Introduction: DIY Dog Toys From Around the House
I often go to big pet shops and look around at bits and peices, on this particular ocasion, i went to buy some dog toys. Unaware of the price they wanted, � a ball! � a rubber bone! well anyway i decided to skip the overpriced toys, and make some. Well i ad my inspiration and some base ideas, so i started to look around the house for things i could use.
Step 1: Fabric Rope Toy
For this toy, you will need:
6 fleece srtips(about 1.5m long) (2 colours if you like, it doesnt make a difference)
needle & tread or sewing machine
1. sew one end of the fabric strips together (alternating colours if you are using 2 colours)
2. plait the strips (2 strips per section) and leave enough fo tie in a knot
3. Tie a knot at both ends and in the middle
4. play :)
*Note this is quite strong my spaniel has yet to destroy it*
Step 2: Frisbees
frisbee's can be anything really, I covered one of those new plastic celebrations tub lids in some fabric, wich is well loves by cassie dog. But in the past i have used paper plates, and circles out of card.
Covering the lid is so that my dog has something to pick up
To cover a frisbee:
cut two indentical circles about 1" from the edge of your frisbee
Sew 2/3 of the circle
Turn the fabri inside out and slip the lid in
fold the other sides in, and sew.
Step 3: Doggy Ice Lollys :)
I got the idea a while back in the summer, when i decided that not just people should have lollies. I did my research and have found a 100% safe lolly for doggies :)
Well anyway. You'll want a plastic cup/a plastic tub of some kind, Some ham/chicken or whatever as long as it has been coocked already *I find ham works the best*
Anyway half fill your cup / tub with water
put the ham in, torn into small peices*
put the water and ham in the freezer
anyway wait a while *i waited 24 hours and it was fine
make a split in the plastic tub, and remove the ice cube
*NOTE not advised to be given on carpet
Also if you have a paved area outside, I also find that frozen gravy is good.
Step 4: Doggy Candy Crackers
if you dont mind picking up some paper scraps, then this is fine. If not i dont suggest it.
It only lasts about 10 minutes, but it takes about 2 minutes to make, and cassie seems to love it.
Empty toilet paper tubes, we've all got 'em from time to time, and a little toilet paper/kitchen roll too. And something yummy for the dog too. Preferably somthing with a smell. I use corned beef. Get the toilet paper tube, and put some of the food youve chosen inside (yes, this bits messy) and then put a little kitchen roll inside too. Then fold the ends in, and wrap it in kitchen roll. give it to the dog. Cassie goes mad because she can smell the food, she just cant see it. Its a great demolition toy :)
Step 5: Tail Ball
for this basic toy, all you need is:
cheap ball
a triangle of fabric about 60 cm on each side.
sewing machine/needle and thread
Hem any cut edges
put the ball on the fabric and fold one corner of the fabric around it
sew around the ball
this entertains my dog as she tugs at the fabric trying to get the ball out, This seems to be her favourite so far.
7 Comments
14 years ago on Introduction
My dog plays too hard for those types of things. I'm honestly considering buying her a bowling ball or perhaps a tire to play with. : p
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
I have a Miniature Bull Terrier. I have gotten him a bowling ball, works great for a period of time but he plays so hard he bloodies his nose on it. I have also gotten the Jolly brand horse balls for him. He chews off the handle but I have made a tether ball type toy for him out of these and they work well. The Sweet potato toys described on this website are great for him. He will destroy all toys. He even chews the tops off Kongs.
12 years ago on Introduction
Waterbottle and dog friendly food/treats
cut just below the tip or the waterbottle so theres a hole were food can fall out (if you just onscrew the cap the dog will give up and lose intrest) put the treats in, try to make it hard for the treats to get out! even put a toy in there if you have to! let the dog play with it (by tomarrow night, the waterbottle will be mostly empty and crushed flat) its a fun fetch toy too :)
14 years ago on Introduction
Your dog is a springer, right? Because mine is too! Anyway, great ideas, and you have a point: dog toys are way too pricy...
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
yup shes a springer, and a rather soppy one at that lol
14 years ago on Introduction
my friends dog tends to kill any toys...
14 years ago on Introduction
Cool! Keep 'em coming!