10 easy DIY dog toys

Squeaky squirrels, treat-dispensing puzzles, and a graveyard of tennis balls - where would your four-legged friend be without a mountain of toys to play with? Dog toys are essential to keeping furry friends mentally and physically stimulated, but that doesn’t mean they have to break the bank. If you’ve been toying with the idea of making your own DIY dog toys, spoiling your fur baby just got easier (and much cheaper!). So grab your crafty paws and get ready to unleash your inner creativity as we transform everyday household items into a fetching assortment of DIY toys for dogs. 

Braided fabric toy

Cut an old T-shirt or towel into three strips measuring the same length and tie them with a knot at one end. Braid the strips together tightly then tie a knot at the other end to create a durable tug toy for your dog! For older fur babies, you can make a DIY fleece dog toy exactly like this one by using a softer fabric that’s gentler on their teeth.  

No-sew denim knot toy

Got some tattered old jeans lying around that are so last season? Simply cut two long strips out of the legs of the jeans and tie them together using multiple knots to create a durable denim dog toy that will withstand rough play! If you want to take your DIY dog toy to the next level, follow Country Living’s instructions on how to box weave the two strips together to create a sturdy woven square.  

Treat dispenser bottle

The way to a dog’s heart is through their stomach, and making a DIY treat dispenser is a piece of cake! Grab a plastic bottle from your recycling pile, give it a good clean, and remove any labels before poking holes through it. Fill the bottle with your furry friend's favorite treats or some kibble, and let them figure out the rest! They’ll go bonkers trying to get those tasty treats through the holes!

Puzzle box

Puzzle boxes are a great way to pass the time on a rainy day, and this DIY dog toy box is super simple to make. All you need is an old cardboard box, a pair of scissors, and some treats! Create the puzzle box by cutting holes of various sizes into the box, and then filling the holes with dog treats and toys. Your fur baby will have hours of fun nosing the treats out (and most likely, chewing up the cardboard box too!).

Tennis ball toy puzzle

Looking for something to do with all those old tennis balls? They don’t have to be in tip-top shape to make this DIY dog toy! Use a knife to cut a small opening in the tennis ball and stuff it with small dog treats or kibble to make your very own DIY Kong toy. Follow this short video for step-by-step instructions and a cute insight into how your fur baby will react to their new toy! 

Rope ball

There are quite a few DIY rope toys for dogs, but this one looks straight off the supermarket shelves! It’s easy to make if you can master the monkey’s fit knot by following Hands Occupied instructions - start by wrapping the rope around your hand three times. Next, loop the rope through the hole you made with your hand and tighten the knot by pulling both ends of the rope. We recommend securing the end of the rope with dog-safe electrical tape to prevent it from fraying so it can be used again and again! 

Water bottle cruncher

Puppy Leak’s sock DIY dog toys are perfect for dogs that love to chew. Simply clean an empty water bottle and remove the cap and labels, before placing the bottle inside an old sock and tieing a knot at the end. Ta-da! Your sock’s been granted a new leash of life! 

Muffin tin puzzle

DIY dog puzzle toys are fun and mentally stimulating for pups, and this one can be prepped in less than five minutes! Take a muffin tin and place dog treats or small toys in each cup before covering them with tennis balls. Your furry friend will have oodles of fun using their paws, noses, and problem-solving skills to reveal the hidden treasures in this interactive dog toy.

Tennis ball rope toy

Playing tug of war is a great way to bond with your four-pawed pal, and this DIY dog rope toy will keep them physically and mentally stimulated for as long as your arm can bear it! Cut two holes into a tennis ball and thread a thick rope through the holes, tying knots at both ends of the rope to secure the ball in the middle. If you want to be even more crafty, the DIY braided fabric toy can be used instead of the rope to make a treasure that’s 100% upcycled.  

Agility equipment

According to K9 of Mine, agility obstacles and jumps can be made with the use of a couple of plastic laundry baskets and an old piece of piping (the handle of a broom or mop would also work well). Place each end of the piping through the holes in the laundry basket to create an obstacle for pups to jump over. To expand the agility course further, large cardboard boxes make great tunnels and various pieces of furniture can be used for extra obstacles.

As you can see, making your own DIY dog toys is fun and easy! It’s far more sustainable than buying toys from the shops every few weeks, and making them at home is a great way of using materials and objects lying around the house. As with any dog toys, DIY or not, pooch pals should be supervised when playing with them. No dog toy is indestructible, and toys should be removed when they begin to fall apart. 

Feeling crafty?

Now your pooch pal’s got a whole host of DIY dog toys to keep them busy, what else can you make? If your creative juices are still flowing, check out our homemade dog treat recipes - from tasty sweet potato chews to homemade chicken jerky, these are the perfect snack post puppy playtime!