TOP 6 Questions Asked During WEBINARS

Here are the top 6 questions our webinar attendees have asked over the past several months and the answers from our certified KONG Ambassadors, KONG toy developers & staff members. This article features training tips from Lead Behavior and Training Specialist, Mark Hines.

#6 How do I clean my KONG?

Simply remove any remaining treats (make sure to give those to your dog so they feel rewarded), place on the top rack of your dishwasher in a regular cycle, or use a KONG Brush. This is a KONG shaped silicon brush that makes cleaning out your KONG with dish soap & water easy and fast.

Soak

Soak in warm water with dishsoap.

Brush

Use brush to remove stubborn bits.

#5 Can you stuff a KONG?

Yes! You may know this, but your customers might not know the benefits of giving a stuffed KONG. When using dog or cat-safe foods, the stuffing possibilities are endless. Keep in mind that there are different levels of stuffing. If you make it too hard for your dog or cat to get the treats out, they may give up and act uninterested.

Use high value treats like KONG Jerky or Nibbies (where available) to increase the reward. If your dog or cat needs a confidence boost, try using loose kibble with small bits of high value treats, or roomtemperature wet food, so it is easier for them to get the goods.

For dogs, freezing the KONG filled with wet ingredients will keep them busy for 2-3 times longer than an unfrozen KONG. Go to our webpage titled KONG Cuisine to learn more about stuffing a KONG & find new recipes, like Apple Pie and Mango Chicken Stuffing!

Easy

Fill KONG loosely with dry kibble or treats for the easy win.

Medium

Fill with wet ingredients or larger treat to extend the challenge for a slightly harder win.

Hard

Fill with ingredients of your choice, then freeze for the greatest challenge.

#4 When should I switch my dog from a KONG Puppy to a KONG Classic or Extreme?

This answer is not just based on a dog’s age, but their chewing style. Lead Behavior and Training Specialist, Mark Hines, says that generally a puppy can switch from a KONG Puppy to a KONG Classic at 9 months. But the most important factor is watching & learning your dog’s chewing habits. You might not have to change out for another style if they only lick or eat the treats out of the center and are otherwise gentle with their KONG. If they are picking or scissor biting pieces off the KONG, two things to consider are sizing up or graduating to a tougher rubber strength.

If you have a multiple-dog household, it is best to size ALL of your KONGs to the largest dog, unless you are able to separate the dogs or pick up the KONGs when they are finished.

#3 What’s the difference between “interactive play” toys and “chew” toys?

Knowing how your dog plays is key to choosing the right kind of toys. Mark encourages you to try different types of toys with your dog, while making sure to supervise all types of play. By watching your dog, you will learn if they have a stronger form of play, a soft mouth, prefer to tug, chew or lick, carry or snuggle.

Interactive Play toys can include fetch & tug toys. They are not limited to firm toys, as some dogs prefer to fetch or tug with soft, plush toys. Interactive Play toys require you to be present with your dog and to put the toy away when you are finished playing.

Chew toys are any toys a dog could sit and chew, which you know are safe with your dog. Keep in mind that no toy is indestructible, so it is important to observe your dog with all toys.

#2 Does KONG make cat toys?

Ummmm…YES! We make tons of cat toys including the Kitty KONG! Afterall, Cats Need to Play, too! Cats love to work for their food and interact with stimuli. For a great video on styles of cat play, night time zoomies, and how to make play time more enticing, we highly recommend watching How To Teach Your Cat To Play.

What are different ways a KONG Classic can be used?

Depending on your location and how you have trained your dog to use the toy, KONG Classic can be used in multiple ways.

signals to your dog that “this is quiet time”. Whether you are working from home or leaving the house, you can create a calming

This is something that needs to be practiced an average of 10 times before the dog will know how to respond. It is best to use the same bed or blanket each time for the dog to rest on while working on their KONG. This would be an opportunity to show your customers bed or blanket options for their dog,

If you are giving your dog a KONG before you leave the house, make sure to do this several minutes before you walk out of the door. Once your dog understands that this is a positive you to leave!

Slow-Feeder: Using a KONG to feed your dog in the kitchen or designated feeding room can help slow down a fast eater. Dogs who suffer from upset stomach, vomiting, or bloating after eating, are prime candidates for slow feeding.

Play: KONGs not only bounce, but their snowman-like shape makes them bounce unpredictably all over the place! Remember, location is key, and you don’t want to confuse your dog. So, make sure when you play with a KONG energetically, you are not playing in their calming or eating space.

A fair warning: the erratic bounce of a KONG can go literally anywhere. We would recommend this type of play in a large, outdoor area. Whether a competitive sport or a recreational game of fetch, this video helps to explain how location & intention help you to train your dog for more energetic play.