Dog Toys

Knot-ical Dog Toys

Whether you're cruising with dogs or raising them on solid ground, all dogs love to play. Max loves the occasional game of fetch, but Bailey goes crazy over all his toys. In fact, we brought a small wicker basket with us to hold all his toys. To keep up with his toy cravings, we've had to get a little creative aboard Charbonneau. One of the ways we've kept up is by making our own dog toys with old line, tennis balls, etc. Below is an example of one that Bailey really enjoys. It is a simple Monkey's Fist knot tied with a loop that can be used as a tugging handle or as a handle to throw it for a game of fetch. While cruising, we often make one of these out of old line and offer it as a gift to other cruising dogs. The one shown here is made from old Spectra line. The line is almost indestructible and it floats -- perfect for a boat.

	Start with approximately 10' of 3/8" line. For smaller dogs, use smaller diameter line - you'll need less length, as well. Tie a simple overhand knot in one end of the line and take a bight of about five inches. This will end up being the 'handle' of the toy.
	Once you have the bight with the knotted end. Make three vertical loops around your hand. Hint - Don't make these too tight because you will eventually have to run line inside them. From here forward, the knotted end needs to stay inside the center of the loops.
	Now make three additional turns around the outside of the vertical ones made previously. I've turned my knot on its side in this photo because it is easier for me to make these turns while holding the knot inside the loops. Again, don't make these too tight just yet.
	The last three turns are made around the horizontal lines you just made, but inside of the vertical ones. This is the most difficult set of turns, especially if you've made the others too small or tight. Once you've completed this last set of turns, begin tightening the knot by working backwards from your last set of turns. Start by holding the bitter end that you just pulled through and begin pulling the loops tighter. As you get to the vertical loops you did first, you should have another 6" of extra line. That will be pulled through and added to your looping 'handle'.
	Once you've tightened the loops, you'll need to trim the excess line. I use a hot knife aboard Charbonneau, but cutting with a sharp knife will work also. Cut the line even with the edge as it exits the ball. This will leave a clean finish with no extra dangling lines.
	The finished product will vary in size according to the line you've chosen. Here is the one we made for Bailey while creating this photo-journal for you.
	Here's Bailey with it around his neck while we're underway. He'll get a chance to run, swim, and play with it as soon as we make landfall. We hope your dogs enjoy your labors as much as Bailey enjoys ours. Good Luck!

For help with the Monkey's Fist knot and other interesting knots, we highly recommend "The Morrow Guide to Knots". The book is highly illustrated with knots that range from the common to very creative, or decorative, ones. Click on the book for more info.