Ask Ollie
Braided T-Shirt Tug Toys for Shelter Dogs
Here's one to try together!
Turn old T-shirts into tough, tuggable toys, then give them to dogs who need a friend.
Reviewed by our team.
Safety first
- scissors are sharp and a grown-up should help with cutting
- shelter may not accept all donations, so check first
- toys should be washed before donating
What you need
- Kid scissors, 1 pair
- Dish soap, a squirt
- Water, warm water for washing
- Old T-shirts, 3 or 4
- Paper bag, 1, for the drop-off
How to do it
Grown-up prep: Choose 3 or 4 clean, worn-out T-shirts that are fine to cut up. Be ready to help with the scissors and to phone a local shelter.
- Lay one old T-shirt flat on the table.
- Cut the shirt into three long strips, each about a hand wide. Ask for help if you need it
- Gather the three strips and tie a tight knot at one end.
- Braid the strips tightly all the way down. Ask: How do you think braiding will make the toy strong enough for a dog to tug?
- Tie a second tight knot at the other end.
- Make a chunkier toy with square knots, or just braid again. Ask: Which do you think will be tougher, the braid or the square knots?
- Wash your finished toys in warm, soapy water.
- Ask a grown-up to call the local shelter and check what they accept. Ask for help if you need it
- Drop off your toys at the shelter! Could you make more for other dogs? Ask: How do you think the dogs will feel when they find your toys?
Play it again
- Team toy factory: split the jobs so one person cuts, one braids and one ties the knots.
- Chunky challenge: make a square knot toy and compare it to a braided one for strength.
- Giving drive: ask friends or family to bring old T-shirts and make a big batch to donate.
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