Homemade Dog Toys
Homemade dog toys are always a good idea as compared to purchasing ready made toys that are commercially available. This is because preparing the toys for the dogs acts a stress buster for the owner and also strengthens the bond between the dog and the owner. Moreover natural dog toys are also a lot safer than their commercial counterparts. To make dog toys at home owners can use readily available materials such as old ropes, socks, and tennis balls. Rope toys not only entertain the dog but are also beneficial health wise. This is because biting or chewing on the rope tends to clean the dog’s teeth and even massages the gums thereby strengthening them. However care should be taken that the rope used is not one that will cut your dog’s gums and is preferably a thick rope. While preparing homemade dog toys one needs to be creative and innovative. Sometimes a piece of fruit is also sufficient to entertain the dog. One can fill a small pail with water and throw in a fresh apple. The dog is then occupied with trying to grab the apple and even if he does grab and bite into the apple he will end up consuming vital anti oxidants that are beneficial to his health. Some owners unintentionally give their dogs old clothes or shoes to play with. This sends the wrong message to the dog who will think that all the shoes in the house are his toys.
Some dogs usually get tired of their chew bones and tend to lose interest in them. One of the ways to revive the dog’s interest in the bone is to apply some flavoring like peanut butter on the bone or in the inside of the bone in case it is hollow. Another easy to make homemade dog toy is to tie an old tennis ball at the end of a thick cotton rope and keep this rope suspended away from the ground. The dog will be occupied trying to reach the ball and then tug it off the rope. The dog owner can also initiate a game of tug of war with an old thick rope with the dog. However do not hit the dog with the rope to get him interested in the game as this will make him angry or will lead to fear towards the rope thereby defeating the purpose of the toy.