Old Toys, New Fun: How to Make Dog Toys Exciting Again
- DOGLi
- May 2
- 4 min read
Updated: May 5
Sound familiar? Your dog’s favorite toy sits forgotten in the corner, while your pup roams around the house looking bored. Mixing things up during playtime isn’t just fun—it’s great for your dog’s mental and emotional health, too. The good news: with a few simple tricks, you can bring old toys back to life and spark your dog’s interest all over again.
Why Do Toys Get Boring?
Dogs are naturally curious. They love exploring the world with their noses. If a toy always smells, looks, and feels the same, it quickly loses its appeal. From your dog’s perspective, it’s “used up”—there’s nothing new to discover.
Science backs this up: in 2008, researchers from the Universities of Giessen and Lincoln found that dogs show strong neophilia—a preference for new things. In studies, most dogs chose unfamiliar toys over ones they already knew. This innate curiosity may have even played a key role in dogs becoming domesticated.
Dogs are also very social creatures. Often, it’s not the toy itself that’s fun—it’s the playtime with you. If that shared experience disappears, the toy can quickly lose its meaning.
1. Play Together – You Make the Difference
The number one ingredient that makes a toy exciting? You. When you move the toy, hide it, or turn it into a tug game, it suddenly becomes fun again. This social interaction is what many dogs find most rewarding.
Tip: Set aside dedicated playtimes each day. Even a toy that seems dull becomes a prized treasure with your involvement—and as a bonus, you strengthen your bond.
2. Rotate Toys for Ongoing Fun
Imagine having access to all your favorite things all the time—they’d quickly feel routine. It’s no different for your dog.
Keep most toys in a closed box
Offer just a few select ones each day or every few days
Rotate them regularly so that “old” toys feel brand new
Pro tip: After a two-week break, many toys feel fresh and exciting again.
3. Toy Swaps with Other Dog Parents
One particularly fun idea: set up a regular toy swap with your dog-owning friends.
New smells instantly make the toys more interesting
The “story” of the toy sparks curiosity
You’ll expand your toy selection without spending a dime
Note: Make sure all dogs involved are healthy, and pay attention to how your dog reacts to the “borrowed” toy—not every pup likes to share.
4. DIY Toys for a Fresh Twist
Homemade toys have lots of benefits: they’re affordable, easy to customize, and you can change them out frequently. A few quick ideas:
Sock Bottle: Place an empty plastic bottle inside an old sock and knot it tightly.
(Un-)Box Games: Hide treats in small cardboard boxes or egg cartons, close them up, and let your dog investigate.
Fabric Knots: Tear up old t-shirts or fleece into strips and tie or braid them into tug toys.
Tip: Always supervise DIY toys—especially if your dog loves chewing or swallowing things.
5. New Scents Spark New Interest
One of the easiest ways to revive an old toy is by changing how it smells.
A 2012 study showed that dogs re-engage with old toys if the scent is altered. In that research, toys were simply washed with detergent—and the dogs played with them as if they were brand new.
You can recreate this effect more naturally:
Roll the toy in freshly cut grass
Store it in a container with kibble or treats
Keep it in a fabric bag with aromatic herbs (like chamomile or lavender)
The more varied the smells, the longer your dog will stay curious. Your pup’s nose is their most powerful sense—use it to your advantage!
6. Add Surprises and Rewards to Interactive Toys
Take familiar toys like Kongs or treat balls and fill them with new, unexpected goodies:
Frozen fillings for hot days (e.g., pureed fruit with yogurt)
Layers of soft and crunchy snacks
Unique combos like lickable paste with apple slices
That surprise element, along with a tasty reward, gives even well-known toys a fresh appeal.
7. Give Toys a New “Mission”
Sometimes all it takes is a new context to breathe life into an old toy:
Creative combos: Pair a favorite toy with something new—wrap it in a sniffing mat, hide it under overturned buckets, or attach it to a rope for added motion. These changes spark immediate interest.
Change the setting: What’s boring in the living room can be fascinating in the yard, at the beach, or on a new trail. Different textures and surroundings make for a whole new play experience.
Add a challenge: Hide the toy under blankets, use it as a reward for learning a new trick, or turn it into a prize during a “treasure hunt”.
Even the most familiar toy takes on a new role and becomes part of an exciting adventure.
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