Free doggy fun.

We have 2 goofy dogs that LOVE to play. They also love to chew and rip their toys. Even If i buy them clearance I hate to let them tear them up, they only get the 'good' soft toys when we're playing too, to prevent ripping. But there are several free, no effort toys they love.

Ice cubes They love to chew on these! The corgi especially loves them, he comes running when he hears me break the ice cubes in the tray. He even loves to 'fish' for ice cubes in their water bowl. His whole body wiggles with joy when he is given an ice cube. He rolls onto his back and side kicking and wiggling while holding it in his mouth.

Plastic bottles We only use bottles that used to hold safe, non toxic yummy substances. Like milk, pop, vinegar, etc. I make sure its mostly empty, screw the lid back on then slide it across the floor. They chase, pounce, and flip the bottle. I take the lid as soon as they get it off. They love to lick inside the bottle and chew away. As soon as it gets broken down (a piece removed) take it away. This is fun recycling before the real recycling begins.

Pants legs off old strong pants Dh's uniform wardrobe includes Dickie type pants that are much less Strong then Dickies. (we used to buy Dickies brand but this command wont allow it) Usually the legs are still in tact when the rest of the pants give out. I cut the legs off for a dog tug toy. Sometimes he tie knots in the leg but often we leave it plain. They are free to rip, tear and bite till the pants are rags. They play tug with us, with each other and alone. (big dog stands on one end with his paw, then rips the other end with his teeth) The pants can be wadded up and thrown like a ball for retrieval (yeah right lol) and chase. The dogs often grab one end of the pant leg in their teeth, shake their heads and flip the other end around like some kind of dog ribbon dance.

Sticks We throw sticks outside for chase. Long ones allow both dogs to grab on and tug. Sometimes they get chewed on as well but I tend to discourage that they don't need chunks of wood in their stomachs.

Slightly more expensive toys they adore.

Old balls from the thrift store. I give them a through vinegar disinfection before the dogs get to play. We buy footballs, soccer balls, and volley balls. All are pumped fully before going to the boys, and even then big dogs still pops them quickly. Generally those balls go outside, and are used to play with us. Even popped they have excellent play value and can last months. Big dog LOVES footballs best. Dh taught them to step back and get down on their tummy's or front legs when we say 'Ready? Set? HUT!' its SO cute. And it keeps the excited jumping on us down because they know the throw is coming. We wont pay more then $3 for a ball and it has to be in good structural shape, we often find them for less.

Dollar store rope toys These last for a month or more, and they are kept down all the time. They make great tug, flip, and throw toys. ($1)

Laser pointer Before the city put in horribly bright street lights we used to take them outside in the dark so they could chase the laser point around the yard. Now we have to play inside, there is less room but they still adore running after it, full speed! Big dog pounces on the laser point. Little dog likes to chase. They scurry across the floor as hard as they can slipping and sliding. They love it so much if we get a remote out of the crock its kept in they get excited. Its great for getting that last bit of energy out at the end of the day, or for me to work them out when I'm ill. I like the ones from Walmart, on the battery rack. They are long, silver, with a 'flashlight' and a laser pointer in one. Usually around $4.


Now don't think my dogs are deprived, they get new expensive toys and bones. They have doggy toy chests full of fabric toys that squeak, squawk, and make all kinds of noises. But those don't stand a chance of surviving all day play. I have made them fabric toys in the past but sewing is hard for me and I hate to see them ripped apart. If you sew well you can make all sorts of nice, store bought type toys. Pets mart sells the plastic squeakers for $3 a package.