These easy to make colorful rope toys are great for any size dog. Just scale up or down the diameter of the rope to fit your dog, 1/4" for small dogs or 3/8" for large dogs. Directions given are for a basic toss/tug toy pictured below. Pictured are several variations based on the basic knot that can be created with a little practice and creativity.

Step 1: Finding Center of Two Lengths of Rope

Start with two equal lengths of rope, I recommend no shorter than 5' each length. Find the middle of each length by folding the rope in half and lining up the cut ends.

Step 2: Finding Middle of Each Rope

After locating the middle of each rope, cross each rope at right angle to other rope.

Step 3: Secure With Small Zip Tie

Then use a small zip tie to secure to the two lengths together at the centers.

Step 4: Begin the Knot

Lay crossed ropes over fisted hand with thumb extended.

Step 5: Loop Around Thumb

Loop first rope around thumb and over second rope, using thumb to hold first rope in place (see image)

Step 6: Loop Second Rope

Loop second rope over first rope and go over rope three, using thumb to hold in place.

Step 7: Loop Third Rope

Loop third rope over second rope and go over forth rope, use thumb to hold third rope in place.

Step 8: Loop Fourth Rope

Loop fourth rope over third rope and then insert fourth rope into loop created by first rope.

Step 9: Tighten Up Loops

Tighten each rope by pulling the tail of each rope.

Step 10: Continue to Tighten Loops

Pull all ropes tight until a small four section knot is created.

Step 11: Trim Off Zip Tie

Trim off zip tie tail, and place knot with zip tie side facing up.

Step 12: Repeat Steps 5-9

Repeat steps 5-9. Loop first rope around thumb and over second rope.

Step 13: Repeat Steps 5-9

Repeat steps 5-9. Loop second rope over first rope and over third rope holding in place with thumb.

Step 14: Repeat Steps 5-9

Repeat steps 5-9. Loop third rope over second rope and over fourth rope holding in place with thumb.

Step 15: Repeat Steps 5-9

Repeat steps 5-9. Loop fourth rope over third rope and feed tail of fourth rope into loop created by first rope.

Step 16: Tighten Up All Ropes

Continue to tighten up all ropes pulling together to form a four section tight knot.

Step 17: Tightened Knot

Tightened knot shown here from above and side view.

Step 18: Repeat Steps 5 Thru 9

5. Loop first rope around thumb & across the top of the second rope .

6. Loop second rope around first rope & across the top of the third rope .

7. Loop third rope around second rope & across the top of the fourth rope .

8. Loop fourth rope around third rope & insert tail end of fourth rope into loop made with first rope .

9. Tigthen up all ropes until a tight four section knot appears

Repeat until only short lengths of each rope remain