Meet our next office dog, Niko!

Niko 

I live with: Carlos Agredano, Downey Warehouse Manager

My breed: Chihuahua mix

My Years at KONG: 12

My favorite KONG toy: Wild Knots - Brown Bear

My favorite Stuff’N: Peanut Butter Easy Treat

Hobbies: Long walks in the park and playing outdoors

Favorite movie: Beverly Hills Chihuahua

Favorite song: “Who Let the Dogs Out”

Did you know? Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog in the world.

I am tiny but mighty!  - Niko

Back in the day, trainers used to warn people not to play tug with their dog.  The worry was that it would promote competition and cause aggression.  Thankfully, we know better now!  Tug is actually a cooperative game that can set your dog up to learn valuable life skills.  My dog, Stella, loves it more than any other game… even more than treats.  Tug has taught her impulse control and manners–not to mention sharper attention–and it can do the same for your dog, too.

Like all games, Tug has rules. While they may seem simple, they can be easy to forget. Below is a quick guide on how to play.

1. Pick the tug toy that your dog enjoys.  They all have preferences.  Some dogs like stinky old ropes, or even rags tied in knots.  My dog?  She loves her KONG Pull & Squeak.  Every time she tugs, it makes a noise. For her, that seems to add to the fun and, for me, I like it because the handles keep my hands away from her mouth (which makes it easier for Stella to follow Rule Number 4).  This is the one toy that she actually jumps for when playing tug – a very cool trick!
2. Drop on cue.  Most dogs don’t need to be taught to grab a toy and pull.  The real trick is teaching them to let go of it.  I use “drop” but the word isn’t the important part of this rule.  It’s the action.  For new learners, say your “drop” word (just once) and then hold still.  After a second or so, prompt the dog to release by putting a tasty treat on the ground or near their nose.   The key is to say your “drop” word before you show the treat. Soon, your dog will drop whenever they hear the word because they know what’s coming.  Keep reinforcing the desired behavior with food after saying your “drop” word and before long, you’ll be able to set the treats aside.  You’ll simply cue a “drop” and reinforce the behavior with the chance to have more fun.  That’s when you know your dog is a real player!
3. No grabbing without permission. Tug is a game of stop and start.  Once your dog has dropped the toy, make sure you have it securely in your possession and that they are completely still.  Ask your dog to sit before inviting them to begin another round. Stella isn’t allowed to grab the toy until I say, “take it” but again, the verbal cue is up to you. If they do grab the toy without permission, don’t begin the round. Give the “drop” cue, and wait until you have the toy secured and they are still before inviting them to play again. At first, keep the rounds short (30 seconds or so), before cueing “drop” again and gradually increase the time the better your dog becomes.
4. Teeth on skin = Game Over.  Tug is a great way to teach your dog to be careful and gentle with human skin.  If your dog accidentally grabs your hand or arm instead of the tug toy (don’t worry, it happens), end the game for two minutes.  Simply walk away.  Your dog will learn quickly not to miss and to only put his teeth on the toy.

If you want your dog to be a world-class tug champ like Stella, here are a few goals to aim for:

• Drop on the first verbal cue. No matter what.
• Sit (or down) automatically after dropping.
• Grab the toy again only on a verbal “take it” cue.  That means, even if the toy is presented, dangled or moved, they don’t grab it until you give the cue.

And one last rule.  Always remember that this is a game.  Smile, praise and laugh.  In other words, have fun!

Michael Baugh CDBC, CPDT-KSA teaches dog training in The Woodlands TX, Houston and surrounding areas.  He specializes in helping dogs with problem behavior related to fear and aggression. Stella is a 3 ½ year old retriever mix who lived for a short while at the Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

I help “D” with loads of things like picking stuff up, keeping him steady while he’s on his feet and just being there to help whenever he needs me. He’s my best friend and he shows me every day that he thinks I’m pretty special too.

Even though I’ve only been officially working since August, I’ve been moving toward this goal all my life. You see, I was born to be a service dog. All the people and dogs that have been in my life have been helping and teaching me so that I could reach my goal. After all, it takes a village–or should I say a pack–to raise a dog like me!

I started life with my littermates and mom in Northern California, where I was loved and cared for by a very special family. Once we were eight weeks old, each of us traveled by airplane to our new families all over the country. I ended up with my puppy raiser, Sharon, in Phoenix, Arizona and luckily, I had a few half-siblings in the area as well (Dad has a lot of kids). Our puppy raisers are all good friends, so we spent a lot of time together growing up.

Sharon spent 18 months showing me how to be the best service dog ever. She took me to lots of places like stores, movies, restaurants, the beach, and Disneyland. I even got to go to Colorado and meet the people at the KONG Company! She helped me become confident, well mannered, thoroughly versed with my commands and able to handle all of life’s little challenges.

When it was time to go off to college (University of CCI) I had my closest half-siblings with me. We spent six months at college learning special skills like picking up dropped items, opening and closing doors and drawers and even turning lights on and off. Those skills are really important now and I use them every day. We all did very well and graduated together in August.

Well that’s enough about me for now. I am off to meet up with “D.” He’s almost home from school and we have a full schedule today!

Take care,

KONG, CCI Skilled Companion Dog

The Kitty KONG is one of my favorite tools for cat cases.

In one case, I used the Kitty KONG and KONG Stuff’n Salmon Recipe to build a better relationship between my kids (7-year-old daughter & 5-year-old son) and our friend’s male kitten, Patches.  The kids and Patches had developed a habit of getting very excited around one another involving screaming (kids), scratching (Patches) and chasing (both).

One day I came prepared with the Kitty KONG and filler.  Now the kids and Patches had an activity to focus on.  The kids would roll the KONG and watch Patches chase it and bat it around.  Then Patches would eat some of the filler and the kids would pet him gently.  Now they had a safe way to interact which was rewarding for everyone.

In another case, I used the Kitty KONG to curb aggression between two cats.  Cleo, an older female, was a cuddly, couch potato but Fluffer, the recently adopted young male, wanted to play!  Fluffer chased and pounced on Cleo causing her to become fearful and aggressive.

I advised the cats be separated for a time and then gradually brought back together.  When they were ready for short, supervised sessions in the living room, I used the Kitty Kong to keep Fluffer entertained on the floor while Cleo rested comfortably on a high perch and watched.

The pet parents kept the sessions interesting for Fluffer by changing what he would find in the KONG each day:  some kibble to work out, a bit of canned food to lick or a soft toy mouse to grab.  If Fluffer went toward Cleo, the pet parents would use toys and treats to distract and redirect him to the KONG or to play with them.

With practice, Cleo and Fluffer could spend more time in the living room together with lighter supervision.  It became a habit for Cleo to retreat to her perch when she wanted a break from Fluffer and for Fluffer to respond by seeking out his KONG and other toys as alternative forms of entertainment.

Ellen Mahurin is an animal behaviorist in private practice in Yorktown, VA.  She earned her master’s in animal behavior from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2006.  Ellen sees dogs, cats and other pets along with their pet parents for in-home behavioral consultations.

Read more about Ellen at Clever-Critters.com

As a veterinary assistant, I see many dogs that struggle with anxiety and owners who are desperately searching for a solution. An anxious pet can put a lot of strain and stress on its family, especially if its anxiety causes it to be destructive. Some dogs express their anxiety by chewing holes in the furniture, others try to break through barriers, and many bark for hours while their families are gone.

All types of dogs can be burdened by anxiety. Very often, they are rescue dogs, and can you blame them? Who knows what tragedies they have faced, and even once they are rescued, waiting for a forever home can be difficult. But even dogs that have always had a loving home can develop anxiety. A medical issue can cause anxiety, which needs to be diagnosed and treated by a trained professional, but sometimes simple things like a scary experience while you were gone (garbage trucks make a lot of terrifying noises!) or not enough exercise or attention can be the culprits. There are a number of reasons why a dog may develop anxiety and as in humans, the problem can continue to escalate if not addressed.

Shaka is one of our KONG Classic models and is featured on our Rubber Products page!

Shaka 

I live with: Chad Begley, Quality Control Manager

My breed: Rhodesian Ridge Back

My Years at KONG: 7.5

My favorite KONG toy: Classic Biscuit Ball but mostly any toy with food in it.

My favorite Stuff’N: Stuff'N Ziggies!  I once ate a whole bag on my own!

Hobbies: Sleeping on the couch and hiding from fire cracker noises

Favorite movie: The Ghost and the Darkness, closely followed by The Lion King

Favorite song: “Tell Me Something Good” by Chaka Khan

Did you know? Rhodesians were bread to survive the harsher climates of Africa and to chase Lions. Grrr baby!

” Hakuna Matata!”  - Shaka

Check out my favorite recipe Shaka POP!

Stuffed KONGs make excellent doggie Easter eggs and are a great way to include your dog in the family festivities. Hide two or three treat-stuffed KONGs in your yard and let the fun begin!

Here are some ideas for stuffable treats (for more ideas, visit our Recipes page):

• Shredded Carrots & Cream Cheese
• Scrambled Eggs & Bacon
• Peanut Butter & Bananas

Please note: chocolate is bad for dogs — in fact, veterinarians consider it poison. If you’re conducting your doggie Easter egg hunt along with your children’s eggstravaganza, make sure to supervise your dog so that they don’t get into any of the kids’ candy.

Contest

Snap a picture of your family Easter egg hunt and submit it to us. We’ll display our favorites on Facebook and pick one winner to receive a gift basket full of KONG toys and treats. Happy Hunting!

Before buying your ticket…

• Make a short list of the airlines you are thinking of flying with and then find their policies on flying with a pet. Airlines usually provide this information on their website and most have pages dedicated to traveling with pets.
• Once you’ve decided which airline works best for you and your pet, make sure you follow their guidelines to the letter. Each airline has their own set of rules, so prepare for their specific regulations and requirements.

When booking your flight…

• Look for a direct flight. While finding one is not always possible, each transfer means your pet will have deal more unfamiliar locations and more unfamiliar faces.
• Make your reservations early. Many airlines offer cabin spots for pets on a first-come, first served basis, so the sooner you can secure your seat, the better.
• Tell the airlines that you want your dog, if it’s a larger breed, listed as checked baggage when you reserve your flight. This will ensure that your dog will meet you where you pick up your other baggage instead of at a separate cargo area.

Once you have secured your tickets…

• Make sure your travel crate fits the airline’s standards. If it doesn’t, there are great pet-friendly air travel crates you can buy.
• Label that crate correctly and put your cell phone number and other contact information on the crate as an extra precaution.
• Acclimate your pet to being in that crate. Traveling can be stressful and familiar surroundings will help to ease their anxiety.
• Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian close to your departure date. Most airlines require that your pet’s clean bill of health be no more than 10 days old, so don’t make it too early. Documents your vet will probably need to sign include:
  • Rabies Vaccination Certificate: Hawaii has a particularly stringent animal air travel policy. Be sure to check with your state and the state/country that you are flying to well in advance of traveling.
  • Certificate of Veterinary Inspection: The CVI is also called a Health Certificate. This is a signed document from a veterinarian that states he or she has inspected the animal for diseases and overall health. These documents usually are only valid for a certain time, so check with your state to make sure yours doesn’t expire before you fly.
  • Acclimation Certificate: Most airlines require this document which features regulations about hot and cold weather extremes. Animals who are not accustomed to extreme cold can be harmed by a sudden burst of cold weather while waiting to be placed in plane storage or while on the plane.
  • There may be other documents that your airline, state, or destination(s) require, so make sure you know what they all are before visiting your veterinarian.
• Check your paperwork again and again. You never want to be separated from your pet for lack of proper paperwork. Create a travel portfolio that includes all of your pet’s documents, a photo of your pet, a list of medicines your pet uses, the name and number of your veterinarian, and if possible, references from managers of hotels where you have stayed.

Before takeoff…

• Hydrate your pet extra well the day before, but limit their food and water a few hours prior to the flight.
• Pack your pet with a toy (like a KONG) or piece of your clothing to reassure your pet while you are separated.
• Arrive two hours early. It is important to have extra time when traveling with a pet.
• Check only your bag when you first arrive at the front desk.
• Take your dog out for one last bathroom break. Then check your dog in for the flight.
• Don’t make a huge fuss about separating from your pet. They will react to your reaction. Stay calm, and they will feel more secure in the situation.
• Let the flight crew know as soon as you are on the plane that you are traveling with your pet and that you would appreciate knowing as soon as they have been loaded on the plane.

Safe travels!

Why truck stops, you ask? As a child, Susanne and her mom often found themselves in trouble while traveling between California and Minnesota. When Susanne and her mom needed help, truck drivers were the ones who came to their rescue. Susanne now has a chance to return the favor.

Susanne describes truckers as a group in need of some company but being constantly on the move can make it difficult for them to adopt a dog. Countless truckers have told Susanne how they were rejected by a shelter because” they did not have a real home”. Susanne saw it a differently.

“To see so many animals killed despite there being a group desperately wanting to give them a new home  was too much for me.  I blew up,” she said. “If I had a dog I could not keep, the only person I would give my pet to is a trucker! No one takes care of their animals like these people do. They love their pets unconditionally. They buy them the best food, the best toys and every dog has a soft bed, his own pillow, and life is good.”

Susanne puts on adoption fairs several times a week with the help of her husband Michael and several volunteers. If that’s not impressive enough, no matter where an event is held, each ends with live country music entertainment from “Susanne Spirit and The Greenland Holler Band”. Along with being these dog’s guardian angel, Susanne also happens to be an honored CMA artist!

We were inspired by Susanne’s story and wanted to help her unique program. KONG supports the program with seconds toys, treat samples, and our special KONG adoption bags, including tips for the new pet parent.

“The animals love these toys,” says Susanne, “It takes their minds off the horrendous ordeals they have all just experienced. Your gifts in those bags mean the world to these precious souls. When we first get the dogs they are all so hungry! Most of them have never had a treat. We gave a hamburger patty to each baby, and most of them have no idea what to do with it.”

KONG is not the only ones to recognize the amazing work of Susanne and her crew. Last September, during “National Trucker Appreciation Week,” television actor, John Ratzenberger, best known as Cliff Clavin on Cheers, made a special appearance and lead a walk-a-thon for the drivers and helped end their concert with the program’s usual closing song, “He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands.”

In May 2012, The Musical Truckin’ Dogs Adoption Program reached 1400 adoptions.

To find out how to support Susanne and the Musical Truckin’ Adoption, please visit her website and ‘like’ her on Facebook.

We live with: Chelsea Midkiff, Sales/Account Manager

Our breed: Pomeranian

Our years at KONG: Four and a half

Our favorite KONG toy:

• Pawesome says, “Plush Duckie all the way!”
• Critter says, “No way, Pawesome. KONG Stuff-A-Ball is where it’s at.”

Our favorite Stuff’N:

• Pawesome says, “Yogurt spread frozen in a small KONG Senior, please.”
• Critter says, “I can’t resist the cheesy goodness of Goldies.”

Hobbies:

• Pawesome: Barking at all the other dogs in the office.
• Critter: Running in circles! Clockwise only.

Favorite movies:  Bolt & Black Beauty

Favorite song:

• Pawesome says, “Candle in the Wind gets me every time.”
• Critter says, “I listen to a lot of Bob Marley. My favorite is One Love.”

Did you know? Pomeranians were allowed on the lifeboats when the Titanic was sinking. We’re the Unsinkable Breed!

Pawesome’s words of wisdom: “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.” - Wayne Gretzky

Critter’s favorite quote: “A dog has one aim in life… to bestow his heart.”  - J.R. Ackerley

Hungry? Visit our Recipes Pages! Critter’s Carry Out is delicious and check out Pawesome’s Picnic.