Today starts a new series that I’m really excited to share! Over the next year, I will be sharing some of my favorite dog toys, treats, beds and accessories! Today’s pick is one that I LOVE….The Kong!!
I think it’s pretty common knowledge that our dogs need physical exercise and that’s easily remedied by going for a walk, run or maybe even just throwing a ball for them. Did you ever think that our furry friends get bored because they aren’t being mentally challenged? Is your dog barking at everything? whining? chewing on things? running in circles or running at top speed through the house? These are all signs of boredom or lack of mental stimulation.
I’m sure many of you dog owners have owned a Kong toy. These toys are probably the most used toy in my house- we use them every day! Here is a little information taken directly from the Kong Company Website.
Most dogs need to learn to use a KONG Classic. Follow these steps to ensure your dog knows how to enjoy all the benefits of this popular toy.
1. Size for safety
It’s important to use the right size KONG so that your dog can have the safest, most enjoyable experience. Not sure where to start on sizing? Check out the KONG User Guide.
2. Engage to ensure success
Get your dog excited about their new KONG. Show it off and talk about it excitedly; maybe even play a little hard-to-get to pique their interest and show them what their new toy can do.
3. Stuff to entice and extend playtime
Many dogs are motivated by food and KONG toys are perfect for stuffing with treats or kibble to keep dogs busy. The key is to stuff loosely so that the food will come out of the toy easily. To entice your dog, try using a little bit of peanut butter or their favorite treat in the KONG.
4. Freeze for greater challenge
Over time, your dog will learn how to get treats out of the KONG quickly. To increase the challenge, put together a mixture of wet and dry ingredients, stuff the KONG and freeze it. A frozen KONG heightens the experience by creating a long-lasting, mentally stimulating task. Wondering what to freeze in your dog’s KONG?
At our house, Bella’s (Labrador) Kong is stuffed with about 2 Tablespoons of peanut butter. (I use a knife to stuff the kong.) Minnie (teacup yorkie) gets far less peanut butter in hers, but she still enjoys the challenge of licking it all out!
Here are a few other uses for the Kong:
- To slow down fast eaters, put their food in the Kong, seal it with a Tablespoon of peanut butter and then freeze it.
- When crate training, use the treat- stuffed Kong to entice your dog into the crate. Their brain will connect the crate with something good!
- Have a peanut butter or yogurt stuffed Kong ready during a training session so they can be rewarded with a lick of the kong when a trick is performed correctly!
There are so many uses for the Kong! By the way, this is the “Classic Kong.” It comes in many sizes and is a great starter toy! Once again, you can find out more about the Kong Company, including games & recipes by going HERE.
Our little Minnie is SO funny! As soon as Bella is done with her Kong, Minnie grabs it and licks up all she can!
* This is not a sponsored post, all opinions are my own!!
Do you own a Kong? What games or treats do you use??
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Very good tips and your doggies sure do love their Kongs!