Homemade "dog friendly" tire toy

by Clay
(Canada)

Let me just start by stating the fact that I have two very active St. Bernards. Maggie and Krimsun are both about 1 1/2 years old and their favorite dog toy is, believe it or not, an old tire from the front of a riding lawn mower with ropes tied to it.






The tire is made of rubber (the kind you would need a tube for) and the rope is just something you could buy at the local hardware store. It does not have all the fancy bells and whistles of a colorful store bought toy but it is their favorite.

I have tried many "dog friendly" toys in the past but with their girth and strength nothing seemed to last. Krimsun is a small saint, only about 105lbs and Maggie is 135lbs but when they tug it seems like there is a full grown 200lb man tugging.

Between the two of them they have gone through many "indestructible" dog toys that I have purchased from the store and it seems that this toy is the only one they have not been able to destroy.

The tire is just the right size for their jaws to grab and with the ropes attached (thick rope mind you) there is plenty of room for me to join in on the fun. They have had this toy for about four months now and it is their favorite by far. If you have big dogs that like to destroy their toys you may want to try it.

You do not have to have an old riding lawnmower tire, you can buy one new. You can probably even get the rope and tire at the same store. Just make sure that the rope you use is sturdy enough and tied tight enough to withstand the tugging.

A little hint to make the rope tighter - get it wet before you tie it and then let it dry before you let the dogs play with it.