Kong Dog Toys

About Kong Dog Toys

Kong dog toys made their debut in 1976 and quickly earned a reputation as one of the most durable dog toys ever made. The fact that dogs were having a ball with them didn't hurt either.

The Kong is constructed out of a natural rubber compound that comes in two strengths:

• Red Kong dog toys provide lots of fun and chewing action for the average chewer.
• Black Kong toys are made from an even stronger natural rubber compound that is suitable for even the most voracious chewers.

Depending on your dog's size and activity level, one of these two strengths should work out well.

Different Kong Toys

Dogs love variety just as much as we do, so Kong offers several models to keep your pet entertained. Let's look at a few of the favorites.

Classic Red Kong

This is the model that started it all, and it's available in super durable black and puppy teething sizes as well. The odd shape of the Classic Kong makes it bounce unpredictably when dropped or thrown, so dogs get lots of exercise and mental stimulation when they play with these toys.

The middle of the Kong is hollow, which allows you to stuff it with food or dog treats to entice your dog into play. One of these toys can keep you pet occupied for hours, and can be a great stress reliever for him as well.

Kong Flyers

Flyers are flexible rubber discs that work just like a Frisbee, but they're more gentle on your dog's teeth and mouth.

Kong Tugs

The tug is terrific for sharing a tug-of-war with your furry pal and also provides great fun for two dogs playing on their own. The black handle areas are extra strong to stand up to lots of pulling and chewing.

Dental Health

A dog's teeth need to be kept clean to avoid the perils of gum disease. The Kong Dental Stick is a ridged tube of rubber that gently scrapes plaque away from his gums and teeth as he works on this chew toy. The center of the tube is hollow, just like the Classic Kong, so you can stuff it with some dog biscuits to inspire him to work at it harder. Used in conjunction with regular brushing, this toy can help your pet keep his teeth for a lifetime.

Training

While Kongs are great for playtime, they can also be used as dog training aids. Once you accustom your pet to playing with his new toy when there are treats inside, you can use it to teach him desired behaviors.

Crate Training

Many dogs don't take well to being crated for the first time, so you must work into it in stages.

• First, stuff something tasty into the center of the Kong, and place it in your dog's crate. He should be willing to go in and get it, but you may have to coax him a little. Eventually he will be comfortable enough to remain inside the crate with his chew toy, but don't close the door the first few times he does.
• Next, once he's accustomed to being inside the crate with his toy, you can close the door for a few minutes, then open it again so he's free to come out if he likes.
• If he accepts the closed door, it's just a matter of keeping it closed a bit longer during each session until your dog accepts spending time in his crate on his own.

Appropriate Chewing

Dogs have an ingrained need to chew, and they'll chew anything available unless you teach them not to. Load your Kong with your dog's favorite treat, and present it to him when he tries chewing on a forbidden object. Take the inappropriate item away from your pet with a firm "No", and pause for a moment to make sure he gets the message. Then give him the Kong with a happy "Good Dog" to show him this is what he is allowed to chew on. By keeping shoes and other enticing items out of your dog's reach, he will be more encouraged to use the Kong instead, and soon you should have him trained.

Conclusion

Kong dog toys are durable and versatile, so they are a great choice for your pet. If you haven't been satisfied with your past toy purchases, the Kong may just be a pleasant surprise for both you and your dog.

External Links

• Kong Pet Toys
• FuturePets.com, another source for the Kong line of dog toys and accessories

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