Dog Toys

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Owning energetic dogs means toys rarely last long before it’s time for replacements. Play is important for their enrichment, but constantly buying new toys can get expensive fast. That’s why I started making some of my own. This goose stuffy, for example, is patterned after the very first goose toy I gave my dog on the day we brought him home—his absolute favorite. I reused the squeaker from the old toy and reinforced the stitching so it would hold up longer. Having the ability to create new enrichment toys right at the sewing machine feels endlessly rewarding.

Because Dogs Love Handmade Gifts Too

There are so many simple dog toys you can make at home, each offering its own kind of enrichment. Soft fabric toys—like stuffed bones, animals, or simple shapes—are perfect for using leftover cotton or fleece, especially when you add a recycled squeaker inside. Braided rope toys made from old T‑shirts or scrap fabric create a durable option for tug‑of‑war, and

crinkle toys can be made by slipping clean packaging material between layers of fabric for extra sensory fun. Even puzzle‑style toys, like treat pockets or hide‑and‑seek pouches, can be stitched from remnants and customized to your dog’s play style. With a sewing machine and a bit of imagination, the possibilities for homemade enrichment become endless.