DIY! Turn your old tees into dog toys!
It's the trail of cotton fluffs from the back door to the living room. It's watching your dog rip that brand new, $8 dog toy into shreds in 5 minutes flat. The list can go on and on of the moments you wished you could return an exploded toy to the store for a new one, but spoiling your pup doesn't mean you have to drop a hundred dollars at the pet store. There is a free alternative to this problem, and your puppy will enjoy it more than any manufactured toy on the market.
This DIY t-shirt dog toy is one of the few projects that doesn't require you to run to the store for materials you will only use once. Spoil your puppy from the heart, and help yourself clear up some space in the closet by braiding your old t-shirts into these simple tug-of-war dog toys. Your pup will quickly recognize your scent and this toy will become the new favorite!
Grab 2 old t-shirts (that smell like you) and a pair of scissors. That is all you'll need! Here is the simple step-by-step process:
1. Cut along the side of the shirt and around the sleeves. Remove the thick fabric that makes up the collar to save for later.
2. Cut 2-3" wide strips along the bottom of the shirt. Then, tear off each strip with your hands to create the perfect strands of fabric for braiding.
3. Once you have completed steps 1-2 for both shirts, gather all of the strips and bundle them together evenly.
4. Use the collar strip, saved from earlier, to tightly tie off one end of the bundle.
5. Separate the strips evenly into 3 strands. Form a simple 3-strand braid until you've reached approximately 3" from the end and tightly tie off using the other collar strip.
6. Remove the remaining fabric from the knot, as shown below. Cut off straggling t-shirt strands as well as the ends with seams.
Boom! You've easily created the greatest homemade dog toy of all time! Now you won't feel so bad when your pup attempts to chew up this new toy, because it is surprisingly tough... and free! Time to put it to the puppy test!
Side Note: You can also get even more creative with color combos by adding more shirts into the mix. Plus, if you're talented enough to do a different type of braid, go for it! As long as it holds together tightly.
