Why do dogs love KONGs? A Comprehensive Guide

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Why do dog owners and dog trainers love KONGs?

As I said at the beginning, I usually recommend that my training clients buy at least one KONG, if not more. I know many other dog trainers and veterinarians who also highly recommend KONGs.

Star loves eating a stack out of her KONG dog toy. Its great enrichment and entertainment for this pup!Great for training and enrichment. Bored dogs get into trouble. The KONG is a great way to keep your dog busy and give him something interesting to do. Especially when stuffed with food, a KONG provides great mental stimulation for your dog. This can be helpful when working on crate training,* and it is also great for puppies who are constantly looking for something to chew. In the past, when I’ve fostered active, young dogs, I’ve often had the dog eat all of his food out of KONGs and other interactive toys.

(*Most dogs do great with KONGs. However, as with any toy, you’ll want to supervise your dog carefully at the beginning. Do not leave your dog alone with a KONG until you are sure that he can play with it safely without chewing pieces off of it.)

Different challenge levels. Many interactive dog toys are “one-size-fits-all.” There is no way to adjust the difficulty of the puzzle. This makes the toy too hard for new dogs and much too easy for dogs that have experience with the toy. For young puppies or dogs new to the KONG, you can fill the KONG with a handful of small treats that fall out easily when the dog nudges the KONG. Or, you can smear a spoonful of wet food right inside the opening, where the dog can easily lick it off. For experienced dogs, the KONG can be stuffed full with a mixture of food and treats and then frozen to create an even harder challenge.

Fairly easy to clean. It really annoys me when I find a dog toy I like, but it’s really difficult to clean. Luckily, it’s not too hard to clean out a KONG. If a KONG has been stuffed with food, there will sometimes be little bits that your dog won’t be able to get out. I start by soaking the KONG in some hot, soapy water. This loosens up any food left inside. I then use a scrub brush with firm bristles to clean the inside and remove any remaining pieces of food.

Types of Kong Chew Toy Rubber

Red = Known as KONG Classic, the original red rubber made for the average chewersBaby Blue/Pink = Known as KONG Puppy, a special formula made for teething puppies and help soothe gumsPurple = Known as KONG Senior, it is made of a gentle but durable rubber formulated for aging teeth and jawsBlack = Known as KONG Extreme, made of the most durable and toughest rubber compound recommended for the strongest chewersBlue = Known as Kong BLUE, a variation of the KONG Extreme usually available only through veterinarians made of radiopaque rubber that will show up in x-rays

Reasons why KONGs are the best dog toys

  • Besides providing long-lasting enjoyment, stuffed KONGs fulfills your dog’s natural desire to “work” and encourages positive chewing habits. In addition to keep your dog busy and content for extended periods of time, it can increase confidence in anxious dogs by making them feel more accomplished after successful ‘hunts’ of the stuffed toys over time.
  • Regular use of KONG chew toys may improve your dog’s oral health and wellness. While playing with the toy, the natural rubber helps promote clean teeth, help control plaque, and remove food particles.
  • Unlike many toys, KONG chew toys also stimulates mental exercise for your dog’s mind which is vital to overall health and minimize destructive behavior due to boredom.
  • Sedentary dogs can often be enticed to become more active and play more with the use of interactive toys. Due to its unique shape, dogs can be lured with its unpredictable bounce into games of catch, chase, and fetch — especially if it’s filled with rewarding treats!
  • KONG dog toys can be effective in preventing boredom and entertaining dogs that are alone for long periods of time (such as during work or running an errand).
  • Dogs with separation anxiety and other behavioral issues can benefit from KONG toys. By distracting your dog from the “bad behavior”, your canine companion can focus on the rewarding experience of the stuffed KONG. This form of therapy/behavior modification can also be helpful for crate training puppies and skittish dogs. By diverting their attention onto the gratifying toy, your dog will become more comfortable being crated and less anxious.
  • The list of things a KONG can be filled with is practically endless. With the wide variety of ‘goodies’ and treats available, your dog will always look forward to discover what you have stuffed inside. As a result, it is a toy that your dog will never get bored with!
  • KONGs can be used with dogs of all ages, sizes, breeds, and chewing levels. There are several styles and sizes of KONG chew toys to accommodate young puppies to older senior dogs comfortably.

    • How to Use Kong Toys to Help Enrich Your Dog’s Life (And Improve Behavior)

    We currently have a total of 16 KONGS which our 2 dogs enjoy on a daily basis.

    Come along as I share some little-known facts about KONG dog toys and give you some creative ways to bring hours of joy to your dog… KONG style!