20 DIY Dog Toys [Easy To Make]

As a dog owner, I know how challenging it can be to keep our furry friends entertained especially when toys can get pricey.

Have you ever wondered how to create fun, engaging toys at home?

In this article, I’m excited to share some easy DIY options that will save money and provide your pup with hours of joy and stimulation.

Let’s dive in!

DIY Dog Toys 

Dog toys are essential for your pet’s happiness and health. They come in various types, such as chew, fetch, and puzzle toys. 

Chew toys help keep your dog’s teeth clean and satisfy their natural urge to gnaw. Fetch toys, like balls and frisbees, encourage exercise and playtime. 

Puzzle toys stimulate your dog’s mind, making them think and solve problems. Choosing the right toy can prevent boredom and strengthen your bond with your furry friend, ensuring they stay active and content.

1. Sock and Tennis Ball Toy

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Grab an old sock and a tennis ball to create this simple yet entertaining toy for your dog. Just stuff the tennis ball into the sock, tie a knot at the open end, and you’re good to go.

Your pup will love the combination of the soft sock and the bouncy ball inside. It’s perfect for games of fetch or tug-of-war.

It’s a great way to upcycle old socks and keep your furry friend entertained for hours.

Make sure to supervise playtime to ensure the sock remains intact and safe for your dog to play with.

2. DIY Rope Toy

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For this sturdy toy, you only need some old t-shirts or fabric strips and a bit of braiding skills.

Cut the fabric into long strips and braid them tightly together, tying knots at both ends to secure them.

This DIY rope toy is perfect for tug-of-war and chewing. It’s durable and can be customized in any size to suit your dog’s needs.

Using old t-shirts adds a personal touch and is an excellent way to recycle. Make several in different colors and sizes for variety!

3. Water Bottle Crunch Toy

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Dogs love the crunchy sound of a plastic water bottle, and turning it into a toy is super easy.

Simply take an empty plastic bottle and stuff it inside a sock or fabric sleeve, securing it with a knot.

The crinkly sound will keep your pup entertained, and the soft outer layer will protect their teeth.

Make sure to replace the bottle if it gets too crushed to avoid sharp edges. This toy is perfect for fetch, chewing, and even solo play when you’re not around.

4. T-Shirt Ball Tug Toy

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Transform an old t-shirt into a fun tug toy by cutting it into strips and wrapping them around a tennis ball.

Start by placing the ball in the center of the strips, then tie a knot around it to secure. Braid the loose ends and tie them off at the bottom.

This toy is great for playing tug-of-war and fetch, and it gives new life to your worn-out clothes.

Your dog will love the combination of textures, and you’ll love how easy it is to make.

5. Braided Fleece Tug Toy

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Fleece fabric is perfect for making a durable and soft tug toy. Cut the fleece into long strips, then braid them together tightly.

You can create multiple knots throughout the braid to add extra interest for your dog. This toy is ideal for interactive play and is gentle on your dog’s mouth.

You can wash it easily if it gets dirty. Make a few in different colors and lengths to keep your dog engaged and excited.

6. Treat-Dispensing Ball

Create a treat-dispensing toy using a rubber ball and some tasty dog treats. Choose a ball with holes or cut small holes in it if needed.

Fill the ball with treats that are just the right size to fit through the holes. As your dog plays with the ball, treats will fall out, rewarding them for their efforts.

This toy provides mental stimulation and encourages active play. It’s a great way to keep your dog entertained and challenged, especially when you’re busy.

7. Tennis Ball Muffin Tin Puzzle

Turn a muffin tin and some tennis balls into an engaging puzzle toy. Place dog treats in some of the muffin cups, then cover each cup with a tennis ball.

Your dog will need to figure out how to remove the balls to get to the treats. This puzzle toy is excellent for mental stimulation and can help slow down fast eaters.

It’s super easy to set up and can be customized with different treats to keep things interesting.

8. DIY Tug Toy from Old Jeans

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Old jeans can make an incredibly durable tug toy. Cut the jeans into strips and braid them tightly together, securing the ends with knots.

The tough denim fabric will stand up to even the strongest chewers and tuggers.

This toy is perfect for games of tug-of-war and can be made in various lengths and thicknesses to suit your dog’s size and strength.

It’s a great way to repurpose old clothing and give your dog a toy that will last.

9. Stuffed Sock Toy

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For a quick and easy toy, stuff an old sock with fabric scraps or another sock, and tie a knot at the open end. This soft toy is perfect for chewing, shaking, and fetching.

You can even add a squeaker inside for extra fun. This is an excellent project for using up fabric remnants and old socks, and your dog will love the squishy texture.

Just be sure to supervise your dog to ensure they don’t swallow any pieces.

10. Felt Ball Toy

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Felt is a fantastic material for making soft and safe dog toys. To create a felt ball, cut felt sheets into strips, roll them tightly, and secure with a few stitches or hot glue.

You can make these balls in various sizes and colors. They are perfect for indoor fetch games and gentle chewing.

Felt balls are easy to clean and maintain. Make a bunch in different colors to keep your dog entertained and happy.

11. Braided Fleece Bone Toy

Combine the durability of fleece with a fun bone shape. Cut fleece fabric into strips and braid them together, tying off the ends to create a bone shape.

This toy is perfect for chewing and tug-of-war, and the soft fleece is gentle on your dog’s teeth. It’s also washable, making it easy to keep clean.

Your dog will love the texture and the challenge of trying to pull it apart, and you’ll love how easy it is to make.

12. PVC Pipe Puzzle Toy

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Create a puzzle toy with a PVC pipe and some dog treats. Cut the pipe into sections and drill holes in each section. Fill the pipe with treats and cap the ends.

Your dog will need to roll the pipe around to get the treats to fall out of the holes.

This toy provides great mental stimulation and is perfect for keeping your dog busy and engaged. Make sure to supervise playtime to ensure the PVC pipe remains intact.

13. Denim Knot Toy

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Repurpose old denim jeans into a sturdy knot toy. Cut the denim into long strips and tie them into a series of tight knots.

This toy is great for chewing and tugging, and the tough denim will stand up to heavy use.

You can make the toy as long or as short as you like, depending on your dog’s size. It’s a great way to recycle old jeans and provide your dog with a durable and fun toy.

14. Tennis Ball Tug Rope

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Combine a tennis ball and a rope to make a fun tug toy. Cut a small slit in the tennis ball and thread a length of rope through it.

Tie knots on either side of the ball to secure it in place. This toy is perfect for games of fetch and tug-of-war, and the combination of textures will keep your dog entertained.

It’s easy to make and can be customized with different types of rope and ball sizes.

15. Plush Toy from Old Stuffed Animals

Turn old stuffed animals into new dog toys. Remove any small parts or hard plastic eyes, then sew the openings closed. Your dog will love having a new plush toy to cuddle and chew.

This is a great way to upcycle old toys and give your dog something soft and comforting.

Just make sure to supervise playtime to ensure your dog doesn’t ingest any stuffing or fabric pieces.

16. Sock and Rope Ball Toy

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Create a fun ball toy using a sock and some rope. Place a ball inside the sock and tie the end with a length of rope, leaving enough rope to use as a handle.

This toy is perfect for fetch and tug-of-war, and the combination of the sock and ball will keep your dog entertained.

It’s also easy to replace the ball or sock if they get worn out, making this a durable and long-lasting toy.

17. T-Shirt Knot Ball

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Transform an old t-shirt into a knot ball toy. Cut the t-shirt into strips and tie them into a tight ball with several knots.

This toy is perfect for chewing and fetching, and the soft fabric is gentle on your dog’s teeth.

You can make several of these balls in different sizes and colors to keep things interesting.

It’s an excellent way to recycle old clothes and provide your dog with a fun and engaging toy.

18. Plastic Bottle Treat Toy

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Create a treat-dispensing toy using a plastic bottle and some treats. Cut small holes in the bottle, just large enough for treats to fall out.

Fill the bottle with treats and secure the lid. Your dog will need to figure out how to roll and shake the bottle to get the treats out.

This toy provides mental stimulation and encourages active play. It’s easy to make and can be customized with different types of bottles and treats.

19. Old Towel Rope Toy

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Repurpose an old towel into a durable rope toy. Cut the towel into strips and braid them together, tying knots at both ends to secure.

This toy is perfect for tug-of-war and chewing, and the tough towel fabric will stand up to heavy use.

It’s also easy to wash, making it a great option for outdoor play. Your dog will love the texture and the challenge of trying to pull the knots apart.

20. Cardboard Tube Puzzle Toy

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Use a cardboard tube, like from a paper towel roll, to create a simple puzzle toy. Cut holes in the tube and fill it with treats. Fold the ends of the tube to keep the treats inside.

Your dog will need to figure out how to roll and shake the tube to get the treats to fall out.

This toy is great for mental stimulation and can be easily replaced when it gets worn out. It’s a fun and inexpensive way to keep your dog entertained.