So, I decided to make a tug-of-war rope for my dog. He’s a big boy, a golden retriever, and he loves to play. I mean, he really loves it. But, store-bought toys? They just don’t last. He shreds them in minutes!
First, I gathered some old t-shirts. You know, the ones with holes or stains that you wouldn’t be caught dead wearing outside. I figured these would be perfect because they’re soft and, well, free!

- Cut the t-shirts into long strips. I made mine about 2-3 inches wide, but you can adjust based on your dog’s size.
- Then, I tied a big knot at one end of each strip. This was to make it easier to grip.
- Next, I started braiding the strips together. Honestly, my braiding skills are not the best, but I managed a basic three-strand braid. It was a bit of a workout, I’m not gonna lie.
- Once I got to the end of the strips, I tied another big knot to secure everything. I made sure these knots were super tight because my dog is a strong puller.
Finally, the moment of truth! I presented the rope to my dog, and his tail went crazy. He grabbed it immediately, and we started playing. He was pulling with all his might, and I was holding on for dear life!
He loves his new toy! We played for a good half hour, and the rope held up great. It’s definitely a lot more durable than the ones from the store. Plus, it was way cheaper, and I got to use up some old clothes. Win-win!
I gotta say, it’s a pretty rewarding feeling to make something for your dog and see them enjoy it so much. And it’s a great way to spend some quality time together, just having some good old-fashioned fun. If you’re looking for a fun activity for your dog, I highly recommend giving this a try. It’s super easy, and your dog will thank you for it!