We all want what’s best for our dogs. And when you go to specialty stores to buy the best organic, high-quality dog food, you’ll also see all the latest dog toys that stimulate your dog mentally and physically.
But before you spend money on new toys (often wrapped in packaging that’s hard to recycle), consider making your own safe and fun toys using materials destined for the trash. . Wile Pup now powstar.comprovided great ideas for upcycling dog toys.
upcycled tag braid
Indeed, donating or buying used clothing is important to make the most of the clothes you can still wear. But eventually, your T-shirts, jeans, and other clothing (or fabrics like sheets and fleece blankets) will wear out beyond repair. You can give these fabrics new life by upcycling them into fun dog toys.
One of the easiest dog toys to make is a pull toy. Simply cut the fabric into strips, tie three pieces side by side, tie a knot, tie at the top, and braid, leaving enough to tie the second knot at the end. Larger dogs may require a thicker tug toy, so you may want to use two pieces of fabric for each strand of the braid.
If you want to get fancier, consider using more advanced weaving and tying techniques commonly used in macrame. For example, try: four braidsalso called lanyard stitch. this produces something wonderful round rope It will be a neat and durable tug toy for your puppy. Again, for thicker ropes, use two pieces of fabric for each strand.
Natural materials like cotton and wool are great for pull toys. However, fleece is also a soft and safe option. Avoid fabrics that easily shred into thin threads. Dangerous if swallowed. If you use denim, be sure to cut off any loose threads when the toy gets old, as long strings can be harmful to your dog’s intestines if they swallow them.
Hidden treat dog mat
The same fabric that makes a great pull toy also works well for a slightly more complex DIY dog toy: a hidden treat mat. you can find great things “Honest Kitchen” manual or this YouTube video.
First, cut the dough into strips about 1-2 inches wide and 7-9 inches long. (Accuracy is not required as the dog is not being measured.)
Once you have a large collection of fabric strips, find the base of your mat. Almost anything with some degree of rigidity and regular gaps can be used. Avoid plastics that have come into contact with toxic substances such as detergents and herbicides. The purpose of this base is to provide a structure for pressing and tying strips of fabric to create a dense mat. Below are some examples of materials you already have around your home.
- Old dish mat with small drainage holes
- Square plastic fences such as snow fences, or wire mesh cloth
- Hard, flat plastic, or an old rug. You will need to drill small holes in the plastic or rug every 1/2 inch in a grid pattern.
Once you have a suitable material for your base, you are ready to start creating your mat.
- From the top of the base, push one end of the fabric strip into the hole.
- Run the strip back up from the bottom of the base through the adjacent hole.
- Tie a knot with both ends approximately equal. Any knotted or frayed edges of the fabric rest on the mat.
- Tie the strips together as tightly as possible.
This creates a thick, soft mat that’s perfect for hiding small treats or pieces of dry grain as an attractive toy for your dog.
dog puzzle toys
One of the latest trends in dog toys is to help dogs get the mental stimulation they need to be happy. These toys have treats or even regular dog pellets hidden in them, and the canine detective must take some action to get the reward.
Get creative and make food puzzles that will stimulate your dog’s thinking skills. However, be sure to use materials that are safe to chew. All pieces must be larger than your dog can swallow, sturdy enough to not break when used, and non-toxic. For example, paint can be toxic, so avoid painted items.
Here are some ideas to get your imagination flowing.
- Fill each cup of an old muffin tin with a treat or crumbs. Cover all cups with used tennis balls. Hint: Tennis players only use the ball for a short time until it flattens out. It’s common to see used tennis balls destined for the trash at tennis courts or local thrift stores.
- Wash old plastic bottles and fill them with crunchy food. Make a hole slightly larger than the food. Your dog will enjoy figuring out how to get the treat out of the hole.
- Cut a hole in an old PVC or other tube and put a cap on the end to create a sturdy, durable rolling tube. Packing kibble at dinnertime has the dual benefit of entertaining your dog and slowing down your dog, who usually eats food too quickly.
Safety considerations: Make sure the items you use for your dog’s Einstein toy are clean and free of potentially toxic adhesives (such as those used to attach labels). Also, if your dog is a strong chewer, choose a material that your dog cannot chew into smaller pieces. These are a choking hazard and can cause digestive problems if the pieces get stuck in your dog’s digestive tract.
About the author
Sharon Elber is a professional writer and regular contributor to WileyPup. She earned a master’s degree in science and technology studies from Virginia Tech. Sharon has been a professional dog trainer for over 10 years.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on November 7, 2019 and updated in November 2024. Feature image courtesy of: diddgeman on Pixabay
