A Kong is a rubber chew toy that you stuff with your dog’s favorite dog treats. Some stuffed Kong dog chew toys will provide hours of stimulating chewing fun for your dog, and you’ll have fun coming up with new stuffing recipes that your dog will really love.

Many dogs are home alone for hours each day. This time alone can be very difficult for some, symptoms of separation anxiety, boredom and loneliness are not uncommon. Before you leave for the day, try giving your dog some treat filled Kong dog chew toys, this can keep him occupied for hours.

Choosing the Kong chew toy that’s right for your dog?
1) Select your dog’s chewing temperament. Red for typical or black for power chewer. There is also aqua for puppies and purple for senior dogs.
2) Select the appropriate sized Kong from the based on your dog’s weight.
(If you’re selecting a Kong for stuffing and you have a small dog, Kong recommends using a medium sized Kong chew toy rather than the small one).

Getting your dog aquainted with kongs
If Kong dog chew toys are new to your dog, remember that it is very important that your dog succeeds at getting the dog treats. In the beginning make it easy for your dog to remove the filling. Slowly increase the challenge for example by freezing a treat filled Kong.

Filling the Kong
Anything that you would normally feed your dog can be used in a Kong chew toy. Try mixing crunchy bits of dry dog food with softer foods like peanut butter, cheese, meat, mashed potatoes, yogurt, scramble egg, rice or canned dog food. The list is endless – just make sure you fill it with foods that your dog really loves. Your dog will happily work at the task for hours on end. Homemade fillings are the best.

There are many recipe ideas and different ways to fill Kong dog chew toys. The simplest recipes start by combining all the ingredients into a gooey mixture that you spoon into the Kong. A more advanced technique is to layer different fillings… so as the hours pass the tasty rewards change.You may even want to try putting your dog’s most favorite treat in first, so that the final part of the excavation could be your dog’s grand prize.

Try filling a Kong dog toy with cheese and pieces other treats, and then heat it in the microwave. This will bind the pieces together and add to your dog’s challenge. Always remember to let the Kong cool before giving it to your dog. Another way to increase the challenge is by plugging the larger hole after you fill the Kong. You can use a piece of fruit, dog treats, peanut butter, a piece of carrot or anything else that will plug the hole – making your dog work a little harder to get the filling out.

In the warmer weather try filling your dog’s Kong chew toy and freezing it. It will take your dog much longer to get it all cleaned out if it is frozen. Your dog will really appreciate this type of cool treat on a hot summer day. If you are using a liquid filling, start by stuffing the small hole with a treat. Depending on how much liquid you use… you may want to reserve this treat for outdoor fun since it can get a little messy as it melts.

Cleaning your dog’s Kong toys
It is important to clean your dog’s Kong before refilling. Yes, Kong dog chew toys are dishwasher safe.
If you don’t have a dishwasher just soak the Kong is warm soapy water to loosen any food residue and rinse thoroughly.

Puppy proofing your home

Toy puppies might not be able to chew their way through a whole lot of surfaces, but they can bite enough to do a fair amount of damage on your home and furniture. Puppy-proofing your home before the puppy arrives is a must.

Electrical cords and wires are especially hazardous and need to be out of reach (You can purchase cord runners at a home improvement store) or taped to walls, as a teething puppy could electrocute himself while chewing on an electrical cord.

Keep small objects out of your puppy’s reach. Puppies like to chew and can easily swallow things like coins and jewelry, and keep your books, shoes and clothing out of harm’s way.

Replace potentially toxic plants with fake plants or non-toxic ones. Some plants which may be a danger are carnations, daffodils, eucalyptus, and azalea.

Place baby gates in front of stairs. Puppies can be clumsy and fall.

Bitter-tasting liquids can be helpful to apply to your furniture.

Provide plenty of chew toys

Provide your pup with appropriate chew toys, something that is not going to be swallowed and cause intestinal blockages. Choose an assortment of toys of all textures, including plenty of chew toys and bones that are soft and hard. Excellent chew toys and wonderful for the teething period are Kongs. Kongs come in a variety of sizes and designs. They are made of tough rubber and can be filled with goodies. You can purchase ready-made fillings for your dog’s Kong or you can create your own tasty recipes that your dog is sure to love.

Remember that dogs need to chew throughout their lives, dogs instinctively chew on things. But, it’s probably safe to assume that you would rather have your dog chew on designated dog toys rather than on your valuable household items or cherished possessions, so provide even your adult dog with an assortment of chew toys. Providing irresistible treat-filled Kong chew toys will engage your dog for hours.