How to create a simple rope dog toy

In this instructable, I'll show you how to make a simple rope dog toy using two Matthew Walker knots. Many rope toys you can get at the pet store consist of a rope with two overhand knots in it. The Matthew Walker knot is much more symmetrical and less likely to come untied. With three strand rope, the Matthew Walker knot makes a great stopper knot which prevents the rope from unraveling. I'll be using this knot in other dog toy instructables, so follow me to see more!I always use cotton rope for my dog toys. It's all natural and isn't a big deal if your dog swallows pieces of it. I get my rope from both Knot and Rope Supply and Amazon. Knot and Rope Supply sells cotton rope by the foot in a number of different sizes: http://knotandrope.com/store/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=6

I also have ordered spools of rope from Koch on Amazon: http://amzn.to/15MFPY3

You'll want to get the right size rope for your dog. A 1/2"-3/4" rope would be suitable for a little dog, while 1.5" rope works for very large dogs.

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simple bench

First, you have to gather your supplies. You'll need

8 cedar boards 1x4x16in (six with curve cuts if you want for the seat)
8 cedar boards 1x4x47in
4 cedar posts 4x417in
56 2-in deck screws
32 1 1/4-in deck screws (for seat slats)
and 1 qt. exterior oil finish if desired 

I bought 6 -- 1x4x8' cedar boards and 1 -- 4x4x8' cedar post and had plenty of wood for the project, seen in the picture.

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