Make a Rope Dog Toy

Our dog Dodger will rip apart normal dog toys in about 15 minutes. "Indestructable toys" take a little longer ;)

I learned how to make a monkey fist knot at a juggling festival a few years ago -- just for fun I made Dodger a toy out of rope that managed to keep him busy for at least a few days...

Step 1 Materials

Rope: At least 10.5 feet of 3/8" diamond braid rope -- about 4.5' for the monkey fist knot and 3 feet (X2) for the braid on each end. It's better to start with a much longer piece of rope, tie/position the monkey fist knot, and then trim off the long side. Also, forming the monkey first takes more rope (~6'), which is then tightened down to 4.5'.

Scissors or a sharp knife to cut the rope (Be carefull!)

Lighter to melt the rope ends, to prevent fraying.

Comments

[Mauigerbil]

now i feel stupid :( I bought one of these for my beagle and basset hound 6 months ago. I will try this once I get the rope. They love it when I put just a dab of peanut butter on it XD

[hmrk]

Nice)

[mattrush]

A really good idea, came up with this one a few weeks back, although similar slightly different, but credit goes to you for the idea. Thanks very much

http://www.instructables.com/id/Rope-Dog-Toy/

[hjjusa]

My Blue Heeler tears toys apart in minutes. I took one of those squeaker thingamajigs from one of the toys she tore apart and slit a smal tennis ball, put it in a monkey fist and she loves it.

[timbit1985]

Hey,
You might not know this, but the surface on tennis balls is similar to sand-paper. Even the ones sold in pet stores as a pet toy. This sand paper like surface can quickly wear away the enamel on your dog's teeth. I'd recommend something like a hockey ball instead.

Also, the technical term for a squeaky toy is....get ready for it...an OOEY :P

[liamchappell97]

Is your puppy a Australain Sheperd? I have a mini version of those. xD I was just wondering. Love the toy, I'm sure it'll be great for my dog. ^ ^

[mik3]

He's a mini Australian Shepherd too. Very playful, and sometimes a little too smart for his own good!

[djlewis725]

does anyone have an instructable for and indestructable dog toy?! my MALTESE can take a kong apart in like 10 minutes!

[superscientist1]

me to

[bobert610]

 Thanks for the site mate!  the second one was easier.  i've been looking everywhere for a simple set of instructions!

[Naz_23]

 i made this for my dog and she loves it! she is really destructive and it can withstand her so it really is a good toy for big dogs, but if you have a smaller dog ( i have a smaller dog also) maybe try using less rope because it is quite big. overall an awsum toy  good job

[andyboy]

I just finished one.  Tightening the monkey fist was the worst part.  I'll test it tomorrow at our dog park.

[Mirror Mage]

Nice Dog

[mwolfgang]

Cool beans!
I had some of the same rope left over from making some long lines for dog training. (I'll have to post that as an instructable. ~$20 for 4 vs $20-$40 each from a pet supply store or online.)
I think this toy would be good to train tracking or retrieving. You could either put something soaked in a scent inside the monkey fist (You'd have to leave the knot a little loose.) or soak it with scent. I also think the braided parts are a pretty good analogue for wings. If you wanted to train water retrieving you could possibly tighten the monkey fist around something buoyant enough to make it float.

Here's my effort:

[WolfVecho]

tie a small perforated container inside the monkey fist, just leave the cap sticking out so you can put your scented cloth or tissues inside.

[danlab]

I've made similar things with a tennis ball in the monkeys fist, which should keep it from sinking (although I would test it since the braids may make this toy hevier and could make it sink).

[awang8]

Cool! I'm so making one of these when I get my puppy soon.

[watermelonhead]

my dogs are uberdestructive- we gave them a stuffed dog toy and it was in shreds in minutes! this looks like a great idea.

[dooncy]

cool

[skimboarder33]

would you mind help me on my new Instructable tips on dog toys that really work I already posted it but I still need some ideas on homemade toys could anyone here go to my Instructable and add a comment on it thank you

[skimboarder33]

no its not photoshoped the dog just is only using 1 side of its mouth its just the way the dog grabbed it. have you seen my Instructable on dogs?

[GorillazMiko]

Nice job, and great photos! That last picture somehow looks photoshoped or something at the mouth of the dog...