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.