Hello! For those of you with canine companions, you know that a tired dog is a happy dog. But keeping your furry friend amused can be difficult, especially once they have torn apart every toy you have bought them. That is exactly why I created this list of DIY dog toys and puzzles — because fun does not have to be expensive or complicated. From edible treat stuffing to custom DIY dog bandanas, these simple projects will keep your pup busy all week long!
Why Make Your Own Dog Toys?
Okay, so hear me out. I know what you are thinking. Dog toys can be bought at the store too! Why go through the effort of making your own? Well, I used to think that too — until I tried it. Then I was hooked, for two reasons:
Dog toys from the store are expensive, and dogs destroy them. Seriously. Most dogs rip apart a store-bought toy in less than a day. Then you are stuck buying them something new. When you make toys at home, you do not feel bad about it when they get destroyed.
It is fun! This is probably cheesy, but being creative with your dog and watching them enjoy the final product is really rewarding — not to mention relaxing.
What Supplies Should You Have On Hand?
Here are some basic supplies I mention throughout this list. You most likely already have them hiding around your house somewhere.
Old t-shirts and fleece fabric will come in handy for some knotted and braided DIY toys. PVC pipes and wooden boards are perfect for homemade agility equipment. Tennis balls, plastic bottles, and cardboard tubes are great for creating puzzles. Rope, twine, and scrap fabric can be used for tug toys and treat-dispensing toys. Non-toxic paint and permanent markers are nice for decorating homemade dog bandanas and bowls.
You will want to gather what you have before diving into these projects, but feel free to buy more as you go.
15 DIY Dog Toys and Puzzles Your Dog Will Love
Below are fifteen adorable DIY dog toys and puzzles. These projects are simple enough for any dog parent to tackle.
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Braided Fleece Dog Toy
All you need for this one is fleece fabric. Cut long strips of fleece, then braid them tightly. Tie knots at both ends of the braid, and you are done! Fleece fabric does not fray like other materials, which makes it extra durable.
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Muffin Tin Puzzle Toy
For this DIY dog puzzle game, use a standard muffin tin and tennis balls. Put treats or kibble in each cup of the muffin tin, then place a tennis ball on top. Your dog will have to realize that they can lift the ball with their paws to access the hidden treats underneath. It sounds simple, but dogs love this game.
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Homemade Dog Snuffle Mat
Cut strips of fleece, then tie each strip through the holes of a rubber garden mat or sink mat. Hide your dog’s kibble or treats within the strips of fleece and let them go to town sniffing out every last bite. This is great for anxious dogs, since heavy sniffing helps them relax.
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Cardboard Box Dog Puzzle Toy
Help your dog practice their problem-solving skills with this super cheap dog puzzle toy. Simply cut several holes into a large cardboard box. The holes should only be large enough for your dog to fit their paw or nose through. Place treats inside the box, and they will figure it out from there. For an extra challenge, place a small box inside the big box.
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DIY T-Shirt Rope Dog Toy
Another fun DIY dog toy using recycled t-shirts. Cut an old t-shirt into long strips, then braid or knot the strips together to create a rope toy. You can throw this in the washer whenever it starts to smell! It is also great for beginner chewers since the material is not too tough on their teeth.
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How to Make Frozen Kong Stuffing
If you already have a Kong toy, take it to the next level with these tasty Kong stuffing recipes. Mix peanut butter and banana along with plain yogurt, and fill your Kong toy. Freeze it overnight for a delicious, long-lasting dog treat. Try different filling combinations to keep your pup guessing.
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DIY Tennis Ball Treat Dispenser
Slice your tennis ball open and fill it with tiny treats. Easy! Your dog will have to roll and manipulate the tennis ball in different ways to make the treats fall out. A classic for a reason.
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How to Make Your Own DIY Agility Tunnel
If you have a big backyard and a large dog, build your own DIY agility tunnel! All you need is a large PVC pipe and a piece of fabric. Thread the fabric through the PVC pipe frame to create a tunnel shape. Lead your dog through the tunnel with treats, and soon enough they will be running through it themselves. Bonus points if you make your own agility hurdles too.
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Sock Puppet DIY Dog Toy
Stuff a thick sock with other old socks or scrap fabric, then tie the open end with a strip of fabric. Super simple, and it creates the perfect squeezable puppet for your dog. Great for teething puppies.
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Homemade Lick Mat Recipe
If you do not already have a lick mat, make your own using a silicone baking mat with texture. Spread a homemade paste of pumpkin puree and peanut butter, or plain cream cheese, on the mat. Let your pup go to town licking it up. This toy is great because it calms anxious dogs who tend to lick a lot. You can even freeze it overnight.
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Cardboard Tube Dog Toy
Fold the ends of a paper towel roll to close it up, stuff it with treats, then hand it over to your pup! They will have a great time shredding the cardboard and licking up all the treats inside.
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Personalized Dog Bandana Tutorial
Grab a triangle-shaped piece of cotton fabric and get decorating! Add your pup’s name with fabric paint or iron-on letters. While this is more of a wearable DIY project, it is still adorable. Bonus points if you make multiple bandanas for different seasons.
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How to Make Your Own Treibball Setup
You can actually play fetch with your dog and give them a real workout at the same time! Treibball is a dog sport where your dog learns to push large exercise balls into goals using their nose. Make your own DIY version in your backyard by grabbing an inexpensive exercise ball and two garden stakes.
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Crinkle Fabric Dog Toy
Sew two squares of fabric together but leave a small opening. Before you close it off, stuff the crinkly plastic material from grocery bags inside — make sure the bag is fully enclosed so your pup cannot pull it out. The crinkling sound when your dog bites down on it is irresistible!
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Dog-Safe Herb Garden Sniff Station
Plant dog-safe herbs like rosemary, mint, and lavender in small pots. Place the pots close to the ground so your dog can easily sniff through them when they are spending time in the backyard. Bonus points if you make your own dog-safe spray to freshen up the herbs!
Closing Thoughts
Hopefully, you feel inspired to go home and make one — or twenty — of these fun DIY dog toys. They are super easy to make, and chances are you already have all the supplies you need at home. No pup can resist peanut butter stuffed in a Kong toy. Rotate through these toys frequently and your dog will always be excited about what is coming next. A tired dog is a good dog, after all!
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