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The classic KONG. Almost every dog has one, but it often collects dust at the bottom of the toy bin. It doesn’t squeak or crackle; It doesn’t taste or smell good either. Let’s face it, it’s boring! But don’t give up on that old toy yet. Make your dog’s KONG exciting again by thinking outside the box... or whatever shape a KONG is.
Our 13 crafty ways to use a Kong will reinvigorate your dog's love of this classic toy.
Give your teething puppy some relief by offering them a frozen KONG. Just toss your dog’s KONG in the freezer for an hour or so. The cool material will feel nice on their tender gums while they chew.
Slow down your speed eater by stuffing your KONG with full meals. The food will come out easy at first, but will get harder and and harder to shake out of the narrower parts of the KONG.
Fill the KONG with treats or kibble as you normally would, but use a piece of carrot, broccoli stock or even a larger treat to plug the large end of the KONG. The tighter the fit, the better.
Cool down your dog with tasty frozen KONG-cicle. Turn your KONG upside down in a bowl, use a soft treat to plug the small end and fill the KONG with bone broth and your dog’s favourite veggies. Then just freeze and serve for a long-lasting summer snack.
Dogs with mild separation anxiety can be helped by just giving them something to do while you are gone. Slather some dog-safe peanut butter on the inside of a KONG and give it to you pup right before you leave the house. .
Exercise your dog’s sniffer by putting an extra smelly treat, like bacon or fish, inside the KONG and hide it. Then encourage your dog to sniff out the mouth-watering scent to get the reward.
A KONG can be a fetch toy too. Thread a rope through the KONG and tie a knot at each end. Lob the KONG and let your dog chase it for a high-energy workout.
Toss your dog’s KONG into a shallow pool or pond and let him go bobbing for it. It’s a great activity for dog’s that love the water.
For group play times, put a few pieces of kibble or treats into the KONG and start tossing it back and forth with a friend. Your dog can chase down the goodies that fly out as your toss.
Attach your dog’s KONG to the tether ball pole by boring a hole near the top of the pole, threading a long rope or paracord through it, and securing the pole in the ground. Tie a sturdy knot where it attaches to the pole, and thread the other side through the KONG, tying another knot to secure it. Then let you dog play tug-o-war with the KONG.
Medications and supplements can be hard to feed. Mix the medications with peanut butter or wet food and stuff that KONG. This relaxing and delicious toy is now a clever way to hide all that healthy stuff your dog hates.
This great party game is easier than it looks. Thread a long rope or paracord through a KONG and tie each end to some trees or posts in your yard at a height just above your dog head. Fill the KONG with goodies and let your dog bat and bite at the kong to free the snacks.
Your dog already loves to chew, so you might as well give him something to chew on that is beneficial for his dental health. Spread some tasty dog-safe toothpaste on the outside of a KONG and let him brush his own teeth for once.