Have a Ball with These Cheap (or Free) Dog Toys

If Max has grown bored with his Frisbee and tennis ball or gnawed through a forest full of sticks in the backyard, it’s time to add some pizzazz to your dog’s toy box. But there’s no need to fetch your wallet. Instead, dig through your recycling bin for DIY dog toy materials (who said cats were the only pets interested in empty boxes and shopping bags?) or think like a kid. Many of the toys that keep your child entertained for hours could do the same trick for your pup.

When dreaming up ideas for new dog toys, keep your pup’s safety in mind. Don’t give him anything that he could choke on (like jingle bells), anything that may splinter his mouth (like ham bones) or anything that would make him sick (materials coated with dyes or chemicals). Always supervise your dog with a new toy the first time around. After all, the idea is to play with your dog.

Don’t be afraid to get thrifty and creative. We promise your dog won’t judge you. Actually, he’ll probably find your handmade playthings more exciting than that $15 toy you once brought home from the pet store. Yes, the one he pushed under the couch after shredding its cardboard packaging. Reserve your dog budget for healthy food, vet bills and grooming and save a little piece of the planet by reusing what you already have lying around the house. We’ve got a few ideas to you started.

1. Dishtowel tug toy. Tightly braid together three dishtowels and secure both ends with smaller strips of the cloth. You can also use socks, cloth napkins or old tee shirts to create this one-of-a-kind tug-of-war toy.

2. Plush. Give your pup something to cuddle. When your children have outgrown stuffed animals, see if your dog has any interest in the hand-me-downs. If your kids are still enjoying the toys, be careful. Your dog may think he is entitled to any and all of the stuffed toys in your home. And how could you blame him?

3. Balloons. Whether it’s his birthday or not, your pup is sure to get a kick out of chasing, pawing and nosing these light-as-a-feather toys across the carpet. You’ll crack up when you watch your dog discover the magic of static cling. As soon as Buddy pops a balloon, quickly gather the remains and throw them away so he doesn’t  swallow the rubber. Skip this game if your pup is generally startled by loud noises.

4. New things to throw. Turn an ordinary tennis ball into something a bit more fetching. Place a tennis ball inside a long gym sock and tie it closed. Or thread a piece of rope or cord through the ball. Voila! A whole new take on a dog toy classic.

5. Newspaper. If your dog has mastered the concept of fetch, put him to work for you. Teach Fido to carry the newspaper inside each morning and reward him with a small treat or belly rub. This task is great for naturally eager-to-please breeds like Labradors and Golden Retrievers.

6. Hula hoop. Turn this kid’s toy into a backyard agility game (and plenty of exercise) for your pup. Start out by placing the hoop low to the ground and encourage your dog to jump through. Heighten the hoop a little bit each time and see how high he can go.

7. Bubbles. Head to the backyard and blow some kid-safe bubbles for your dog to chase. He’ll probably eat them, so your pup should enjoy this game in moderation. All bubbles contain soap, which could upset your dog’s stomach. Try making your our own doggie bubbles by adding chicken or beef bouillon to flavor.

8. Flashlight or laser. Turn off the lights in your living room or den and watch your dog dance around as he chases the fragment of light that you bounce off the floor, ceiling and walls.

9. Plastic bottle puzzle. Funnel a handful of kibble into a plastic milk bottle to create a puzzle for your pup. Leave the lid off and set on the floor. Your dog’s job will be to kick, paw or do anything else in his power to get the food out.

10. Ice cubes. Here’s a sneaky (and fun) way to help your pup stay hydrated. Drop a few cubes onto the kitchen floor (unless you have carpet, of course) and watch your puppy go to town. She’ll have a ball trying to get the slippery ice to stop gliding and even more fun trying to pick up the cubes with her mouth. Also try adding a few ice cubes to your pet’s water dish and watch as she figures out the best way to fish them out.

11. Empty boxes or shopping bags. Set a few down in an open space and let your puppy explore his new fort.

12. Puppy piñata. Decorate a brown paper bag then fill it with your dog’s favorite treats. Use a piece of rope to tie the bag to a pole or stick and then dangle it in front of your dog. Let him jump and bite until he releases his prize.

Do you have a genius DIY dog toy idea? Comment below and let us know what keeps your dog entertained and exercised.