We’ve all been there… your pup is staring at you with those big, soulful eyes, practically begging for something new and exciting. While store-bought toys are great, sometimes it’s fun (and budget-friendly) to get creative and make your own. Plus, nothing beats the satisfaction of seeing your dog light up over something you crafted just for them. Ready to bust some boredom? Let’s dive into the world of DIY dog toys!

DIY dog toys aren’t just about saving money; they’re a way to customize playtime based on your pup’s preferences and quirks. Got a power chewer? You can create something durable. Have a gentle soul who loves soft toys? You can craft something snuggly. The possibilities are endless, and the process can be a fun project for the whole family.

T-SHIRT TUG SHIRT

Say goodbye to old t-shirts and hello to a tug toy your dog will adore.

What You Need: 2 to 3 old t-shirts

How To Make It: Cut the shirts into strips and braid them together tightly. Tie a knot at each end, and you’ve got a tug toy ready for some serious play.

Why Dogs Love It: The stretchy material is great for tugging, and it smells like you, making it extra comforting

TENNIS BALL TREAT DISPENSER

Turn an ordinary tennis ball into an engaging puzzle toy.

What You Need: A tennis ball and a sharp knife (for adult use only)

How To Make It: Cut a small slit in the ball and stuff it with treats or kibble. Make sure the opening is big enough for your dog to work the treats out but not so big that they fall out easily.

Why Dogs Love It: It combines their love treats and play into one exciting challenge.

SOCK SQUEAKER TOY

Give new life to lonely socks and old squeakers.

What You Need: A clean sock and an old squeaker (from a toy your dog has already “de-fluffed”)

How To Make It: Place the squeaker inside the sock, tie a knot to secure it, and voila—a squeaky toy your dog will go crazy for.

Why Dogs Love It: Socks are already a hit with most dogs, and adding a squeaker makes it irresistible.

PAPER TOWEL FEEDER

Engage their noses and their brains with this fun feeder.

What You Need: An empty paper towel roll and your dog’s favorite small treats or kibble.

How to Make It: Flatten one end of the paper towel roll and fold it closed. Drop a few treats inside the roll. Flatten and fold the other end closed.
*Optional: Add crinkle paper inside before folding and closing to make more engaging.

Why Dogs Love It: The crinkly sounds, hidden treats, and challenge of figuring out how to open the roll make this toy irresistible for curious pups.

WATER BOTTLE CRUNCH TOY

Crunchy, crinkly fun with minimal effort.

What You Need: An empty water bottle and an old sock

How To Make It: Remove the cap and label from the water bottle, place it inside the sock, and tie a knot at the open end.

Why Dogs Love It: The crunchy sound is endlessly entertaining, and it’s lightweight for easy tossing.

Making your own dog toys is a rewarding way to spend time with your pup and show them just how much they mean to you. Plus, it’s a great way to upcycle items around the house. So grab those old t-shirts, socks, and empty paper towel rolls, and get ready to create something pawsome. Your dog will thank you with tail wags, happy barks, and endless love.

While DIY toys are loads of fun, always supervise your dog during playtime. Check the toys regularly for wear and tear, and retire them if they become unsafe. Avoid using small parts or materials your dog could easily swallow.