1. The T-Shirt Tug Toy
Got an old t-shirt lying around? Don’t throw it out—turn it into a tug toy instead! Cut the shirt into long strips, about an inch or two wide. Gather three or more strips together, tie a tight knot at one end, then braid them securely before tying another knot at the other end. You now have a homemade tug-of-war rope that’s perfect for a game with your pup. Not only does it give new life to your old clothes, but it also smells like you, which is an added comfort for anxious dogs.
This tug toy is not only a great way to reuse old clothing, but it also provides a fantastic bonding experience between you and your furry friend. Whether you’re playing a game of tug or simply letting them chew on it, this toy is sure to become a household favorite. Plus, it’s washable! If it gets too slobbery, just toss it in the laundry and it’s good as new.
2. The Sock & Tennis Ball Surprise
If you’ve got an old sock and a tennis ball, you’ve got a brand-new dog toy! Simply push the tennis ball into the toe of the sock and tie a knot right above it. That’s it—you’ve just made a chew toy that’s perfect for playing fetch or for your pup to gnaw on when they’re feeling playful. If your dog tends to be a destroyer of toys, double up on the socks for extra durability. Pro tip: If the sock has your scent on it, your pup might love it even more!
This toy is fantastic because it mimics the feel of some of the expensive plush toys sold in pet stores but without the hefty price tag. The sock provides a fun texture while the tennis ball gives the toy some weight for throwing and fetching. If you want to add an extra challenge, try hiding a treat inside the sock before tying it up—your pup will have to work a little harder to get to their prize!
3. The Water Bottle Cruncher
Dogs love the crinkly sound of plastic bottles, so why not turn that into a fun toy? Grab an empty water bottle (make sure to remove the cap and label to avoid choking hazards) and slip it into an old sock. Tie a knot at the open end to secure the bottle inside, and there you have it—a satisfyingly crunchy toy that your dog will love chomping on. The sound keeps them entertained, and the sock adds a soft texture that’s gentle on their mouth.
This is an excellent way to reuse old socks and plastic bottles while giving your dog a toy they’ll adore. The crinkling sound is irresistible to many dogs, and they’ll have a blast pouncing, chewing, and tossing it around. Just make sure to supervise playtime in case your dog is a heavy chewer and manages to break through to the bottle.
4. The Treat-Filled Muffin Tin Puzzle
Turn mealtime into a fun brain game with this easy DIY puzzle! Grab a muffin tin, some dog treats, and a few tennis balls. Place a few treats in some of the muffin cups, then cover all the cups with tennis balls. Your dog will have to use their nose and paws to figure out which balls are hiding treats underneath. It’s a great way to provide mental stimulation and slow down fast eaters.
This puzzle game is perfect for dogs who need extra mental enrichment. It encourages problem-solving skills and helps reduce boredom. If your dog finds it too easy, try adding more layers of obstacles, such as crumpled paper in some of the muffin cups to make it more challenging!
5. The Frozen Sock Popsicle
Perfect for hot days or teething puppies, this simple frozen toy is a game-changer. Take an old sock, soak it in water, wring it out slightly, then twist it up and pop it in the freezer. Once frozen, give it to your dog for a cool, chewable treat. The ice provides soothing relief for teething puppies, while older dogs will appreciate the refreshing sensation on a hot day.
Not only does this toy keep your pup entertained, but it also helps keep them cool during the summer months. You can even add a little chicken broth to the water before freezing to give it extra flavor. It’s a cheap and easy way to create a long-lasting, cooling toy your pup will love.
6. The DIY Rope Ball
If you’ve got an old rope or even some fabric strips from old t-shirts, you can make a fantastic chew toy. Cut your rope or fabric into several pieces, then twist and knot them tightly into a ball shape. The more knots you add, the more challenging (and durable) the toy becomes. This is perfect for dogs who love to chew and provides a great outlet for their natural gnawing instincts.
This homemade rope ball is an excellent alternative to store-bought rubber chew toys. It’s strong, durable, and completely customizable based on your dog’s size. You can even soak the fabric in water and freeze it to make a cooling chew toy for teething puppies.
7. The Cardboard Box Snuffle Toy
Dogs love sniffing, digging, and foraging, and this toy taps right into that instinct! Grab an empty cardboard box, some old newspaper or fabric scraps, and a few dog treats. Crumple up the newspaper or fabric, stuffing it into the box while hiding treats inside. Your pup will have to sniff and dig through to find their hidden rewards. It’s a DIY version of a snuffle mat and a great boredom buster!
This game is a fantastic way to provide mental enrichment for your pup and encourage natural foraging behaviors. If you want to make it even more exciting, hide treats in different layers of paper or fabric and let your pup work to find them all!
8. The Tennis Ball Treat Dispenser
Turn an old tennis ball into a fun treat dispenser! Take a sharp knife or scissors and carefully cut a small slit into the ball. Make sure the slit is big enough for treats to come out but not too large that they spill out all at once. Fill the ball with kibble or small treats, then give it to your dog to roll and shake for a tasty surprise.
This DIY toy provides both mental and physical stimulation, as your pup has to figure out how to get the treats out. It’s also a fantastic way to slow down fast eaters while keeping them entertained. If you want to add a challenge, use different-sized treats so some take longer to fall out!
9. The PVC Pipe Puzzle Toy
Got an old PVC pipe lying around? You can turn it into an interactive puzzle toy! Take a short section of PVC pipe and drill several holes along its sides—big enough for treats to pass through. Cap both ends of the pipe, then fill it with kibble or treats. Your dog will love rolling it around, trying to get the goodies to fall out.
This toy is a durable and engaging way to keep your pup entertained. The rolling motion mimics natural foraging behaviors and keeps their mind active. Just make sure to smooth out any sharp edges after drilling the holes!
10. The Sock Knot Toy
Got a bunch of lonely socks missing their pairs? Put them to good use by making a simple knot toy! Take one or two socks, tie them into a tight knot, and voilà—you’ve got an easy, fun chew toy for your pup.
This is one of the easiest DIY dog toys out there and great for dogs who love to chew or carry things in their mouths. If you want to spice it up, add a drop of peanut butter to the knot and let your pup go to town!
