Skip to Content

DIY Rope Toys for Dogs

Cotton rope for dog toy

Diesel is the dog two doors down from where I live in here the midwest. He is a magnificent Pittie with a gorgeous brindle coat, goofy disposition, huge head and big heart. Just gorgeous and a real lover.

He would LOVE this DIY rope toy. My boy Bear would have loved it too. I hope your big baby loves it too.

Help! My Dog is a Super Chewer!

If you have a dog that has a strong jaw, like a Pit Bull or English Bulldog, then this is the rope toy for them. You can also alter this for smaller dogs. I know a few that are very strong chewers too, size doesn’t always determine a dogs jaw strength or chewing ability.

In fact, I wish we’d known about this project when we got our boy Chewy. He’s a small Chihuahua/Miniature Poodle mix (we think even some terrier in there).

Anyways, true story…when he was teething he literally chewed up all of our dining room set’s chair legs, and EVEN our stair edges on the bottom two stairs of our open staircase…nothing stopped him…But I feel this might have helped.

This particular DIY is a little more advanced, but it’s fun to make and your dog will get hours and hours of chewing fun out of it!

The upside is when these heavy duty rope toys finally do wear out, it won’t cost much to replace them. Super cost-effective and easy to make.

Best Type of Rope for Dog Toys

Ravenox Natural Twisted Cotton Rope | (Hot Pink)(5/8 Inch x 10 Feet) | Made in The USA | Strong Triple-Strand Rope for Sports, Décor, Pet Toys, Crafts, Macramé & Indoor Outdoor Use

It’s always best to use a rope made out of natural fibers for your dog toys. Because as they ingest them (and they will) they will pass through their system easily.

I personally like the triple strand rope that you can find on Amazon that comes in tons of colors. It’s natural twisted cotton and made in the USA. Natural Jute can also work if you prefer but I find it can be harder to knot depending on the project you are making.

How to Make Heavy Duty Dog Toys for Chewers

Tan and white dog laying on its side in grass chewing a rope toy

There are a lot of ways to make heavy-duty dog toys that will stand up to chewing.  One of my other favorites ways is using denim for dog toys.

I particularly like the sturdiness of braided denim dog toys – especially ones that are no-sew. I’m a terrible sewer, I know the basics and can get by but when I am presented with a no-sew option that makes it so much easier, I’m in!

Unfortunately, denim dog toys aren’t QUITE as durable as a rope toy. Especially a knotted rope toy like the one we show you how to make.

Here’s how to make the DIY dog rope toy – complete with a free printable diagram.

DIY Rope Dog Toy Instructions

DIY Rope Toys for Focused Chewers

Here are the detailed instructions for putting together an inexpensive and durable rope toy for your dog. If you want to get really creative, pick the color of your favorite sports team from the rope source above.

Materials:

  • Two equal lengths of rope no shorter than 5′ each length (diameter of the rope , 1/4″ for small dogs or 3/8″ for large dogs)

Instructions:

  1. Find the middle of each length of rope by folding the rope in half and lining up the cut ends.
  2. Cross each rope at a right angle to other rope, then use a small zip tie to secure to the two lengths together at the centers.
  3. Lay crossed ropes over fisted hand with thumb extended.
  4. Loop first rope around thumb and over the second rope, using your thumb to hold the first rope in place.
  5. Loop second rope over first rope and go over rope three, using your thumb to hold in place.
  6. Now loop the third rope over second rope and go over forth rope, use your thumb to hold the third rope in place.
  7. Loop fourth rope over third rope and then insert fourth rope into loop created by first rope.
  8. Tighten each rope by pulling the tail of each rope.
  9. Pull all ropes tight until a small four section knot is created.
  10. Trim off zip tie tail, and place knot with zip tie side facing up.
  11. Repeat steps 3- 9 until only short lengths of rope remain.
  12. Continue to tighten up all ropes pulling together to form a four section tight knot.
  13. To tuck in the tails, insert hemostats or needle nose pliers into knot grabbing one rope tail and pulling it threw knot.
  14. After tucking all of the tails, trim back all rope tails.
  15. Push back outside braided cover on the exposed tails to expose central core and trim away to reveal leaving only the outer nylon cover.
  16. Melt the exposed nylon rope and push back with the side of lighter.
  17. From two 5′ lengths of rope, you’ll get a finished toy of about 6″ – 7″.

How to Make Rope Toys for Dogs That are Super Chewers

Variety of different size and colored rope displayed diagonally

If you have a heavy chewer, this DIY dog rope toy may work extremely well and I encourage you to give it a try. I’ve gotten really good feedback on this particular DIY project.

There are also lots of commercial options for heavy chewers. One of the ones I found that gets high reviews is this interactive toy you can find on Amazon. It is a wonderful alternative if you find you don’t have the time to make DIY rope dog toys.

If you do have a dog who is a power chewer, it’s a very good idea to keep them engaged with toys they enjoy. It will help keep them happy and out of trouble. (And hopefully not tearing up furniture or other items you prefer they don’t sink their teeth into).

Our pup has a lot of toys, seriously…we need to thin them on a regular basis, he’s a bit spoiled especially by his grand mum, but I find he really enjoys the more personalized ones I make with him in mind. Almost like he can tell they were made with love.

We hope you found making this homemade dog rope toy easy and that your heavy chewer enjoys hours of slobbering fun.

For more DIY Puppy Love, check out my monkey fist dog toy instructions.

And if you want a really in depth project, check out how to make dog kennels under the stairs.

Please keep in mind that we may receive a small commission when you click our links and make purchases and as an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.

Please note: This post is not meant to prevent, treat or, cure any ailment or disease. We are not veterinarians and you use our advice at your own discretion. We always recommend that you consult your veterinarian whenever you have health-related conditions your fur baby is facing. With that in mind, as pet parents ourselves, we wish nothing but the best for your pet and their healthy and happy lives