KONG NEWS
Welcome to the seventh issue of the KONG Community Newsletter. Our community has topped 31,000 active members worldwide. Due to rapidly expanding worldwide product demand and new product development this issue was released late. All KONG team members have been working overtime to meet the demand and bring you and your dog the great KONG toys and treats you’ve come to expect.

Volume seven contains descriptions of some of new KONG products described above, delicious KONG Stuff’N recipes, KONG photo contest, training and activity tips and an article by Marc Goldberg, Vice President of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP). Stay tuned for volume eight for advance notice of more new KONG products.

Your dog will love you for it.

KONG Toy - Best of the Best
The KONG Company is recognized in the December 2006 edition of Pet Product News for manufacturing the best dog toy of the last 60 years. “By simply being fun, it challenged every other toy producer to improve and invent”. The Classic KONG Toy is an indispensable tool enjoyed by dogs and owners for the past 30 years. “This toy company has set the bar so high that every other manufacturer tries to copy them in some shape or form.”

Thank you Pet Product News. We appreciate the recognition and will continue to develop KONG toys and treats designed to enhance the lives of pets and pet owners.

GUEST ARTICLE
ZIGGIES –- The High Value Treat
ZIGGIES, the very name conveys happiness and, ironically, excitement. I say “ironically” because the process of productive chewing is calming for puppies, and even older dogs. As a dog trainer, I’m always looking for tools to help clients redirect puppy energy toward beneficial outlets. ZIGGIES fits the bill nicely.

I like the entire line of KONG products because they are well designed and interactive. Rather than engaging only the dog’s body, they also challenge the mind. Most KONG rubber toys are stuff-able treat dispensers, encouraging the dog to un-stuff the treats and interact with the toy. When introducing a pup to a treat-stuffed KONG toy, begin with a high value treat inside the KONG toy.

The higher the value of the treat, the more motivated the dog will be to un-stuff it from the KONG toy. Choose a treat requiring some effort to un-stuff and consume, but not overly challenging. This is important if we want to train the puppy to chew on the KONG itself. As he grows, he’ll spend significant time working on the KONG to release more challenging items from inside. As the puppy masters un-stuffing the easy to remove treats from the KONG toy, move on to more challenging, tightly packed treats.

Treat-stuffed KONG training will produce lifelong benefits. These benefits include; boredom relief, aid in crate training, elimination of separation anxiety, stress relief, proper chewing habits, intellectual stimulation and enhancement, to name a few.

The following tips are tailored for puppies, but work just as well for adult dogs. Yes, Puppy ZIGGIES are perfectly fine for adult dogs.

Dogs find ZIGGIES to be a high value treat, meaning very tasty and irresistible. They have higher value to the dog than standard treats. As a dog lover, I like ZIGGIES because they’re healthy and they take time and effort to chew and eat. Stuff a ZIGGIES inside a KONG and you’ll find your puppy will not only chew on the protruding end, but will also nibble at the KONG to try and get at the bit that remains inside.

When your pup reaches the point that he’s chewed as much ZIGGIES as he can reach, ideally he’ll begin gnawing on the KONG toy itself to get more. This is a critical phase in training your puppy to think independently and work through problems. However, if your puppy is still having trouble removing the ZIGGIES after 10 or 15 minutes, help him out a little…but not too much. Just insert a blunt object into the smaller side of the KONG, and push a bit more of the ZIGGIES out. Don’t push it all out. After all, we want our puppy to learn to work through challenges and frustrations in a productive way.

You can even help your dog learn to chew on the toy itself by rubbing some peanut butter or KONG Stuff‘N Paste on the inner and outer surfaces of the toy. Once you begin to see him licking and chewing on the toy, praise, but remember to praise calmly. A low, soothing “good puppy” will be far more effective that whooping “GOOD BOY!” The first method expresses your pleasure and encourages your dog to continue the behavior. The second is so surprising and exciting; it may cause your dog to stop working on the KONG to see if your pants have caught fire!

ZIGGIES and Separation Anxiety
Leaving our puppy alone is sometimes emotionally difficult for us. If we make a big production out of it, we stress the negative side of separation. No wonder so many dogs grow up to suffer from Separation Anxiety. Once your pup understands the ZIGGIES-stuffed KONG toy activity, switch gears and introduce this high value activity when you're going to leave the puppy alone for a short time.

Then, when you leave without much fanfare, the puppy has a fun project to concentrate on in your absence. If you practice, you’ll find your puppy not only stops crying when you leave, he’ll practically shove you out the door so he can play the KONG ZIGGIES game. This builds independent thinking, reduces frustration and anxiety, and means your dog is chewing on something other than your sofa!

Marc Goldberg is a dog trainer specializing in the rehabilitation of difficult dogs and improving relationships. He is Vice President of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) and Editor of SafeHands Journal. The author also educates professional dog trainers in his techniques. Visit him on the web at www.ChicagoDogTrainer.com.

KONG Community Letter
This month, the KONG Company would like to share another letter sent to us by a grateful member of the KONG community. It is refreshing to be part of a community and product line that truly makes a positive difference in the lives of companion animals and their owners.

I just had to write to let you know how much our family appreciates KONG Products. I never thought I would write to a company to thank them for making our lives so much easier, but here I am doing just that. About a month ago, Scarlett (right) came to live with us. She is a two-year old Flat-Coated Retriever who can't stay out of the water. She is a lovely dog who will do anything to be allowed to run, dive and retrieve Cool KONGs. We were so happy to learn about the water Cool KONG and to watch Scarlett retrieve to her heart's content. 
 
Last week, we had the incredible opportunity to have Sprite (left) come to join our family. Sprite is a seven year old Flat-Coated Retriever who we were told also loves to retrieve. We were unfamiliar with how difficult it might be for a dog Sprite's age to adjust to a new family and were very concerned when she seemed as sad as she did. After many calming talks with our amazing dog trainer, we have made changes in our home in order to make Sprite more comfortable. (We DO realize that it has been a very short time, but we love her already and worry about her!)

One of the things we did immediately was take Sprite to the lake and let her retrieve Cool KONGs. Well, we saw a happy, joyful, very puppy-like dog. She was SO happy. If we have to leave the house, we leave the dogs treat-stuffed KONG toys and they have no problem staying occupied until we get home. The KONG toys have actually helped the dogs bond faster than we could have hoped for. More traditional dog toys (plush toys, etc.) didn't seem to have the effect that the KONG toys had. The dogs roll on the floor together playing with their KONGs and share them very nicely. We know that it may take more time until Sprite is totally adjusted to her new family, but KONGs certainly seem to be easing the transition. At this point, when we grab the Cool Kong and walk toward the door, both dogs run immediately to the door and sit, wiggling, waiting to be taken to the car for their retrieving outing! It is quite a sight!  
 
Thanks again for the thoughtfulness of design, evident in all KONG products!
 
Fondly,
Randi, Kenn, Jeremy, Sprite and Scarlett

Randi, Kenn, Jeremy, Sprite and Scarlett are this issue’s winner and will receive a KONG Gift Basket.

Your letters of success, like the one above are always welcome and appreciated. If you would like to share your KONG experiences or any KONG news with the KONG community, just e-mail us at: kong@kongcompany.com.
If your letter is chosen for the next KONG Community Newsletter, you will receive a KONG Gift Basket valued at $120.00.

NEW KONG PRODUCTS
The KONG Company is proud to be the recognized leader in quality pet products. All of our new products are thoroughly tested by happy family pets; we never use laboratory animals for our product testing. Veterinarians also approve and test all our new products. Here are the latest additions to our ever-expanding product line.

A durable, stylish, state-of-the-art, home-entertainment system for the home alone dog. KONGTime utilizes advanced electronic technology to dispense the legendary and irresistible KONG toys (KONG toys sold seperately).

KONGTime keeps your dog amused and occupied by dispensing up to four KONG toys. Owners can select KONG toys to be released randomly over four or eight hour preset time periods. A beep precedes the release of each KONG toy. Your dog will quickly learn to recognize and respond to this sound and anticipate the KONG toy.

This innovative new product is the answer to dog owners' dreams. KONGTime enables owners to care for their dog and keep them happy when they’re away or busy at home. It also helps eliminate bad behavior and reduces boredom. For added fun and variety, stuff each KONG toy with KONG Treats or your favorite recipe.

Extra Small Squeaker Tennis Balls – These non-abrasive squeaker tennis balls are perfect for the extra-small breeds. Each ball has a fabric covered hidden squeaker that will keep your dog busy and content for hours.

Happy Birthday Squeaker
Tennis Balls - will make any dog’s birthday a hit. These colorful versions of our popular Medium Squeaker Tennis Balls come three to a package. Tennis balls are imprinted with “Happy Birthday” logo.

Puppy ZIGGIES Value Pack – Enjoy the convenience of the new larger 16 ounce Puppy ZIGGIES. The Value pack contains twice as much product at a considerable savings.

KONG TRAINING TIPS
Walking Your Dog to Good Behavior

Frequently, dog trainers and behaviorists are hired by frustrated dog owners to correct inappropriate dog behavior (i.e. my dog is barking excessively, digging, or chewing destructively). Regretfully, these are all natural behaviors for dogs. Fortunately, for most inappropriate behaviors, there is a universal piece of advice given by the experts. “Take your dog for daily walks or give them daily exercise”, it can be the key to ending or preventing bad behavior in dogs. Experts will also agree it is easier to prevent behavioral problems than to correct them once they’ve started. Dogs are great walking companions, so start today to prevent or end your dog’s bad behavior. The walks are good for us too. Dogs are great personal trainers, once you start walking your dog they will demand you get off that couch daily.

Too many dog walks start and end with the owner screaming “heel” or “no pull”, this common scenario is not enjoyable for you or your four-legged friend. Command-words without proper training will mean nothing to your dog. Make walking by your side a positive experience for you and your dog. Start your walk by randomly rewarding your dog with KONG treats when he is walking by your side. Precede the treat reward with the command-word, “stay close” or just “close”. You are acknowledging the good behavior by naming and rewarding it. Be patient and never loose your temper.

Once your dog is consistently walking close to you, you can begin to reward him with what trainers call “jackpots”. “Jackpots” are three consecutive small treats, given rapidly 1-2-3, all positive reinforcement for a job well done. It’s important to use “Jackpots” randomly so your dog never knows when the treats are coming and must stay by your side to receive them. It’s also a good idea to bring your dog’s favorite KONG toy along so you can play at the park or a field to reward his good walking behavior. This type of bonding with your dog will go a long way to ending or preventing his unwanted behaviors.

The KONG Company has many treats and toys perfect for use with the training tips above. Use small pieces of treats for this exercise as you will be treating often.

KONG STUFF'N RECIPES AND ACTIVITIES
KONG Toys are the original treat-dispensing toys; a properly stuffed KONG Toy will keep your dog busy and content for hours. Along with relieving boredom, a stuffed KONG Toy will provide an enriching activity that stimulates both physically and mentally. Remember to reduce your dog’s bowl feeding when offering two or more stuffed KONGs daily. Clean KONG toys thoroughly after each use. Hand wash with soapy water or use top shelf of dishwasher.

Basic Stuff'N Suggestions:
For quick and easy KONG stuffing, use any of our KONG Stuff’N Treats or Stuff'N Pastes. KONG Stuff’N Treats are specifically designed to fit KONG toys. Experiment with combinations of two or more KONG Treats, Pastes or Sauces for a longer lasting stuffed KONG session.

Winning KONG Stuff’N Recipe:
The KONG staff will choose a winning KONG Stuff'N Recipe from those sent in by KONG community members. Recipes can be entirely original or utilize any combination of KONG Stuff'N Treats with any KONG toy. The winner will receive a KONG Gift Basket full of KONG toys and treats.

This newsletter's winning recipe comes from Andrea McCabe and her dog Lola (pictured below.)

Salmon & Rice KONG
Ingredients:
½ cup of rice
1 small salmon fillet
¼ cup frozen mixed vegetables
1 cup water
1/2tsp mild curry powder
1 egg

Cooking Instructions:
Place the rice in a saucepan and cover with water. Add curry powder and mix. Bring to the boil, then reduce to simmer. Add salmon and frozen vegetables to rice. Cover and continue to simmer until fully cooked, about 15 minutes. Add egg and mix until cooked, about three minutes. Stuff the KONG toy and freeze.

Featured KONG Toy Activity:
KONG Triple Challenge

Dogs love the challenge and reward of a food puzzle. Most of our community members already use treat-stuffed KONG toys to entertain their dogs. It's a great way to keep your dog occupied and productive when you are busy or away from home. However, there are times when just one treat-stuffed KONG won't do. Sometimes you may need two or three treat-stuffed KONG toys to occupy your intelligent and active dog: long dinner parties, nights out, work days or home projects. For your canine companion all of these situations can be potentially stressful, boring or opportunities for misbehavior.

Three treat stuffed KONG toys will occupy your dog for a much longer time. However, eventually your canine genius will master the three KONG puzzle, this is when you bring out the KONG Triple Challenge. To prepare a KONG Triple Challenge pick out three of your dog's KONG toys. Use three different types of rubber KONG toys. For example: one Classic KONG, one KONG Jump'N Jack and one KONG Stuff-A-Ball.

Stuff all three different KONG toys with your favorite KONG treats, KONG ZIGGIES or your favorite recipes. Make sure to stuff each toy differently, packing some more tightly to increase the challenge. The variation presented by the three separate food puzzles will keep your dog involved and thinking. But most of all, your dog will be happy and busy in an appropriate activity.

KONG CONTESTS

New Member Gift Basket Winners
Recently the KONG Company held a contest for non-KONG Community dog owners. Ad banners were place on popular dog-related websites to announce the contest. Subscribing to the FREE KONG Community Newsletter was the only requirement for entry.

Twenty lucky entrants were chosen at random and are listed below. They won a large KONG gift basket valued at over $100.00. For all contestants who did not win this time, please read your newsletter for details regarding other fun KONG contests held throughout the year. The newsletter contests are available only to KONG Community members, significantly increasing your odds of winning.

Karen Brennan
Sabrina Costa
Matthew Erickson
Ellen Hardin
Joe Harris
Aimee Hulse
David Kirchheimer
Trisha Meyer
Tara O'Hearn-St.Amand
Angela Pogoda
Lisa Radewan
Amy Reindl
Rachel Rhoderick
Carol Richardson
Kate Ross
Lisa Shipman
Mark Steineke
Tim Sturgeon
Melissa Taylor
Hannah Wilkins

To claim your prize please contact Brent Voorhees at bvoorhees@kongcompany.com. Please provide your dog’s name for verification and your shipping address. Prizes will be sent via UPS.

Thank you to all participants and welcome to the KONG Community. Please enjoy your newsletter.

KONG Puppy ZIGGIES Photo Contest
Winners from Volume 6

Last issue the KONG Puppy ZIGGIES Photo Contest grand prize winner was Kendra Bettis of San Diego, California and her dog Louee. They have won $500.00 and a KONG gift basket.




Our second place winner is Steve Chensky, and his dog Max. Steve and his puppy Max from Haslet, Texas have won a large KONG gift basket.





The third place winner is Amy Ostreich from Old Bethpage, NY and her dog Scamp. Amy and Scamp will receive a medium KONG gift basket.




The KONG Company would like to thank all the community members who submitted KONG Puppy ZIGGIES photos. Your involvement in the contest was overwhelming and the photos superb.

Check out the new KONG Photo Contest in this issue for another chance to win $500.00 or one of three KONG gift baskets.

Classic KONG Toy Photo Contest
Win $500.00 or valuable KONG Gift Baskets! It’s simple. Photograph your dog using a Classic KONG toy and email digital image to: kong@kongcompany.com. Stuffing a Classic KONG toy with treats will ensure a happy, involved canine model.

Or mail photograph to:
Classic KONG Toy
Photo Contest
16191 Table Mountain Pkwy
Golden, CO 80403-1641

Photos mailed to the KONG Company cannot be returned.

Rules
1. The photo must contain a dog(s) interacting with a Classic KONG toy.
2. Make sure your photo is clear and of good quality (300 dpi preferred). If your picture is blurry, or the Classic KONG toy unrecognizable, it is not likely to win. 
3. Limit two photos per contestant per quarterly contest.
4. The dog owner’s mailing address and phone number must be included. Any prize won will be mailed to that address. Contestant information will never be
used or distributed for any other purpose.
5. The KONG Company will pick one “Best Photo” winner from the images received.
6. There are three guaranteed prize categories: Grand Prize Winner, Second Place Winner and Third Prize Winner. Grand Prize winners will receive $500.00 US and a large KONG Gift Basket. Second Place winners will receive a large KONG Gift Basket (worth approximately $120.00). Third Place winners will receive a medium KONG Gift Basket (worth approximately $85.00).
7. Photo comments and captions are welcome, but not necessary to win.
8. All entries must be received by April 10, 2007. A winner will be selected by April 15, 2007.
9. Winning photos may be used in KONG Company advertisements and promotions. By submitting photographic images to the KONG Company, you grant KONG Company a perpetual, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, modify, publish, distribute, and otherwise exercise all copyright and publicity rights with respect to those photographic images at its sole discretion, including storing it on KONG Company servers and incorporating it in other works in any media now known or later developed including, without limitation, published books. The KONG Company reserves the right to select, edit and arrange submissions, and to remove images from the KONG Company website at any time at its sole discretion.

NEXT KONG NEWSLETTER WILL BE SENT
April 15, 2007

If you have any comments or suggestions for future newsletters, please let us know. Click here to send comments, and please mention the newsletter in the subject line of the email. Thank you!

KONG Newsletter Archives
• Volume 1 - March, 2005
• Volume 2 - June, 2005
• Volume 3 - October, 2005
• Volume 4 - January, 2006
• Volume 5 - May, 2006
• Volume 6 - September, 2006

For More Information Visit www.kongcompany.com

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