Article Number: 348
Created On: 2010-02-08 1:14 PM
Author: Brandi Barker, MFA, CPDT [info@yeepet.com]
URL : http://www.yeepet.com/articles/question.php?ID=348
The Kong product line is popular for its durability and versatility. It is
often my first choice to redirect innate chewing behaviors because it is
virtually indestructible by most dogs. However, like any dog toy, there
are
exceptionally strong chewers who can annihilate even the Extreme Black
Kong (considered the strongest). If your dog has destroyed every toy you have
purchased (including the Extreme Kong) you can try the Kong Rubber Ball,
Premier Galileo Bone or Boomer Ball toys.
Keep close watch on your dog the first few times you allow chewing from
any new toy, even small dogs. Some of the strongest mouths I have seen were
in
little bodies.
The Kong Company has many toy varieties to choose from, including: squeaky tennis balls, durable plush toys and many more. If your goal is to play fetch, tug and hide 'n' seek
games , you can
choose from any of Kong's toy categories. However, for chewing purposes, I
would recommend one of the Rubber Toys. The Classic and Extreme Kongs are
popular choices because the stuffing options are limitless; they can entertain
some dogs for hours and their solid design is very durable for strong
chewers. The Goodie Bone is another excellent toy to teach good mouthing
skills. If you fill one end of the toy with treats while holding the
other
end, you can prevent nipping while working on good handling exercises.
The Dental Stick and Stuff-A-Ball are also great toys to keep your
baseboards, pant legs and shoes chomp free.
Some dogs play with their Kongs by rolling them around, tossing them in
the
air or simply licking out the good stuff. When introducing your dog to a
Kong Rubber Toy for the first time, rinse it off very well. You can entice
your dog by filling it with peanut butter, cheese or cream cheese so he or
she understands its purpose is to engage their mouth. You and your dog can
enjoy years of entertainment with the same Kong, clean it out regularly
with
warm soapy water and always give the Kong in response to good behavior.