Introduction: Game Controller Dog Leash

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Controlling your dog has never been so easy! Simply plug your pup into this paracord leash, and let the Xbox 360 controller do the rest. Move up, down, left, and right with the joysticks. Fire missiles and magical spells with your triggers, access the dogwalking menu by hitting select, or hold down the Xbox button to reset or turn off your dog.

The vibrating "rumble" capability has been replaced with a far more practical "doggy poop bag" function. Though this leash is completely functional paracord may not be suitable as a leash for larger dogs.

Get ready to enter the Konami code and take your dog walking to the next level!

Step 1: Materials + Controller Breakdown

materials:

  • console controller
  • black paracord
  • heat shrink tubing
  • roll of dog waste bags    
tools:

  • rotary tool
  • scissors
  • Phillips screwdriver
.

I used a broken XBOX controller for my dog leash. There were 7 screws on the underside holding the controller together, with one hiding under sticker.

When all screws are removed the controller can be easily pried apart.

Step 2: Remove Vibration Motors

This controller had 2 vibration motors. These were removed to make space for the dog waste bags, they also made the controller much lighter.

These motors were plugged into the controller board and were easily unplugged. I saved these motors for use on a future project.

Step 3: Size Waste Bag Area

To fit the dog waste bags inside the controller some of the internals would need to be removed.

I found these dog waste bags at my local pet store. They usually come in small rolls and are inexpensive.

Step 4: Cut Controller Board

The bags almost fit inside the controller, but the controller board would need to be modified to accommodate the bags. Using a rotary tool with a cutting wheel a portion of the controller board was removed.

Step 5: Carve Internal Partitions Out

Using a conical carving bit on a rotary tool the internal fins and partitions were removed from controller cavity to allow the height and length of the waste bags.

Switching back to the cutting wheel on the rotary tool, a slit was cut through the controller on the bottom of the controller. This is where end of the bag roll would be fed through for dispensing.

Step 6: Paracord Leash

To attach the paracord leash to the controller a loop was sewn into one end of the paracord. The loop was then wrapped around the connecting points for the two halves of the controller. When the controller is reassembled and screwed together, this loop will be firmly wrapped inside the controller.

On the other end of the paracord a small portion of heat shrink tubing was threaded, then the rope end was tied in a knot to form a loop. The heat shrink is placed over the tail of the knotted end and secured in place with a heat gun or soldering iron.

Step 7: Assemble

The controller can now be reassembled.

  • Place the waste bags inside controller and feed the roll end through slit
  • place leash loop around controller connection posts
  • install controller board over leash loop
  • add remainder of controller housing
  • replace controller top, screw back together

Step 8: Take Control

Connect a carabiner from the dog leash to your dog's collar, and you're all set!

You'll have waste bags when you need them conveniently tucked inside the controller, and if things get out of control you can always push the "paws" button.


Have you made your own controller dog leash? I want to see it!

Happy making :)

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