Using a Kong

Okay, much to my shame, I am Kong-ignorant. When I say this, I don't mean that I have never used a Kong. Quite the opposite, in fact. I have one for each dog and have tried to use them frequently, but they always end up being too hard (or too easy if I try to make it simpler) for the dogs and the two Kongs have been relegated to the back of the cabinet never to be seen again. However, Sky left me a nice new "wall mural" the other day, even with his other puzzler toys out (I think they have gotten too easy for him), and Lyla is needing some mental stimulation as well during her new teenager period to keep her attitude in check and her mind tired.

I got the black Kong extreme for both dogs since they are both so good at ripping off pieces of toys, even those made out of the Kong-like material. I think I got the size Large since the packaging suggested going a size up on aggressive chewers, and both of my kiddos are definitely aggressive chewers! (http://resources.petsmart.com/products/2750604/manuals/2750604_kong...)

I need anyone and everyone's advice on how to make a good stuffed Kong that will keep them occupied, but not be so tough they give up! If I just put kibble in it, too easy, it's done in 5 minutes. If I put anything else in it (including and especially the Ziggy sticks or melted cheese, etc) or anything that is bigger than the hole, it is too hard and they give up. How in the HECK are they supposed to get big things out of that small hole?? Are the Kongs I got just too big/hard for them or am I just doing it all wrong? Thanks!

0 members like this

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Chris on October 29, 2009 at 12:13pm

I like the Kong Stuff-a-Ball treat dispensers. I break up treats so they just fit through the hole and fill it up. Kirby will push it around the house until he manages to make all the treats fall out. He absolutely loves it! I've never used the other kind of Kong as I had the same problem as you did.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Sky and Lyla on October 29, 2009 at 12:31pm

We do have a ball that sounds like that. It's not a Kong brand, but it does the exact same thing. The problem is that Sky is getting bored with it. It was definitely out and full of food when he redecorated my wall paint the other day, lol. Sky is an Aussie, and he's just so darn smart, that he figures regular puzzle toys out too quickly and then is bored with them. It would be great if I could find a way to make the Kong work so that I could change the difficulty to stay pace with him.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on October 29, 2009 at 12:44pm

I use the regular Kong and put spray cheese in it smeared around. They have to hold it and stick their tongue in to get it out. I don't use a lot so it doesn't take them that long but by then they are relaxed and just sleep when I am gone. The doberman has to be kenneled because she can never be trusted and if I am leaving her for a long time, I stuff the Kong with the cheese and kibble and freeze it. She doesn't always get it all out but I figure it keeps her busy longer. A friend of mine with an Aussie hides treats in many different places in her house so the dog has to look all over. I would think that would just increase the excitment level so I have not tried it. I want mine to sleep when I am gone. If the cheese is smeared it should encourage them to lay down and work on it a while. (in theory anyway)

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Alice on October 29, 2009 at 1:36pm

I've heard a lot of people say they use the spray cheese or peanut butter etc. That sounds really messy to me. Does it not get on the floor?

We have the normal red Kong and we jam a treat in it (the Newman's Own heart shaped treats work well) that I have to squoosh the Kong to put in. At first this kept him busy for a long time but now he's a pro. He grabes it with the opening facing into his mouth, rolls onto his back and holds the Kong with his paws as he squeezes the opening with his mouth until the treat falls out.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Sky and Lyla on October 29, 2009 at 1:41pm

I'm thinking that that is probably what they are supposed to be able to do. Somehow chew down on the whole Kong to break up the pieces or stretch the opening to get it out. I didn't know that when I bought it, and I think the ones I have are too hard and large for them to be able to do that. I might try a softer, smaller one and see how that goes.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on October 29, 2009 at 1:58pm

Alice, The spray cheese (Kraft Easy Cheese) is not that runny or you could use peanut butter. I have been doing it for years and never had any on the floor but I don't put a lot in. I found that the treats stuck inside are too hard for the Doberman to figure out (who says they are so smart?) and she won't even try. The cheese smeared requires licking so it takes longer. That is the only way they get cheese so it is a very high valued treat. When my dogs realize I am leaving the corgis run into the kitchen and wait and the Dobe races into her kennel. Bev

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Alice on October 29, 2009 at 2:48pm

I may have to try that since Finn is too good at getting a normal treat out. Freezing it like you mentioned is a good idea. I wonder if the Kong could go in the dish washer. ??