Stuff multiple socks inside one main sock. Tie the end and hand it off. Your dog has a great new chew toy without the stuffing that becomes such a problem. She can peel the layers off like an onion or chew all day. If you have a young pup, make the sock toy before washing the sock. We might not like the smell, but your puppy will appreciate your scent when you're away from home.
Double layer socks by stuffing one inside another. Then, fill the inside sock with sawdust. It's a different type of chew toy for a less aggressive chewer. If sawdust isn't available, use small animal bedding or a similar product.
The tug rope is the greatest toy to have when playing with a dog. Instead of purchasing a knotted rope at the pet store, make your own with old socks or t-shirts. Hold two socks together and knot them with other socks to create length. Make the knots tight so they don't give way while playing.
Combine the sock and the water bottle to recreate this toy. Place an empty plastic water bottle inside an old sock. Knot the sock and watch the fun.
Poke holes in the water bottle and remove the cap. Then, fill it with small or crushed dog treats. It works like the well-known Kong, allowing the dog to pester the bottle until small pieces of treats come out of the opening. If she destroys the bottle and gets the snacks, take the plastic before she can eat it and use a new bottle tomorrow.
On hot days fill the water bottle half way with water and lay it on its side in the freezer. Your dog has a solid chewing toy that will cool him in the hot weather, but it isn't too hard for his teeth.
Our pup invented the water bottle toy on her own. I left an empty bottle on the floor only to find her running through the house in absolute joy at her newly found toy. I did nothing to it, and it was just as pleasing to her.
To create the stuffing free toy that so many stores sell, buy some heavy fabric and get out your sewing machine. Cut out a basic shape - dogs don't care. Layer six or seven layers of the fabric on top of each other, sewing each layer to the one below it.
Remember, it's okay for your furry friend to destroy his toys now. It only takes five minutes to make new ones.
About The Author: Kelly Ann Butterbaugh is a freelance writer who regularly contributes to a variety of magazines and has written a history book for middle readers. Visit her website for writing help, lesson plans, history fun, or work for hire at http://www.kellybutterbaugh.com
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By
01/05/2012
My dogs love, love the water bottles I like the idea about freezing them with a little water in it. I will try this idea in the summer. Thank you.
By
01/08/2011
Empty water bottles and milk jugs are great toys for your dog to play with. They don't last very long because your dog will get pieces off (less that a half hour). Make sure your dog does not eat the lid or swallow pieces, they will get pieces off. Do not let your dog play with this toy alone they will get pieces off and can choke.
By
12/13/2010
In the summertime, I give my dogs ice cubes to play with and slide them across the vinyl floor and run after it. They also like to play with our old socks. We place one of their balls inside it and they work trying to remove the ball. Our male cocker spaniel loves to play with an empty litre bottle w/o the lid and crunches at it growling and carrying it about. When it gets to the point where a few wrinkles are placed in it, we toss it out and replace with a new one. I also toss it across the room and he runs after it. He loves that crunching sound. He's never had any bottle long enough to cause it to tear into pieces as it's thrown out and replaced before that even happens. Just like kids, you must supervise, so things like that do not happen.
By
12/11/2010
I found toys at a feed store, that are very tough! you can feel the material being thicker and the sewing very secure- much better made than any at a pet store. They even had one designed to pull apart and you can put it back together.
By
12/09/2010
The sock idea is great, the water bottle thing is very dangerous. These should never be given to your dog! You cannot always keep an eye on your pet and it takes one piece of this plastic to get logged in their throat, a sharp piece to pierce the stomach lining causing internal bleeding. The companies who sell such toys with plastic bottles in them should be outlawed. If you care anything about your pet then you protect them to the best of your ability.
By
12/09/2010
I've made sock toys for every dog I've had for many many years. One thing I learned over the years. Dogs can tell which is their socks and which are not very easily. They learn to only chew on the ones with knots in them. I've never yet had one that didn't learn the difference within the first couple of weeks.
I love the plastic bottle idea. I think even my cat would play with that if I put something inside to make some rattling noise too.
By
12/09/2010
We do this as well but I go down to the park and retrieve old tennis balls and put a ball in the sock and tie it off. Best investment for a dog toy.
By
12/08/2010
Great Tips. You can also get cotton rope to make a dog toy. Cut about 24 inches of rope and tie a large knot in the ends. Make sure the rope is the correct size for your dog. For example, for a Chihuahua, make sure it is small enough for them to chew. It is also important to make sure you monitor your dog when they chew these. If they have fibers that come off, take the toy away and make another. If it gets dirty, you can wash it but be careful that you rinse it well before you give it back to your dog to chew.
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Thrifty Homemade Dog Toys