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Is your dog new to Kong toys?
Or, maybe he’s simply bored with Kongs these days…
This video shows some interesting ways to switch things up and make it more fun — and challenging — for your dog to get treats out of a Kong toy:
Next up, my own personal tips to make it more fun and challenging for your dog to get treats from a Kong toy…
Fun Things To Try With Kong Toys
For Beginners Only…
Sometimes a dog doesn’t take to a new toy (such as a Kong dog chew) right away. In this case, you’ll need to find some fun ways to motivate a dog to try a new toy.
You might also consider refrigerating (rather than freezing) your dog’s Kong toy for a brief period after you stuff it with dog treats. That way, the contents will solidify a bit, yet they will not be as hard for your dog to get at if you were to freeze it.
For your dog to get the easiest, least challenging reward from a Kong toy, simply serve it at room temperature.
For Advanced Kong Dogs…
On the other hand, if your dog is quite fond of the Kong, then eventually he will become more adept at getting the stuffing out of the Kong toy.
In that case, you need to make it more challenging for your dog to UN-stuff a Kong. The ultimate goal is for it to take longer and longer for your dog to empty his Kong toy.
Try these advanced Kong tricks:
- Pack the things you stuff inside the Kong toy even tighter. Really CRAM it in!
- Add a few larger chunks of food inside the Kong (like bananas or carrots). If you turn them sideways inside a Kong that’s already crammed with goodies, it will be harder for your dog to get them out.
- Come up with fun new recipes of ingredients that work great inside a Kong toy.
- Change the food items that you place inside. Either switch the order of your “layering” effect, or add a mysterious new ingredient (only use foods that are safe for dogs, of course).
- Wedge a solid food item securely inside the large hole on top of the Kong. Try sticking something in there sideways, rather than vertically, against the side walls.
- Experiment with sticky, gooey dog treats.
- Add a few cubes of cheese to some dry dog treats inside the Kong. Then microwave 5 seconds (or less!) until the cheese barely melts. After the Kong has completely cooled to the touch, give to your dog.
- Freeze the Kong toy with the ingredients inside. No matter what you’ve stuffed the Kong with, the contents will harden and stick together.
- Hide stuffed Kongs inside your home and/or outside. The hunt is great fun and rewarding for your dog.
I like to help Dog Parents find unique ways to do things that will save time & money — so I write about "outside the box" Dog Tips and Dog Hacks that most wouldn't think of. I’m a lifelong dog owner — currently have 2 mixed breed Golden Aussies that we found abandoned on the side of the road as puppies. I've always trained my own dogs and help friends train theirs, as well. Professionally, I worked at a vet and have several friends who are veterinarians — whom I consult with regularly. (And just because I love animals so much, I also worked at a Zoo for awhile!) I've been sharing my best ideas with others by blogging full-time since 1998 (the same year that Google started… and before the days of Facebook and YouTube). My daily motivation is to help first-time dog owners be better prepared from the first day your new puppy enters your home. I like to help dog owners understand what's 'normal' and what you can expect in terms of living with and training your dog — how to get through the ups & downs of potty training, chewing, teaching commands, getting your dog to listen, and everything else that takes place during that hectic first year! When I'm not training, walking, grooming, or making homemade treats for my dogs, you will find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites). To date, I've written over 500 articles for dog owners on this site!
