Hi everyone!

Recently, I had to find ways to keep my corgi entertained during the day while we were away.  I was tired of giving her chewies to placate her and they were not warding off the destructive behavior that occurs whenever the dog gets bored.  I came up with a system on Kong Treats that works well for us, so I thought I'd share it in hopes that it helps someone else who needs new ways to keep corgi entertained.

First I went out and bought five more Kongs to add to the two we already had.  With this purchase I bought peanut butter and liver flavor Kong squeeze (the biggest size I could find) and a variety of treats in flavors I knew Leia would enjoy.  Some things that have become staples for Kong Treats:

 - Yam strips (Canyon Creek Ranch brand)

 - Duck tenders (Canyon Creek Ranch brand) 

 - Chicken and apple bites (Canyon Creek Ranch brand)

 - Turkey and Sweet Potato cookies (Newman's Own brand)

I make 5 - 7 Kongs each week on Sundays.  I freeze them all in a large bowl that takes up only a small amount of space in my freezer.  Each day, before the last person leaves the house for the day, we give her 1 or 2 Kongs and only twice a week do we give her a chewie (pork skin roll) in addition to a Kong.  Since we started doing this a few months ago, there has been no (and I mean absolutely NONE) destructive behavior to come home to.  I've also cut down considerably on the amount of pork skin she consumes.  Each Kong ends up being slightly different, so she is never bored.  Freezing makes them take significantly longer to eat.  Here are some examples of treats we make:

- liver or peanut butter squeeze around edges of Kong (no more than about a 1/2 teaspoon per Kong)

- One crumbled cookie in the bottom and a yam and/or duck strip sticking out the top

- One crumbled cookie in the bottom and a chicken/apple treat at the top

- Yam and duck strips with a cookies sticking out and flavor squeezed in the middle (This is for the Kong treat ball)

The possibilities are endless.  The Kong toys are different sizes and shapes too, which helps to keep her interest as well.  Making 5-7 Kongs per week takes only about 15 minutes, 20 if you have to wash them first.  On Saturdays, I pick them up as I see them and put them in the sink for washing later. Sunday evening is when I spend a few minutes making and freezing them.  They are great to have around to keep Leia entertained and out of trouble.  I hope sharing this will help someone else too!

P.S.: Leia does not have a weight problem, she is very active!  I have also adjusted the amount she eats each evening to reflect the extra stuff she ate during the day in her Kongs.