Holidays got you strapped for cash but you still want throw Fido a bone? Check out these three simple, inexpensive do-it-yourself projects that will keep your pup occupied while you are getting back to the swing of things at school or work.
WATER BOTTLE PLAYTHING
Photo courtesy of gooddogsco.com
You’ll Need
- Tube sock
- Twine
- Scissors
- Empty water bottle
How To
- Cut the foot off your sock so you’re left with the top end. For a regular water bottle, you’ll need about 10 inches of sock to fit, so you’ll want to use a knee high women’s sock, or a calf high men’s sock may work.
- Insert a water bottle into the sock, and tie the ends closed with twine. Use whatever knot you feel comfortable with, and you can cut the excess twine off the ends. Then, give your dog his new toy to play with!
*Be sure to watch your pup if he or she is a heavy chewer. You don’t want plastic chunks around your house or in their belly, so throw the toy away once the fabric is chewed through.
BRAIDED FLEECE CHEW CHEW
Photo courtesy of YouTube user Pickles12807
Photo courtesy of withmycamera.com
You’ll need
- Fleece fabric
- Scissors
How To
*If desired, you can cut two parallel holes in a tennis ball and add it to the middle of your braided fleece for a modified toy that adds a bit more excitement.
THE TOUGH GET GOING TOY
Photo courtesy of manmadediy.com
You’ll Need
- A swatch of natural cotton duck canvas – about 12×12
- Iron-on fuse paper
- 5-inch circle template (An old coffee can bottom will do)
- Scissors
- Thread
- Marking pen
- Squeak toy insert
How To
- Start by cutting 2 strips of duck canvas, oversized at about 6 inches x15. At the same time, cut one sheet 6 inch x15 of your fuse paper.
- Follow the directions on the fusing package and iron the sheet to one of your pieces of canvas. Peel off the backing and layer the other sheet of canvas on top. Iron the two pieces together into a very stiff duck canvas rectangle.
- Next, trace two circles on your swatch of canvas and cut them out.
- Now layer the two circles on top of one another and place your squeaker in the center. Use your marking pen to trace the stitching lines just outside the squeaker’s shape.
- Using a zigzag stitch setting on your sewing machine, follow your markings making sure to back up and reinforce your beginning and ending stitches.
- Stuff the squeaker inside the toy.
- Now sew the perimeter of the baseball with a straight stitch. Once the straight stitch is finished, double it up and go back over with a zigzag stitch.
At Pawderosa Ranch, we know a thing or two about keeping your pup happy while you’re otherwise occupied. If you’re looking to board your dog while you’re on vacation or just during the work day, consider us to take the best care of Fido.
Sources
http://gooddogsco.com/2015/02/easy-diy-water-bottle-dog-toy/
http://www.withmycamera.com/2012/04/more-diy.html
http://www.manmadediy.com/users/bryson/posts/3827-how-to-make-a-really-really-durable-dog-toy
