Cheap Toys For Dogs

Keep Dogs Happy without Breaking the Bank

Feb 20, 2009 Catherine Owen

Dogs can have fun with lots of free or cheap household items that their owner turns into toys or chew things.

Dogs, like children, don't have to have a large quantity of expensive toys purchased for them to keep them happy and active. The sales of dog toys mostly contribute to feeding the profits of huge industries; this doesn't actually mean that their products are the best options for the pet. They certainly aren't the most ideal choice for one's wallet!

Here are a few ideas for dog toys that are easily assembled from old household items or readily purchased at flea markets or garage sales. The dog doesn't know the difference, but the owner will.

Old Socks and Ropes

Everyone has odd socks lying around the house, or socks with holes in them that one never gets around to darning. Take two of them and tie them in a thick knot. The best kind are wool socks. The dog will love playing tug-of-war with the knotted socks. They can also be thrown and fetched. The dog will enjoy snuggling with them while it gnaws on the material.

Sections of rope can be fun too though make sure that the rope is treated so that it doesn't fray everywhere. Tying shoelaces around the socks or rope makes for more ends to tug and chew on.

Shoes and Boots

Have a worn out pair of shoes or boots lying around, especially those made from leather? As long as the dog is trained to only chew and view as toys the items their owner provides for them, giving them used shoes to flex their jaws around is fine. Depending on the size of the dog, it may take them a long time to begin to pull the footwear apart. Once this occurs, discard the shoe.

Cardboard and Boxes

Old cereal boxes, shoe boxes or other kinds of hard cardboard are fun to chew on for the dog. They also enjoy chasing the boxes around the floor, especially if it's hardwood. Storing other toys or treats in these boxes first can add to the pleasure. The dog hunts for the toys or treats, plays with them, and afterwards turns to the box for increased amusement.

Rubber and Sports Balls

These items can be purchased cheaply and in large quantities. The rubber balls are exciting for dogs both for the noise they make and for the erratic way they bounce along the surface. They should be large enough not to choke the dog and once they start being chewed into bits, they should be discarded.

Tennis balls are great for throwing but their material is easily gnawed through, especially by larger dogs. Cheap footballs or soccer balls are better bets here for longevity of play.

Stuffed Animals and Pillows

Garage sales, flea markets or Value Village are terrific places to pick up stuffed creatures that children are no longer using. Wash them first and make sure that any small parts like eyes, the nose and the claws are removed. Also ensure that they are filled with stuffing or fibre-fill, not styrofoam beads.

These can be purchased in many sizes, depending on how big the dog is.

Pillows or cushions are also a good bet. The dog may use them for comfort for a while and then, at a certain point, turn them into a toy he can chew on and toss around in the air. Once the stuffing is pulled out, even the pillow case can be an enjoyable tug toy, especially for two dogs to play with together.

The copyright of the article Cheap Toys For Dogs in Dogs is owned by Catherine Owen. Permission to republish Cheap Toys For Dogs in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Dogs Love Socks as Toys