DGP’s DIY Dog Toys

Do you love spoiling your pup with special toys, but find that they are constantly going through them? Then it’s time for a DIY dog toy. Here are a few easy do-it-yourself projects for any dog lover to make, with items already found around the house.

Suggested: FAQs About DGP & Your Dog

T-shirt Chew Toy

From tug of war games, to the perfect chew toy, this is a simple DIY dog toy any canine companion will love.  Not only will this toy (hopefully) prevent your dog from eating the sofa, it will also smell like a member of the family and comfort your dog when you are away.

What you need:

• Two gently used t-shirts
• A pair of scissors

Directions:

1. Cut your shirt, starting from the bottom, into 2-3 inch slits
2. Once you initially cut the bottom, you will be able to rip the shirt into even strips
3. Take all of the strips together and use one strip to tie the rest together, leaving an inch free on the end
4. Split the strips into three even sections and braid
5. Leave an inch on the end before knotting the braid in place
6. Make sure the pieces are all secure before giving it to your pet

Toy Popsicle

This is the perfect soothing treat while the weather is still hot and humid out! Not only will your dog cool off with the ice, but the snack will keep them motivated to get to the center.

What you need:

• Dog treats of your choice
• Soup broth
• Ice cube trays
• Water

Directions:

1. Mix water and broth together
2. Fill the ice cube trays ⅔  of the way with the mixture
3. Put the tray in the freezer for approximately 20 minutes
4. Take the tray out, place the treats in the water and broth mixture
5. Freeze until frozen
6. Take the treats out and store in a ziplock bag in the freezer until it’s treat time!

Sweet Potato Chew Toy

While this may take a little more time and effort to make, your dog is guaranteed to love it that much more. A sweet and healthy snack to chew on will keep your pup busy for days.

What you need:

• Sweet Potatoes (2 to 3)
• Jute or hemp rope
• Sharp knife
• Foil and sheet pan

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 250 Fahrenheit
2. Slice the potatoes approximately ½ inch thick
3. Cut or stamp out the middle of each potato slice
4. Bake for two and ½ hours, then flip and bake another two and ½ hours
5. Make sure they are completely hard and there is no soft spots left
6. Knot the rope at the bottom
7. Proceed to place a potato on, and tie a knot around it until all are strung on
8. Knot the rope at the end to secure all of the treats

Soft Fetch Ball

Instead of a tennis ball, this is a felt ball that your delicate pup can use inside or outside.

What you need:

• Felt
• Scissors
• Heavy duty string

Directions:

1. Cut the felt into small sections the length of the ball size you want
2. Tightly wrap the string around the center of all of all of the strips
3. Wrap and knot the string around the center, securing all of the strips into one pile
4. Peel the different layers apart, transforming the strips into a ball

If you would like to make sure this DIY dog toy will last as long as possible, you can sew the strips together at the center instead of knotting. Once the ball is made, it it safe to use in and around the house without the risk of breaking something like a tennis ball.

There’s no wrong dog toy as long as your pet is safe, sound and under a watchful pet parents eye. With all toys, it is important to inspect them every so often to make sure they are safe for your pup. Just remember that your dog will never be able to decipher a store-bought from a DIY dog toy, but they will love them just the same. So before you shell out big money for those fancy dog toys, think of these easy DIY’s you can make at instead!

Read More: DGP’s September Dog of the Month: Jikki