Love Knot
They’ll chew on it. Tug it. Sleep next to it.
But what they’re really holding onto is you — your effort.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 or 2 old cotton T-shirts, pajama pants, or soft clothing items
(Make sure they smell like you — no fresh laundry!) - Scissors
- A clean, flat surface
- Optional: A small soft treat, crinkle paper, or a squeaker
How To Make It:
1. Choose Your Fabric
- Pick an old shirt or pajama piece your dog already associates with you — something you’ve worn a lot. The more “you” it smells like, the more comforting it’ll be.
2. Cut the Fabric
- Lay it flat. Use scissors to cut three long strips — about 2–3 feet long and 2–3 inches wide.
They don’t have to be perfect! Slightly uneven is okay. - Tip: If your fabric is thin, you can double up the strips for extra durability.
3. Tie One End
- Gather the three strips together and tie a tight knot at one end, leaving about an inch of fabric hanging below the knot like a tassel.
- This will be the base of your tug toy.
4. Braid It Slowly
Start braiding the three strips like you would braid hair:
- Cross the right strand over the middle
- Then the left over the new middle
- Repeat until you reach the bottom
Take your time here — it’s meant to be meditative.
5. Optional Fun Add Ons!
Before tying off the end, you can:
- Slip in a treat between the braid for scent and surprise
- Insert a soft squeaker or crinkle material
- Add a drop of low-sodium broth for flavor and scent
(Tip: Let it dry if you add anything wet.)
6. Tie the Final Knot
- Once your braid is done, tie another tight knot at the bottom to secure it.
Give it a little tug to make sure it’s strong.
7. Charge It With Scent
- Hold the finished toy between your palms.
Tuck it into your shirt or under your sweater for 5–10 minutes.
The scent will tell your pup: this came from you.