Looking for a fun dog toy on stick? Keep your active dog entertained easily.

Okay, so I decided my dog needed a bit more interactive playtime, something I could use to really get him running and jumping without throwing my arm out. I thought, "What about one of those flirt poles, like a cat toy but bigger?" So, that's what I set out to make – basically, a dog toy on a stick.

Getting Started

First thing, I needed a stick. Didn't want anything too flimsy, you know? Went out to the backyard and looked around. Found a decent branch that had fallen off the old maple tree. It was maybe three feet long, felt pretty sturdy. I broke off the smaller twigs and leaves. Then, I took some sandpaper I had lying around in the garage and smoothed down the rough spots, especially where I'd be holding it. Didn't want any splinters.

Finding the 'Toy' Part

Next up, the actual toy bit. I rummaged through the dog's toy basket. He's got this old, slightly chewed-up rope toy. It's one of his favorites, but it's getting a bit frayed. Perfect! It's tough, but still light enough to wave around. I figured I could tie that to the end of the stick.

Putting It Together

Now for the tricky part – attaching the rope toy to the stick securely. My first thought was just to tie it really tight around the end. I grabbed some strong twine I use for gardening. Wrapped it around the rope toy and the stick end maybe ten times, pulled it super tight, and knotted it off good.

But here's what happened:

• I gave it a test swing.
• The rope toy kind of flopped around loosely. Not good.
• My dog would probably yank that right off in two seconds.

Okay, plan B. I got my drill out. Carefully, I drilled a hole through the end of the stick, about an inch from the tip. Then, I threaded the twine through the hole, wrapped it tightly around the thickest part of the rope toy knot, threaded it back through the hole, and tied multiple strong knots. I pulled on it hard, swung it around again. Much better! It felt really solid this time.

The Big Test

Took it outside with Max (that's my dog). The second he saw it, his ears perked up. I started waving it around, dragging the rope toy on the ground. He went nuts! Chasing it, pouncing, tugging when he caught it. The connection held strong, even with him pulling pretty hard. We played for a good fifteen minutes, and he was panting happily afterwards.

So yeah, it worked out pretty well. Just a simple branch, an old rope toy, and some twine. Took maybe half an hour, tops. Max loves it, and it saves my shoulder. Good little project, I'd say.