If I had to choose one toy to bring with my dog to the proverbial desert island this would be it. Simple in design but extremely versatile, the Kong created its own niche and then quickly filled it. It can be a puzzle, throw toy, chew toy, training tool and all around canine mind expander, suitable for the singleminded fetcher and the more complex problem solver. In my opinion no dog should be without one.
The shape could have been inspired by Bibendum, the Michelin Man (seen above with two Kong toys). Indeed the toy was invented as a result of a man's discovery that a car part made a better chew toy for his dog than a rock. According to the Kong website (http://www.kongcompany.com/) production on the original Kong toy began in 1976 after developing a "super- strong rubber formula." The original or Classic Kong in its tomato red color is the progenitor of what is now a very extensive line of dog and cat products. The Kong toy itself has also diversified into different colors according to usage- black for heavy chewers (Extreme Kong), light blue swirl for puppies (Puppy Kong), purple swirl for older dogs (Senior Kong), orange for water fun (Aqua Kong) and royal blue (Kong Blue) for veterinary distribution. The Classic is available in 5 sizes while the other versions offer 3- 4 sizes to accomodate its users. Each Kong comes with a user guide and information on stuffing the toy.
For my dogs the secret of the Kong toy is in the stuffing. If thrown, it would be chased and retrieved by Xena but frankly there are other toys for that (because we aren't on the desert island as yet.) Neither of my dogs are big chewers but they will chew on a stuffed Kong. Because that holds true for most dogs the Kong is a godsend. If you're dog is occupied by chewing on an approved toy he/she is not chewing on something else. The something else could be anything from a kennel pad, various household items, clothing, furniture or whatever the dog decides to experiment with in order to pass the time. Throw a stuffed Kong into your dog's crate before you leave the house and you will have a dog who is pleasantly occupied until he or she curls up to sleep to await your return. You will also have a dog who will willingly use a crate because that is where the stuffed Kong always seems to show up.
There are other strategies besides use in the crate that can be employed to get the most out of your Kong. There is even a machine (KONGTIME by Dogopolis) that will fling stuffed Kongs out to your dog at intervals specified by you so that your dog will be occupied all day long. Sadly, I think this clever adjunct to the Kong toy is no longer available. Alternatively, you can always hide several stuffed Kongs around the house for your dog to discover. Your dog can use his or her foraging instincts to find each Kong cache. Just make sure that you practice with your dog beforehand and also make sure that the Kongs aren't hidden where he or she has to destroy something to access them.
The Kong section at Petco
Stuffing the Kong is key. I prefer to use some of my dogs' regular kibble to stuff, blocking the hole with a small Milk Bone or other biscuit treat. A bit of freeze dried liver stuck in the hole at the other end adds a little variety. There are loads of ideas on the Kong website regarding stuffing so I will not list them here. If your dog has a sensitive stomach make sure that he or she can tolerate your choice of stuffing. Likewise, if your dog has a weight problem you don't want to add extra calories to his diet in the form of Kong stuffing. To prevent this you can take some kibble out of his or her daily allotment to use. You can even feed your dog his meals out of a Kong or two (or three).
My reviewers rate the Kong Excellent as to playability. The stuffed Kong is a daily staple for them. Safety is also Excellent if the Kong is chosen properly for your dog's size and force of chewing. Always supervise your dog when introducing a Kong for the first time to make sure your dog will not chew through the toy or is not able to swallow it whole. Durability of the Kong is Excellent, again if chosen properly. If your dog is a major chewer the Extreme Kong is your best bet. I have personally witnessed a French Bulldog chew the top off of a Classic Kong. Know your dog and be vigilant.
For Portia "it's all about Kong" according to her owner, Donna Davis
'Tis the season to purchase some cool toys for your pet. Get thee to a pet store or an online retailer and bring a Kong into your dog's life. It's a "must have" for every dog.
Xena in her crate with her Kong
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