How to Repurpose Old Kids' Toys Into Toys for Your Pup

Your kids' discarded toys and outgrown clothes are piling up. (You'll donate it eventually, right?) Meanwhile, your dog is constantly in need of new and sometimes expensive toys. Is there a way to repurpose some old odds-and-ends in your home to create fun DIY dog toys for your favourite pup?

Here are five easy ideas for turning old and outgrown kid and baby stuff into DIY dog toys.

Comfy Bed

Give your dog the perfect place for an afternoon nap by turning a cot mattress into a dog bed. Cot mattresses are the perfect size and a good alternative to a pricey brand new dog bed. You can use a fitted cot sheet as a cover or make a no-sew version with just two yards of fabric of your choice, fusible bonding, an iron and some adhesive Velcro, creating an irresistible nap spot!

Tricky Obstacle Course

Use old pool noodles, a hula-hoop, and a tunnel to create your own backyard agility course. Pool noodles and hula hoops can be made into obstacles to jump over or through, while a hollowed out cardboard box is a natural chute. An obstacle course is also a great training opportunity. You can teach your dog hand signals and commands while having a blast and exercising.

Crinkly Chew Toy

Turn an empty plastic bottle and an old pair of your child's socks into an irresistible crackly plaything for your pup in under five minutes. All you have to do is put a water bottle into an old sock and simply tie the ends shut with string or twine. If the sock is thin, put the bottle inside three or four socks to ensure the water bottle is adequately covered. An exposed water bottle could rip or shatter, creating sharp edges that could injure your dog.

Durable Tug Rope

Cut strips of cloth from two shirts your child has outgrown (or stained beyond all help) to make a braided tug-of-war rope. BarkPost has a tutorial that'll have you completing this project in no time!