or a sewing needle. If you’re using a sewing needle, be careful not to puncture the stuffed tissue inside!

• Let your toy dry thoroughly before giving it to your pup.

That’s all there is to it! Your pup will love playing with a homemade toy that’s made just for him or her.

Tips for making a good DIY toy for your dog

Making your own doggie toys is a great way to entertain and engage your dog while also helping you save money! Here are some tips for making the perfect toy for your pup:

• Choose a sturdy material. Toys that are strong enough to withstand chewing and vigorous play will be more fun for your dog and last longer. Some great options include Nylabone, Kong, or chew toys made of durable rubber or nylon.

• Add some enrichment elements. Many dogs enjoy playing with puzzles, balls, sticks, or other objects that offer something new and exciting to gnaw on. This extra stimulation will keep them entertained for hours on end!

• Choose a simple design. If you want to keep the decoration as minimal as possible, go for a toy that is composed of basic shapes like circles, squares, or rectangles. Your pup will still be able to figure out how to play with it and you won’t need to spend hours trying to create an intricate design yourself!

• Be creative! There are no rules when it comes to designing your dog’s favourite toy – just have fun! Try adding patterns or colours by painting the toy with a thin layer of nail polish or applying some shoe glue to make fabric versions of classic doggie games like fetch (or even hide-and-seek!).

• Give your dog plenty of opportunity to play with the toy. Toys that are regularly played with will be more difficult for your dog to tear apart, making them safer and more durable over time. You can also put the toy in different locations around the house so that your pup has multiple opportunities to play with it throughout the day.

Conclusion

Do you have a dog that loves to destroy toys? Do you want to make your own toys for your dog but don’t know where to start? Check out our DIY toy guide below and learn how to create some fun, safe and durable toys for your pup! By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to create exciting new playthings that will keep both of you entertained. Enjoy!