Customized Canine Toys Crafting Toys to Suit Your Pet s Tastes
Customizable Plush Dog Toys
If youre planning to build your companys pet-friendly reputation, then a fully customized plush dog toy would make a great addition to your promotional and marketing tools or list of merchandise. Imagine turning your logo or mascot into a plush dog toy that can be seen in the homes of the pet parents who happen to be your brands target audience.
Want to make your branded customized plush dog toy a reality? We here at PrideBites can make it happen. Our company specializes in designing and crafting pet toys and accessories for companies. We make every effort to ensure that any stuffed toy that you commission from our team will follow your brand standards and guidelines.
Get in touch with us today and order wholesale fully customized plush dog toys that you can use to promote and expand your business. Get the ball rolling by filling out the form found on our Start a Project page.
What Are Fully Customized Plush Dog Toys?
A fully customized plush dog toy refers to a dog toy that can be completely altered to suit the needs and requirements of the company that commissioned its creation. This product from PrideBites is quite versatile, and it can be made to look like your companys logo, mascot, brand name, or other designs that represent your brand and the values that the company stands for.
Designing the custom toy is a collaborative effort between your team and PrideBites. We aim to bring your vision to life, so we want to know your goals for the project. The design of this unique plush toy will dictate the materials and fabrics that will be used in the manufacturing process. While the design of the toy can vary according to your needs, all of the customized plush toys that we make include squeakersa feature that many dogs love. Throughout the design and manufacturing process, well work closely with your team so that the final product will be able to fulfill all your requirements and help your brand build a stronger presence among pet owners.
Why Are Fully Customized Plush Dog Toys Ideal Pet Merchandise or Promotional Items?
Todays pets are a part of the family, and many peopleMillennial pet owners, in particularconsider their pets happiness and well-being as important factors when making financial decisions. In fact, 33 percent of first-time homebuyers among Millennials reported that they decided to complete the purchase to provide their dogs with a better quality of life. Its safe to say that their affection for their pets also influences their daily purchases and other decisions.
Investing in a fully customized plush dog toy, then, makes perfect sense if you want your brand to build a stronger presence among consumers who also happen to have pets at home. By selling a branded plush dog toy where your target audience does their shopping, you are increasing your chances of being seen by them. If you decide to give away these custom stuffed toys as part of a promotional campaign, youll be able to establish that your brand and your customers care about something in common: pets.
The best part is that you can adopt this strategy even if your companys products and services are not directly related to the pet business. Pet owners who buy or receive a stuffed dog toy with your company logos likeness will regularly see this product as they go about their daily lives. Consumers will then be able to associate this image with positive experiences, like playing with their pets. This increases the chances that theyll remember your company the next time they need the same products and services that you provide.
Aside from the pet owner, youll also be able to reach the people in their vicinitythe folks they encounter on the road or their neighbors, for example. These people will see more of your brand in the form of a stuffed toy even if theyre just passing by, and this will make your brand more familiar to them as well. In a way, the dog thats playing with one of your customized plush toys can work as an unofficial mascot for your company.
Why Do Pet Parents Use Fully Customized Plush Dog Toys?
Dogs have different characters and temperaments, and they can be compelled to act by all sorts of things or activities. Drives, as these compelling factors are called, refer to internal mechanisms that push a dog to take a specific action. There are many theories on how these drives work and the role they play in training and interacting with dogs. Canine training organizations and professionals sometimes group these drives into the following, among others:
- Prey drive or the pets desire to chase after and catch prey
- Play drive or the desire to engage in physical activities
- Food drive or being motivated with the promise of food
- Exploring drive or their nature to follow their senses as they engage with their environment
A fully customized plush dog is a helpful tool in bringing out these drives and making a dog more receptive to training. If a dog is driven by play or prey, it can enact these instincts by interacting with its plush and squeaky dog toys. The pet parent can entice the dog to remain disciplined or perform an action with the promise that theyll give the toy to the dog after the task is done.
Outside of training, a customized plush dog toy can keep a pet entertained for quite some time. The dog can choose to play with the toy on their own, which can be the case when theyre left to their own devices. Alternatively, they can interact with their pet parents using the toy as their primary plaything, such as during a game of catch or fetch. Some dogs seem to take comfort in the presence of their favorite stuffed toy when theyre in stressful situations. For example, pups are likely to seek comfort from their toys if theres a thunderstorm or if theyre in their crate and being transported to a veterinary clinic.
However, the reason many pet parents continue to buy or take home stuffed toys for their pet dogs may not necessarily be due to practicality or training. It can simply be a delightful experience when a dog greets its pet parents and sniffs its new toy with excitement, or to watch a dog exercise thoughtful curiosity as it familiarizes itself with the new elements in its surroundings. Besides, taking a picture of a cute dog thats playing with a stuffed toy is something that has always garnered a lot of positive attention on social media.
What Do Pet Parents Look for in Custom Plush Dog Toys?
Looks do matter in the stuffed toy category, even if the toy is meant for a dog. First of all, many pet parents are looking for colorful and attractive plush dog toys that are easy on the eyes. As much as possible, the plush toy should be stain-resistant and should hold its look and shape even after its been subjected to rough play. At the very least, it should be easy to clean and dry.
Safety and durability are also primary concerns when choosing a plush dog toy. Dogs love to explore the world using their mouth, and theyll likely subject their toys to a lot of play biting, pushing, and pulling. If the plush toy disintegrates, the dog may end up swallowing the toys parts, and this can pose a threat to the pets health.
The PrideBites Team Can Fully Customize Your Companys Plush Dog Toy
Fully Customized Plush Dog Toys
When reaching out to pet owners or expanding your product line to include pet merchandise, its of utmost importance to choose a pet product that reflects the values of your brand. Our team at PrideBites can design and manufacture fully customized plush dog toys that adhere to your companys branding standards and guidelines. This way, once you start selling and distributing the plush toys, people wont have to think hard about making a connection between your brand and the toy that their dog is playing with.
Lets collaborate and come up with a fully customized plush dog toy that reflects the quality of services and products that your brand can provide. Take the first step by filling out the form on our website. You can also check out our Lookbook, Case Studies, and Catalog. On these pages, you can find inspiration and get to know the wholesale custom pet products that the PrideBites team has designed and manufactured over the years.
DIY Dog Toys: Homemade Fun for Fido!
Like any good pet parent, you know that your dog deserves the world. An active pup is a happy one, and toys are a great way to provide more mental and physical activity to your poochs daily routine.
However, like all other doggo supplies, toys cost money. This means that, over time, you can end up spending a pretty penny on your puppers playthings.
Luckily, you can create your own DIY dog toys which are fun for Fido and gentle on your wallet.
Below, we share a few of our favorite DIY toys you can make from the comfort of your home. Well also explain some of the benefits behind giving your pooch a DIY toy for playtime.
Just make sure to execute these projects with care to ensure your pooch remains safe while having the time of his life.
15 Great DIY Dog Toys
Without further ado, here are some of our top picks for fun dog toys you can make at home. Try a few of them out and let us know how they work!
1. Ball & Tug Dog Toy by SheKnows
If you want to make a simple tug style toy, this DIY option by SheKnows is a great choice. Plus, you can make it from materials you probably already have laying around the house.
This toy requires no sewing and is a perfect treat to create for your pup when you have a little extra time on your hands. Essentially, you cut up an old T-shirt, wrap it around a tennis ball, and tie it securely. The diagrams on the site are easy to understand, so you can create this toy in a jiffy.
Difficulty Level: Easy
Materials Needed:
- One tennis ball
- One old T-shirt
Tools Needed:
2. Bellas Bottle Game by Eveline Poot
If your pup is highly motivated by tiny treats, this toy by YouTuber Eveline Poot is a great choice. Your pup will have a fantastic time spinning the bottles in order to earn his treat!
Although this plaything can be constructed out of fairly inexpensive materials, you will most likely need a trip to the hardware store and some basic carpentry skills to construct the base of this toy. You can adjust the size of the bottles and posts based on the needs of your pet.
Note that Eveline doesnt really explain how to make this toy in the video, but it should be fairly easy to figure out. But its worth watching the video just to see Bella play with the toy anyway.
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
Materials Needed:
- Wood
- Two or three plastic bottles
- Large piece of string, twine, or a thin metal rod
- Small dog treats
Tools Needed:
- Saw
- Wood glue or screws
- Scissors
3. Dog Toy Catapult by Instructables
This toy is not only eye-catching, but it issure to save you from sore arms caused by never-ending games of fetch too!
The Dog Toy Catapult by Instructables is powered by rubber bands and uses a scoop to fit a standard tennis ball. Youll need some construction skills and a bit more time to build this toy, but the time investment is certainly worth all the joy this will bring to your pooch.
Difficulty Level: Expert
Materials Needed:
- One 10-inch X 7-inch wooden board
- Two 2-inch X 6-inch wooden board
- Six screws
- Wood glue
- One long nail
- 15 small rubber bands
- 15 large rubber bands
- One ball scooper
- One tennis ball
- One clear plastic lid of a storage tub
Tools Needed:
4. Pajama Tie Toy by Mitchell Crisp
Mitchell Crip from the Youtube channel eHowPets shows an easy way to make a dog toy out of old pajama pants.
All you need for this one is some scissors and PJs, so you can easily whip this one up without having to go out and shop for additional supplies.
To create this toy, simply cut up old PJs or any long fabric into strips. Tie those strips together and volia! You have an upcycled rope-style dog toy that your pet will love.
Difficulty Level: Easy
Materials Needed:
- Old pajamas or long fabric
Tools Needed:
5. Tennis Ball Puzzle Toy by Instructables
It doesnt get easier than this!
This tennis ball puzzle ball toy by Instructables will only take you five minutes to create, and your doggo will have a great time working for his treats while playing with this toy.
Simply slice partial cuts along the seams of the tennis ball just enough to fit a small treat inside. Place small snacks in the ball and give it to your dog for an engaging DIY puzzle toy.
Difficulty Level: Easy
Materials Needed:
Tools Needed:
6. Sturdy Rope Toy by Instructables
If your dog is a power-chewing pupper, this sturdy DIY rope toy by Instructables is a much better choice than toys constructed from soft fabrics.
This toy doesnt require a lot of materials, but you may need to set aside an hour or two to master the tying pattern of the toy. The rope is essentially tied around a fixed point to create one thick braid, large enough for your pooch to gnaw on.
When done correctly, this simple DIY dog toy will delight your pup for quite some time and hold up well to the wear and tear your canine inflicts.
If you love working with rope, take a look at our guides to DIY dog collars and DIY dog harnesses as well you can make some really nifty gear with rope like the kind used for this toy, so stock up!
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Materials Needed:
- Two strips of rope, no shorter than 5-feet in length
- Two zipties
Tools Needed:
7. PVC Puzzle Toy by New Leaf Nickie
A quick trip to the hardware store can lead to a fun DIY toy for your pooch. These PVC puzzle toys by blogger New Leaf Nickie are easy to make and can keep your pup entertained for hours on end.
Not to mention, the durable PVC will stand up pretty well and last quite a while.
Simply saw a small section of PVC pipe, put fittings on the ends, drill holes large enough for kibble, and stick tiny treats of choice in the holes. You can even coat the holes with peanut butter to give your pooch some extra incentive.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Materials Needed:
- PVC pipe
- PVC fittings
- Small dog treats
- Peanut butter (optional)
Tools Needed:
8. Plush Sweater Toy by My So Called Crafty Life
This plush squeaker toy by My So-Called Crafty Life made out of an upcycled sweater is as cute as it is fun for your dog. Youll need some basic sewing knowledge to complete this one, but the entire process shouldnt take more than two hours.
You can pick out the fabric of your plushie to match your pups style and use the same basic method to create plush squeaker toys of your own in different shapes and sizes. And if sweater weather has you inspired, you can use some of those old jumpers to make DIY dog sweaters as well!
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Materials Needed:
- Old sweater or other fabric
- Squeaker (optional)
- Felt
- Thread
Tools Needed:
- Sewing machine
- Pins
- Scissors
- Permanent marker
9. $2 Fishing Pole by Instructables
Does your pup love to jump for his toys? If so, this fishing pole style toy by Instuctables is perfect for your pooch.
This toy may be best suited for smaller breeds since its crafted with narrow strips of nylon, but you can experiment with scaling up the size of the craft materials if you have a big pup.
Not only is the fishing pole pretty inexpensive to make, but the concept itself is super simple. The pole is a PVC pipe with nylon paracord running through it. Finally, at the end of the nylon, attach your dogs favorite plush toy.
This DIY plan may also reignite your pups excitement surrounding his older toys, which can help you avoid the temptation to constantly acquire new ones.
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Materials Needed:
- 2.5 feet or less of PVC pipe
- 6 feet nylon paracord
- Any dog toy you can tie paracord to
Tools Needed:
- Scissors
- Candle
- Drill (Optional)
10. Braided Dog Chew Toy by Instructables
This braided dog chew toy by Instructables (yes, this is yet another DIY project from Instructables that we love) offers a superb solution for dog owners with too many T-shirts. This braided chew toy by is not only cute but sturdy enough to stand up against your pups pearly whites.
The process is very similar to the braided DIY rope toy, just using fabric instead of the rope. The rope plan is probably a better option if your pup can be rough on toys, but if thats not a huge concern, this plan is great for repurposing a few old shirts. Plus, multiple fabrics can make for a unique, cool pattern.
Youll need some basic sewing skills for this one, as well as a bit of patience while youre learning of the stitching pattern.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Materials Needed:
- Old washed T-shirts or clothes
- Thread
Tools Needed:
- Sewing machine
- Fabric scissors
- Measuring tape
- Pins
11. DIY Bottle Toy by Ammo the Dachshund
Many dogs are total suckers for plastic bottles, but allowing a pup to chew on a bottle by itself can end up being a dangerous choking hazard. Luckily, the blogger Ammo the Dachshund has come up with a solution.
This DIY bottle toy is essentially a plastic bottle tightly wrapped in an upcycled T-shirt or fabric. If you want to be extra fancy, you can braid the excess strips hanging off of the body of the toy, but its not a requirement.
Difficulty Level: Easy
Materials Needed:
- Old T-shirts or a yard of fabric
- One plastic bottle
Tools Needed:
12. Ball and Rope Dog Toy by Instructables
This ball and rope toy by Instructables looks as great as its purchased counterparts do, and it is great for pups who love to chew.
While you dont need anything other than a ball, rope, and tape to complete this project, you may have to spend some extra time figuring out the mechanics of the Matthew Walker knot (which is used in the construction of the toy).
This is a great project for a rainy day and will last your dog for a while if executed properly.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Materials Needed:
- -inch cotton rope
- Tennis ball
- Electrical tape
Tools Needed:
- Pliers
- Knitting needle
- Scissors
For a variation on this, check out our very own DIY dog rope toy video below!
13. Sweet Potato Dog Chew Toy by Elmos Kitchen
Elmos kitchen does a great job combining treats and toys with this craft. This DIY plan is great because your pooch will get an initial treat but will still be able to enjoy the rope portion of the toy even after all the sweet potato is gone.
Sweet potato chunks are hollowed out in the center so that they can be strung on rope and dried in the oven. Once dehydrated, they can be tied on hemp rope for your pup to gnaw on and enjoy.
If you dont have a dehydrator, you can also use your oven, but it will take upwards of 6 hours, so make sure you set aside time for this one or bake the potatoes while doing something else.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Materials Needed:
- 1 large sweet potato
- Natural hemp rope
Tools Needed:
- Scissors
- Dehydrator or oven
- Knife
- Apple corer or cookie cutter
14. Squeaky Doggie Bone by Laura Griffin Designs
Squeaky toys are a classic, and if you have some basic sewing knowledge and some extra time on your hands, this project by Laura Griffin Designs is a great pick. This bone also has little chew ties handing off of it, so if your dog is big on gnawing, hell love this toy.
You can customize the pattern based on the fabric you pick out at your local craft store to match your pups personality. However, if your pup is prone to destroy toys easily, this may not be the best pick as it is filled with stuffing.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Materials Needed:
- Fabric
- Squeaker
- Stuffing
- Thread
Tools Needed:
- Sewing machine
- Skinny plastic tube (optional)
- Scissors
15. No-Sew Heart toy by Pretty Fluffy
You can still make a crafty plush dog toy for your pup even if you dont sew. This No-Sew Heart toy from Pretty Fluffy is super cute and easy to make.
Essentially, fleece is double stacked and cut with ties on all edges of the heart shape so you can stuff and tie off the toy tightly without any thread. Although this toy is convenient, it may be best suited for gentle chewers, as pups who gnaw more heavily may break through the seams.
The same method can be applied to different shapes, so you can make a plush toy for your pet for any occasion.
Difficulty Level: Easy
Materials Needed:
Tools Needed:
- Felt marker (optional)
- Stuffing
The Benefits of DIY Dog Toys
Most modern dogs are the result of a long lineage of distant ancestors who all had jobs. These jobs were important, as they helped to keep the dogs brains active.
But its unlikely your pooch is working on a regular basis, so youll need to replace this mental and physical stimulation.
Toys offer an excellent solution to doggie boredom, and they also give your pooch an outlet for chewing, which can help protect your shoes and throw pillows.
You can certainly buy toys to keep your pet occupied, but, as mentioned before, this will put a dent in your bank account. DIY toys, on the other hand, are usually pretty cheap.
Additionally, you can customize DIY toys to suit your dogs specific needs.
Have a dog that loves playing fetch? Set him up with a unique DIY ball that drives him crazy. Alternatively, if your doggo prefers just gnawing on things for hours, you may want to build him a super-durable chew toy.
Safety Considerations for DIY Dog Toys
Although crafting at home is a fun way to spoil your pooch and save some dough, its important to keep your pups safety in mind when creating these toys.
Here are a couple of factors youll want to consider when creating DIY toys:
- Size Its always important to craft toys appropriate for your pups size. A small plush toy that may be perfect for a puppy or smaller breed could be a choking hazard for older or larger pets. So, make sure your tailor the size of your dogs toy to your pups mouth and body.
- Materials Used Always make sure you use durable materials to make your pups DIY toys. This is especially important if youre constructing a chew toy or interactive toy thatll be on the receiving end of your poochs teeth.
- Introduce the Toy Carefully Make sure you supervise your pet the first couple of times he plays with your DIY toy. You never know how your doggo may interact with the toy, and should it fall apart, you want to be there to keep him safe. This goes for toys in general as well.
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DIY toys are as fun to craft as they are useful. Crafting is a great way to save money on dog care while keeping your pets mind engaged and happy.
Regular playtime is an important part of any poochs lifestyle, and giving him a range of toys to play with is not only a labor of love but also essential to his health.
Have you had any success with these DIY dog toys? Which ones did your doggo take to the most? Wed love to hear about all of your DIY experiences in the comments below!