DIY dog toys – Top 30 ideas + master classes!

A dog is not a toy. She needs to be constantly looked after: fed and walked, washed and scratched. And she also needs to provide leisure time, otherwise the animal will be sad and because of this will begin to spoil everything in the apartment. And she needs communication with a person in a playful way like air. Therefore, every dog owner constantly buys a variety of toys for his pet. They can be fabric or rubber, simple or complex... But a quality product is always expensive. This article will help you save money wasted on toys for four-legged animals. We'll tell you how to make toys for dogs with your own hands.

DIY dog toys

Physical and mental activity of a dog is the key to a healthy psyche

A study by animal psychologist Anders Hallgren showed that about 50% of dogs rest for 20 hours a day, and 80% of the subjects had various behavioral problems. The main reason for such a long rest is lack of activities. Most owners work too much and often simply do not know what to do with their dog in the apartment. The other extreme is overly active owners. They run with the dog in the morning, go on long hikes and are sure that their four-legged friend is happy if every day, upon returning home, he collapses from fatigue. But this is also fraught with stress.

Further study of stress caused by over- or under-exertion led Hallgren to the theory of mental motivation. He proposed four classes of exercises and games that would provide the necessary stimulation to the brain and avoid the stress of boredom at home:

“Nose work”: search activities and games;
Educational games;
Movement coordination exercises;
Trick training.
Educational games are used to rehabilitate aggressive dogs, combat boredom, and just for fun.

Pros and cons of training with a tubular expander

Working out has its pros and cons. Main advantages:

Ability to work all muscle groups.
During operation, the muscle is constantly under load (even in the initial phase of movement).
Effectively increase muscle volume and burn fat.
Prevention of almost all diseases associated with the spine and musculoskeletal system.
Zero risk of injury.
When performing exercises with a tubular expander, the deep layers of muscles are involved.
Minimal stress on joints and tendons.
Passive development of the core muscles in almost all existing movements.
The ability to train anywhere: at home, on the sports ground, in a hotel while on vacation, etc.
Also, training with an expander is one of the most financially profitable types of training. To work out your entire body, you only need to buy a machine once.

Disadvantages of working with a simulator:

Lack of ability to track progress as workload increases.
Inability to adjust weight step by step.
The machine wears out with frequent use (especially in cheap expanders), after which the tube simply breaks.

Training or play?

If you're serious about training, remember: most commands can be easily learned through gameplay. For example, playing with a ball will help your pet learn the “Sit” command faster. Yes, don’t be surprised: even between an active game and a command calling for calm, you can find a connection.

You just need to understand that the animal is keen and closely follows your every gesture. Just raise your hand with the ball as high as possible above the dog’s head, and you will be convinced: your pet will sit up on its own, just so as not to lose sight of the treasured toy. All you have to do is repeat the trick several times, giving the desired command until your pet masters it. However, in game-based learning methods, it is very important to draw a line between command and entertainment. It’s one thing to run after a ball, another thing to bring it and give it to the owner.

Time for a change

As your dog begins to master the implements and overcome each obstacle simply by following your verbal commands or gestures, change the order of the obstacles. Thanks to this, he will not just perform a set of actions in a certain order, but will understand that the passage of each obstacle is preceded by its own special command.

Want to diversify your workouts? Make your obstacle course more difficult with additional tasks: for example, after completing all the obstacles, command your dog to bring you a tennis ball or toy. If you exercise in warm weather in the summer, install sprinklers on your obstacle course to keep your dog cool. But do not allow water to get on the slides, otherwise your pet may slip and get hurt.

Gutter

To construct the toy, you will need a cardboard or plastic tube (the diameter depends on the size of the dog). Stepping back a little from the bottom edge, make a transverse cut across 1/3 of the pipe section and insert a cardboard rectangle into it. This will be a kind of damper. The finished “drainpipe” is fixed vertically on the wall. The treat is wrapped in a sheet of paper and thrown into the cylinder. It will not fall to the floor until the dog pulls the flap out with his teeth. The number of such obstacles is gradually increasing. Of course, first the pet is shown what to do.

Game for dogs “Gutter”

Choosing a place for the barrier

Before you begin assembling a partition for dogs, you must carefully determine all the dimensions of your car. The width of the barrier depends on the size of the trunk. You need to measure the distance from floor to ceiling, as well as between adjacent walls. If the rear seats in your vehicle fold down, you can try making a barrier just behind the front ones.

In this case, you will need to determine the floor-to-ceiling distance behind the front seats. You should also measure the distance between the car's side windows in the trunk area. If you drive a sedan or similar vehicle without space in the back, you can place a dog barrier just behind the front seats.

DIY toys made from jeans for dogs

What craftsmen don’t use to make objects for their four-legged amusement! Dog toys can even be made from old jeans. Let's see how to make a couple of the simplest options that pets will like. The first one is suitable for medium-sized dogs.

Step 1. You need to cut off the bottom of the trousers, retreating about 25 cm from the edge of the gacha.

The bottom of the jeans is cut off

Step 2. Next, you need to start folding the edge of the jeans, starting from the side where the cut was made. When folding, you need to form a denim ring.

The edge is rolled up

Need to form a denim ring

Step 3. You need to cut long strips of jeans, which you then need to start wrapping around the previously made ring.

The strip wraps around the ring

Step 4. You need to wrap two layers of jeans around the ring.

Need to wrap 2 layers of jeans

Step 5. The easiest way to hide the end of the denim strip inside the ring is to push it through with scissors.

The end of the strip is pushed inside the ring

Step 6. The ring is ready. It is made completely without threads and is safe for the dog. Suitable for games of tug and fetch.

Finished dog ring

You can also make a denim “bone” from old jeans. This also doesn't require anything other than scissors.

Step 1. You need to cut about 50 cm of fabric from the bottom of the denim gacha.

Need to cut about 50 cm

Step 2. The edges of the fabric need to be wrapped inside a piece of gacha.

The edges turn inward

Step 3. Inside the workpiece you need to put a piece of jeans folded in several layers.

A denim package fits inside

Step 4. You need to cut off the parts of the legs where the seam goes from the remaining jeans - you will get a kind of rope. They need to bandage the previously made workpiece so that the fabric previously placed inside is tied in the middle. You'll get candy.

The edges of the workpiece are tied. It turns out to be a kind of candy for dogs.

Step 5. The excess ends of the ties need to be cut off. The jeans candy for dogs is ready.

Trimming excess ends of ties

Denim candy

Video - How to weave a rope?

Position of vertical posts

The most important element of the structure will be the spring-tension rods. They should be installed one behind each front or rear seat. Make sure that you place the slats strictly vertically, without tilting them in any direction.

After the vertical posts are fixed, you can begin installing them transversely. Alternately place all structural elements horizontally at an even distance from each other. The top bar can rest 10 cm below the ceiling. The attachment points can be drawn using a thin felt marker. While holding the horizontal bars in place, mark where they intersect.

By entering a lucid dream, you can control your future: how to do it

Windows 10: Improved privacy and other new features in Windows update

Jewish money wisdom: possession of information is an indispensable weapon in business

Nose work on the street

To play, you will need a dog (where would we be without it?) and a large tree with textured bark on which you can put treats. First, the treat is placed at the level of the dog’s head, and then the task is made more difficult: they hide it below, forcing him to bend over, and high up, so that he has to stand on his hind legs.

Game for dogs “Nose work on the street”

Electric tracks

The electric treadmill is driven by a motor. Even budget options have an electronic display that displays the current speed, distance traveled, and training time. It is important that the length of the running belt is sufficient so that the dog can completely throw out its paw.

If inexpensive treadmills are short, the animal will have to mince in small steps. Human trainers may not be suitable for large dogs due to the length of the belt. Devices intended for animals are sold in pet stores.

An electric treadmill can allow your dog to reach speeds of up to 12 km/h. In large cities, these simulators are installed in handling rooms and pet centers. There you can also use the services of an instructor who will help the owner and dog master the track.

Benefits of a puller

Now that you already know what a puller is, let’s take a closer look at its advantages. According to experts, this is an excellent remedy for the health of a pet, especially if it is raised in an urban environment. After spending the winter lying on the sofa, in the spring such patients are sure to suffer dislocations or sprains. A similar problem is familiar to owners of large pets.

The problem can be avoided through constant physical activity. Daily training with rings for 15–20 minutes will ensure good physical fitness for your dog.

The advantages of the projectile include its effect on all muscles, as well as the ability to develop observation and quick reactions in the animal.

Did you know? The sound of rain harms dogs. That is why they prefer not to injure their sensitive ears and do not go outside in wet weather.

Bright purple rings are clearly visible at any time of the year on a grassy lawn, asphalt path and in the snow. The device is almost impossible to lose. In addition, dog teeth will not spoil the structure of objects. Such a device will bring real pleasure to the ward.

The weight of the puller, depending on the type, ranges from 70 to 260 g. On the one hand, the dog is provided with physical activity, and on the other, the object is not a burden for the owner and makes it possible to exercise with the ward for a long time.

Many people think that a puller can easily replace an ordinary ball, stick, or plastic bottle. And they are deeply mistaken, because these are just toys, and we are talking about a full-fledged sports equipment.

It will be useful for you to learn about the reasons why dogs lick their paws, why a dog barks and howls, whether it is possible to keep dogs and cats together, how long dogs live, how to choose vitamins for your pet and how to train a dog to go to the toilet outside.

Purpose of the simulator

The main purpose of using the structure is to teach the dog a show stance, but during the training, the muscles of the body and limbs are strengthened, which is important for inactive dogs. Regular exercise will keep your muscles toned.

Any deficiencies in the position of the animal's limbs, such as minor curvatures or splays, can be corrected using a simulator. Daily exercises force the animal to remember how to position its limbs correctly.

Hodgepodge

If you pay attention to industrial intellectual games, you can see that they require considerable ingenuity from the dog. Some elements need to be moved aside, others raised. You can do something similar and even more interesting with your own hands. It is convenient to use a seedling tray with 6, 9 or 12 holes as a base. Each hole will have separate tasks. For example, these:

A treat wrapped in paper;
The hole is closed with the cut off top of the bottle. You will need to lift it by the lid with your teeth.
A tall plastic cup with a tasty treat at the bottom;
The hole is covered with cardboard with a loop that needs to be pulled.
A piece of fabric is glued over the corner holes. The flap will need to be elevated with the nose.

You can come up with your own options, taking into account the dog’s abilities.

Game for dogs “Hodgepodge”

Popular brands and manufacturers

There are different versions of simulators in pet stores. It depends on the manufacturer. Private production of structures for training dogs to order is common.

Popular brands and manufacturers:

Happy legs (American made). The structure located under the posts is made of metal. Platforms for paws in the form of squares or rectangles stand on low stands that move on rails.

Exercise machine made of wood (domestic production). The standard version consists of a wooden platform and posts placed on a magnetic base, which does not interfere with stability during the stand. Sometimes the design is made in the form of a convenient folding case with a handle or a frame without a platform.

Two bedside tables. This is the simplest type of simulator for training the exhibition stance, which is usually used by handlers. The main thing in practicing the pose is to carefully monitor the correct placement of the paws on long supports: not wide and not close.

There are many designs of simulators, but the principle of operation is the same for all - the presence of four columns with supports that help maintain a static position. The limited area does not allow sitting, jumping, or marking time. The right and left limbs should be in one line parallel to each other.

How to choose the right simulator

There are several factors that may influence the choice of a simulator:

Do you have a puppy or an adult dog? If you have a puppy, you need a trainer whose legs can be moved apart.
Do you have free space in your home? If not, then you need to look for a machine that folds up or can be easily disassembled.
Does your dog have basic training skills? If not, then the simulator platforms should be adjustable in width (turn over).
Are you planning to study at home? If not, then don’t rush to buy, trainers have their own equipment, usually exercise machines in the form of bedside tables.

Exercise machines may vary in:

The material used is metal or wood.
Type of platforms - round or square.
Size is the most “narrow” point, since there are no universal sizes for certain breeds, and the simulator can only be selected experimentally.
Structures – sliding, collapsible, monolithic.

To choose the optimal model, it is better to consult with a trainer or owners of dogs of the same breed. Quite often, the breed’s stance is required to be “elongated”; in this case, the hind legs should be slightly wider than the front legs, and this option is provided only in simulators that are adjustable in size.

Happy Legs is the only popular brand and manufacturer of rack training equipment. The range includes monolithic and adjustable accessories. To order, you can buy a dog trainer for any size dog. Happy Legs that are adjustable in length and/or take apart are the most popular.

As an alternative to the classic simulator, so-called bumps are often used. Two or four rubber hemispheres with a “spiked” surface. On bumps, the dog trains to take a stance and maintain balance. The exercise machine forces the dog to concentrate and tense all its muscles. It is preferable to use hummocks in the initial stages of training active dogs.

Mechanical tracks

Dog trainers can be mechanical or electrical. A mechanical treadmill is driven by the force of the runner. The use of simulators of this type causes controversy among owners. Some specialists deliberately use mechanical tracks to provide additional stress and teach the dog to push. This feature makes the mechanical track the optimal choice for training sled dogs.

However, many owners believe that a mechanical simulator is not so convenient, since it is more difficult to teach the animal to use it. In addition, it is difficult to accelerate on mechanics, although on magnetic mechanical tracks you can adjust the load level.

Snuff mat

And again a sensitive nose joins the game. The snuffling mat was invented by enthusiasts in the Netherlands. The dog's task is to find pieces of treats hidden in the "dense forest" of fleece strips.

You will need a honeycomb-type rubber dirt-cleaning mat, onto which many strips of fleece or other dense fabric are tied. First, the treat is hidden under the top ribbon, then the task is complicated by “burying” the treats deeper and deeper.

Game for dogs “Sniffing mat”

Agility equipment

FCI rules allow two types of agility competitions:

Standard – classic style with three types of obstacles. The number of obstacles on the site is from 15 to 22.
Jumping – only jumping obstacles.

This is interesting! In addition to standard and jumping, there are several other types of agility: joker, snooker and relay.

Standard type agility equipment that we reviewed above:

Slide.
Swing.
Barrier.
Ring.
Long jump.
Double barrier.
Barrier fence.

Obstacles:

Boom - similar to a slide, but it is a narrow crossbar with inclined boards along the edges.
A tunnel is a barrel-shaped, lightweight corridor that is laid to create a sharp turn or turn. The exit from the tunnel is soft - it lies on the ground.

Additional projectiles:

Slalom is a series of 12 poles (racks) through which the dog snakes its way.
A podium is a platform (usually square) with a graying contact area. The height of the platform can vary from 2 to 75 cm. The platform is used to secure the dog in the contact area. The time for which the dog must stop is determined by the judge.

This is interesting! In agility, a variety of recommended commands are used, but arbitrary ones can also be used. The only condition is that the commands should not be consonant or of the same type.

Final stage

When all the barrier elements are prepared, you can fix them together. The crossbars are attached to the vertical rods at pre-marked points. After this, the planks are fastened with wire.

The orientation of the winding should be changed every two passes. Wrap the wire so tightly that it is securely fixed. The rods must remain perpendicular to each other. If you want to keep this wire from being visible, simply use tape that is the same color as the strips.

After all the work is completed, the barrier can be put in place. In this case, you need to make sure that all the rods are securely fastened at the intersection points. The barrier should be located directly in front of the front or rear seats in such a way as to separate the rear area and the trunk. To fix it in one place, it is enough to use the design feature of vertical rods. This will allow the barrier to remain in one position and not slide. This will allow you to drive safely and keep your dog comfortable.

Kolobok

To make a toy you will need a piece of plastic pipe and two plugs. Several holes are made in the segment. Dry food or treats are poured inside, for example, dried meat cut into pieces. The sides of the pipe are closed with plugs and you’re done. When the dog rolls the toy on the floor, treats will fall out of the holes.

Game for dogs "Kolobok"

Soft toy for dogs made from gloves

It is not advisable to give dogs objects that are similar to those used by the owner in everyday life. That is, the pet is prohibited from playing with old slippers, hats, T-shirts, etc., even if the item is ready to go in the trash. The fact is that the dog does not understand whether the thing is old or new . But, once she plays with the owners’ slippers, she can then take new ones, ruining them. So it is better for your pet to have its own toys.

But what if you change an old thing beyond recognition and turn it into something unique, giving it a new life? Let's try to make a dog toy from an old glove.

Step 1. In order to make such a toy, you will need an old children's glove, sewing supplies and filler material for stuffing.

What is needed to make a soft toy?

Step 2. You need to make semicircular cuts in the upper and lower parts of the glove so that the outer fingers remain on one side and additional “fingers” are obtained on the other.

Cutout shape shown

Finished cutout Cutouts should be on both sides

Step 3. On one side you need to sew up the neckline with regular threads.

The cutout is sewn on one side

Step 4. The toy needs to be tightly filled with filler.

The toy is stuffed with filler

Step 5. When the toy is stuffed with filling, you need to sew up the second cutout.

The second cutout is also sewn

Step 6. For beauty, you can decorate the toy with large buttons by sewing them on it.

A button is sewn on

Step 7. The toy is ready. You can let the dog drag it, throw it and fetch it. The toy is not suitable for those dogs that like to chew toys.

Ready-made soft toy for dogs

Video - Mop dog toy

Jumping obstacles

If both you and your dog are new to agility, jumping is the best place to start. To teach your four-legged friend simple jumps, exercise machines made from unnecessary household items, such as laundry baskets and curtain rods, are quite suitable, or perhaps you have extra PVC pipes left after renovation? These make a great barrier for an obstacle course!

For jumping training, it is best to use movable bars - this way you can adjust the height to suit your dog's skills. Instructions on how to make a barrier using PVC pipes can be found at Instructables.com.

Do you have a gymnastic hoop or a noodle (water stick) for swimming? They are made of soft materials and are therefore also suitable for training jumping obstacles. During the first training, you can simply hold the obstacle at a suitable height and command your pet to jump over it.

All simulators of this kind should be lightweight and collapsible so that the pet does not get injured.

Surprise box

You will need a box and several sheets of paper. They always start with something simple, introducing them to the game. A piece of treat is wrapped in paper and placed at the bottom of the box. They bring the dog, who has probably already smelled the tasty treat, and allow him to get the surprise. Unfolding the paper is usually not difficult.

Gradually the task can and should be made more difficult. They increase the number of boxes and packages, some may be empty, others are also placed in a bag. It is important that the dog remains interested, so the game should not be too complex or lengthy.

Video example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5qOWB2uPbc

Tunnel type obstacles

There are many ways to make a tunnel from scrap items. Your children have grown up, but you still have a children's tunnel? These tunnels are lightweight and can be disassembled, making them great for dog training. In addition, it can be stored folded - this way it takes up very little space.

For dogs that have not yet been trained to go through an obstacle, the tunnel can be replaced with a cardboard box without a bottom - they will also have fun with such a projectile. During training you will have to support the box. To begin with, you can use short tunnels 1.2-1.5 meters long so that the dog gets used to the very idea that he needs to go through them.

If your dog is new to this type of training, he may not want to go through the tunnels. You just need to cheer her up. Get on all fours, crawl through the tunnel yourself, and she will follow your example. You can also place treats at the beginning, middle and end of the tunnel to encourage your pet to pass through. Again, as with other training, you need to be consistent and give commands so that the puppy understands exactly what he needs to go through the tunnel.

bottle

A brilliant idea for those who don’t know what to do with their dog when he’s alone at home. The volume of the bottle must match the size of the pet. For large breeds, two-liter ones are suitable, and for the smallest ones - 0.5 liters. A tripod is built for the game. It can have different designs and is made from any available materials. The main thing is that the bottles can be “strung” onto the top bar. Instead of a tripod, you can use a well-tensioned rope.

Just above the middle of the bottle, two parallel holes are made, through which it is put on a bar or rope. Dry food is thrown inside. To get the treat, the dog will have to twist the bottle upside down with its paw or muzzle.

Video example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JPn2h8bLuA

RELATED PRODUCTS

Science Plan Canine Adult Small & Miniature is formulated to support oral health, healthy skin and healthy digestion in small and miniature breed dogs. Contains natural ingredients and high levels of clinically proven antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
Hill's Science Plan Puppy Healthy Development Large Breed Chicken is formulated to promote healthy skeletal development in large breed puppies. With clinically proven antioxidants and optimal mineral levels. Optimal mineral content for healthy skeletal development. High quality protein and L-carnitine for strong muscles. Antioxidants with clinically proven benefits for immune system health. High quality ingredients. Great taste
Science Plan Canine Manure Adult 7+ Small & Miniature is designed to support strong immunity, vital organ and oral health. Contains a complex of antioxidants with a clinically proven effect, vitamins and minerals.
Science Plan Canine Adult Small & Miniature Light (low calorie) is formulated to support optimal weight and oral health for small and miniature breed dogs. Contains Omega-6 fatty acids for a shiny coat and L-carnitine for effective fat burning.

Kinds

Experts distinguish 3 types of pullers. Let's take a closer look at their differences and features:

Puller Standard is a ring with a diameter of 28 cm. It is designed for large dogs. The equipment needs to be purchased by owners of boxers, huskies, shepherds and others. The thickness of the rings is 4 cm, and the weight is 260 g.

Puller Mini is designed for training small purebred dogs. The outer diameter of its objects is 19 cm. The thickness of the material is 2.5 cm, and the weight is 70 g. The projectile has the same characteristics as the previous type, but is suitable for Chihuahuas, Pekingese, and French bulldogs.

Puller Maxi is identical in diameter to the standard type, but has double the thickness and weight. These figures correspond to 6 cm and 590 g. Due to these features, the kit doubles the load on the chewing and neck muscles and promotes better grip. A special feature of this type of puller is a special recess for the owner’s hand. The maximum set is suitable for medium and large breeds that have strong jaws. Note that the thicker the rings, the longer their service life.

Important! For active pets of small breeds that show signs of working traits, experts advise buying maximum or standard pullers

What muscle groups can be trained on street trainers and where to start training

Workout enthusiast Kirill Klimontov, in a conversation with a correspondent of the Minsk-Novosti agency, told which muscle groups certain street exercise machines are responsible for developing, and gave advice on organizing independent workout classes.
To the delight of fans of a healthy lifestyle, there are more and more street exercise machines in Minsk every year. They are installed near schools, in courtyards, squares, and parks. Simple designs can be mastered by young people, older people, and schoolchildren

And most importantly, training takes place in the fresh air. Regulars say that families and groups come here

And that's great!

One of these sites, near secondary school No. 203, was tested by Kirill Klimontov, a workout worker with seven years of experience.

Rowing machine

It’s unlikely to help professional rowers get into shape, but it will help amateurs. The load on the muscles of the back, chest, and biceps.

Twister

An excellent option for warming up muscles and tendons. It warms up the oblique muscles of the abs and lower back well. Can also be used as bars. In this case, the chest muscles and triceps are involved.

Leg raiser

Suitable for pumping the outer thigh.

Edible-inedible

To play, you will need a plastic bucket or any other container suitable for the size of the dog. It is filled to the brim with cardboard cylinders, cork plugs, tennis balls, any other small things and a handful of food is poured in. The dog's task is to get through many small obstacles to a tasty reward.

For experienced players, you can make the task more difficult by dividing the bucket into several sections. To do this, cut out a circle of cardboard of the same diameter. A U-shaped cutout is made in the middle and folded over. This will be the handle by which you will need to pull out the obstacle with your teeth.

Game for dogs “Edible-inedible”

DIY educational games for dogs will bring a lot of pleasure to both the owner and his four-legged friend.

Polycystic kidney disease - what is it?

This anomaly of kidney development is a hereditary pathology of the urinary system.
It is characterized by the replacement of the organ parenchyma with cysts of various sizes. This occurs as a result of a violation of the formation of the secretory department - the kidney tubules. The outflow of urine will become difficult, which leads to the expansion of the tubules and the formation of large cavity formations. Stagnation of urine inevitably leads to compression of the parenchyma by growing cysts and infection of the cavities. Since the kidneys are the organs that regulate blood pressure, compression leads to a persistent increase in blood pressure. Complications such as pyelonephritis and urolithiasis are recorded most often.

The kidneys also produce erythropoietin, a substance that stimulates the formation of red blood cells, which is why anemia is observed in polycystic disease.

The most unfavorable outcome of the disease is considered to be chronic renal failure, as a result of which the patient is forced to be on constant hemodialysis. Persistent loss of organ function may lead to the need for organ removal and transplantation.

Modern methods of treating anomalies can prolong and make the patient’s life easier.