Dog owners spend billions of dollars a year on their dogs, and a huge percentage of that is on toys. Especially if you have a dog that is only satisfied when the kill has taken place and the toy is sufficiently destroyed. For those dogs, you probably spend more money on toys than anyone and you might start to wonder why, considering they only last a few hours, tops.
If you have a destroyer in the house, or are environmentally conscious and want to find a way to make your own toys out of unused items, the below suggestions are for you!
Just like all toys, supervise your dog and make sure you take them away if any small pieces come apart.
1. Sweatshirt Tug
Take that old sweatshirt, cut it into strips, tie a knot at one end, braid it, and tie a knot at the other end, Viola! You have a free tug toy that won’t shred like a rope toy.
2. Squeaky Pillow
If your dog likes to find the squeaker in the squeaky toy, by dissecting the toys, but does not actually break the squeaker – KEEP THEM! Save up a bunch, put them in a zippered pillow case (or if you are crafty, you can sew up a regular one) along with a few old t-shirts, sweatshirt, etc., and you have a brand new squeaker mania toy that your dog is sure to love!
3. Jean Toss Toy
Old jeans are a great thing to make into a dog toy because they are durable. You can cut up your jeans and tie them in large knot balls – simple make a knot over and over again in the same spot until it’s the size you want for your dog.
4. Frozen Mat
With summer coming, this cool toy will be your dog’s best friend. Just take an old towel, sweatshirt, pillowcase, etc., soak it in water and then lay it flat in your freezer to freeze. This is great for the hot dog, or the puppy that is teething; she will love to chew on the cold towel.
5. Ice Block
Most dogs love playing with ice, put them out on the patio with an ice cube and they are occupied for….five seconds? Well it was fun for the moment, but if you freeze a plastic bottle, jug, or milk carton full of water, then cut away the container, you have a giant ice cube that will give your dog plenty of summer fun! Add food, treats, toys, or broth to make it even more inviting.
About the Author
Based in Tustin, Calif., animal lover Kristina N. Lotz is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and works as a full time trainer. She also owns her own custom pet products company, A Fairytail House, where she makes personalized collars, leashes, beds, keepsake pillows and blankets, and anything else your imagine can think up. In her spare time, she trains and competes in herding, agility, obedience, rally, and conformation with her Shetland Sheepdogs.
