Dogs of all ages can benefit from Kong products.
If you have a dog and you don’t know what a Kong is, you and your puppy are missing out on a fun toy that can provide hours of entertainment for the dog. In many cases, that means you can feel a little more secure about providing a safe toy that is sanctioned by trainers, breeders and veterinarians and leaving Fido alone.
Kong toys are made from a good quality non-toxic rubber. They come in many sizes and shapes. There are the “regular” ones made from red rubber and there are blue ones that are made to withstand the biting power of larger dogs like German shepherds and rottweilers.
Kongs can be found in almost any pet store. There are many Internet sites where Kong products can be purchased.
One of the things that makes Kongs stand out among doggie chew toys is the fact that they are designed to be filled with food items. Your dog can spend a lot of time trying to lick a tasty filling from the inside of the Kong.
Some soft foods that can be stuffed inside a Kong are peanut butter, liver paste, mint paste, cheese, peaches, yogurt, cooked egg or canned dog food.
Kongs can also be stuffed with hard items, including dog biscuits, pieces of apple, celery, carrots, raw cauliflower or broccoli, dried dog food or rice cakes. The Kong company also sells a variety of food items that can be used with the chew toys.
Some pet owners choose to mix soft and hard foods for use in Kongs. Some pre-stuff the Kongs for later use. Frozen Kongs can provide longer periods of fun for your dog.
For hardcore Kong fanatics, there is now a timed automatic dispenser that releases up to four Kongs per day at designated times. Such a device can provide hours of entertainment for a dog and can be very beneficial if the canine spends time alone while his or her owners are off at work.
Keep in mind that any of the snacks that can be stuffed inside Kongs do add calories to your dog’s diet. You may have to adjust the amount of food you feed to avoid having your dog become overweight.
Many pet owners and trainers have used Kongs in a variety of ways to provide entertainment for their dogs. Kongs can provide good wholesome entertainment while your dog is crated.
Dogs that have the run of the house have gotten into a lot less trouble since the invention of the Kong, which can keep them occupied for hours on end. Some pet owners find success in hiding a couple of filled Kongs around the house when they will be gone for a while. Not only does the Kong provide entertainment once it is found, but the dog looks forward to the “hide and seek” game.
Dr. Ian Dunbar, the creator of many dog training books and videos, devised the Kong in 1976. Dr. Dunbar founded the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, an organization that has thousands of members on its roster, and he serves as the director for the Center of Applied Animals Behavior in Berkeley, California.
Related posts:
