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!

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Permalink Reply by Alice on November 2, 2009 at 12:09pm

I try to watch Finnigan's calorie intake as well. I did put a little peanut butter in his Kong over the weekend just as a treat and he didn't really want it. He would lick it then go lay down and stare at it. he did eventually eat it all but wasn't thrilled with the peanut butter.

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Permalink Reply by Adam & Kim on October 31, 2009 at 12:44am

Here's a web page that I found that has lots of recipes. Apologies if someone else has posted this one. I saw a link or two, but didn't look closely enough...

http://dogs.thefuntimesguide.com/2006/02/dog_recipes_for_kong_chew_...

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Permalink Reply by Sky and Lyla on October 31, 2009 at 9:12am

That's great, thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Erin & Faye on November 1, 2009 at 12:50am

Sometimes I stuff Faye's with multiple different treats. I'll put a gob of peanut butter in it with some kibble and/or a treat and freeze it over night. When I leave for work I just grab it from the freezer and put it in her crate. She runs right in and it keeps her occupied till she falls asleep. Sometimes she doesn't get all the treats out but she gets the satisfaction of getting the easy ones and it keeps her going trying to get the tougher ones. And if she can't get any of the treats or she gets them all right away she will still keep occupied by licking the frozen peanut butter gob for a while.