5 Homemade Diy Toys For Your Dog

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There are hundreds of shops out there selling different kinds of dog accessories and while most are inexpensive, there are some which have ridiculous pricing. Why should you spend $8 for a tennis ball when you can easily make something similar in your home? And besides, you can customize your toy in any way you want. There are simple things you can make from everyday household items and there are so brilliant even you’ll be surprised. You can create toys that not only provide physical exercise but also helps flex your dog’s brain muscles as well. Here are 5 such toys:

1. A catapult fetch toyIf you’re into handiwork, then start building a catapult that works as a fetch. You can easily make one with few pieces of wood, some strong rubber band and some plastic pieces. If you want to make something more advanced, then you can use a spring for the catapult action. Take it outside and enjoy while your dog plays the classic game of run and fetch.
2. The sock ballIf your dog enjoys chewing things, then the sock ball should be a hit. Take an old tennis ball and put it inside a sock. Wrap it tightly and throw it around for your dog to play with. Let your dog chew on that while you have a look at the next toy
3. The swinging ballTie a ball at the end of a string and hang it few feet above the ground. It’s as simple as that. Dogs like jumping and running around and what better toy than the homemade swinging ball. You can get creative and use a fishing rod to increase and decrease the height of the string. You can even swing it in any direction you want.
4. The treat bottleKeep similar looking bottles in a row and insert a rod through all of them such that they swivel. Keep treats in some of them and watch your dog hunt for the hidden treats. It’s a great mental exercise for dogs and helps them sharpen their memory. You can change the type of treats in the bottle for making it more interesting
5. Tug of warTake a tennis ball and cut out both ends. Either insert a strong rope such that the ball stays in the middle. Not only does it make an excellent tug-of-war toy but it also makes for a good fetching toy as well.

There are literally hundreds of easy yet amazing do it yourself toys available for you dog. You just need to look around the house and pretty soon you’ll be busy creating amazing toys of your own.

How Pet Toys Have Evolved Over The Years

Toys, both for humans and pets, were relatively rare until the latter part of the 19th century. The 1920s saw departmental stores opening exclusive pet sections. The market for pet toys began. The industry boomed in the 1950s when a few entrepreneurs stitched leather balls and marketed them as dog toys. In time, the quality of the products improved, accompanying the significant societal and technological developments which happened after the two great World Wars. Higher incomes made matters easier.

Classics

Pet toys made in the 1950s are now labeled as classics. Artificial bones and chews made from rawhides first came into the market during that decade. Non-edible chew toys and edible chew treats followed. The well-off pet owner spent money on dental solutions and interactive toys. The most popular item was the rope. The classic rope is an evergreen product, selling well even today. All products designed during the classic era was designed and manufactured for durability, safety, fun and of course value.A number of pet toy manufacturers invested in R&D and the result was complicated designs made from new materials. Ropes made with advanced technology products utilize real floss material and beeswax to floss the teeth of dogs while they chew. Some companies make chewables in the form of other animals like iguana and snake. The Kong company made its debut in the 1980s with its blockbuster stuffable and super durable toy which was easier on dog's teeth than the previous sticks and rocks which canines got their paws upon.

1990s products

The 1990s witnessed technological breakthroughs in the pet toy industry. The concept of pets being present only to serve humans underwent a change, with many pet owners considering their animals to be a part of the household. Pet toys suddenly became interactive. The turn of the Millenium made interactive pet toys the latest in toy design. A few companies patented materials from which toys were made. The dog throwing stick was made with a new revolutionary technology which increased the pleasure of not only the dog but of its owner as well.

After the Millenium

Toys manufactured around the Millenium encouraged and made it possible for the owner to bond with the pet. Before this era, it was not pleasant for the owner to pick a ball made slobbery by pet saliva. Since toys were sold with launchers, the ball could be thrown further away and with minimal participation of the owner. Chew toys remain popular for indoor pets. A pet toy manufacturing company seized upon the problem of pets chewing away the insides of a stuffed toy and eliminated the stuffing altogether. The latest toys keep not only the body of the pet active but its mind as well. Electronic toys are particularly popular with felines.