KONG NEWS - 2008
Welcome to the 11th issue of the KONG Community Newsletter, the first of four new issues for 2008. Our growing, international community now contains over 75,000 active members. In this issue we have included a special KONG Toy Focus on cat toys, several KONG Contests, KONG Activity and KONG Training Tips section.

As the KONG Community grows, the number of children reading the newsletter follows. Many community members have asked us to include a section in the newsletter geared toward younger pet owners. Our newsletter team discussed the concept and decided to give it a try.

KONG Kids will include articles written by KONG Community kids, a art contest, pet care tips, “My Dog” section and more. As always your comments and involvement help shape our content and focus.

New KONG Cat Toys
The KONG Company is expanding their cat product portfolio by introducing a broad range of more than 20 new cat products. Please see the New Products section to view all the new KONG Cat products.

KONG Goes to the Bears
The KONG Company recently donated Classic KONG toys to a wonderful non-profit, Australian organization, Free the Bears Fund. We are delighted to provide enrichment toys to an organization that works so hard to protect these majestic animals.

Kelly Hobbs, Center Manager for Free the Bears fund, recently wrote:

“We have received all of the wonderful KONG toys you sent. We have been stuffing them with some great treats like bananas, jam and honey. I am so happy to report that the bears absolutely LOVE them and spend hours trying to un-stuff them!

Again, thanks so much for your kind donation. We are always trying to obtain enrichment toys for our many sanctuaries throughout Asia. Shortly, we will begin construction on a sanctuary in Vietnam that will house bears rescued from bile farms. Unfortunately, over 5000 bears remain in farms in Vietnam. We hope that we can give a large number of these animals a new, happy life.

Just a quick note too - we have a bear named KONG, he is a blind male Sun Bear and has really benefited from his enrichment program which includes regular play with his own Classic KONG toy!”

Cheers,
Kelly Hobbs

Center Manager,
Vietnam Country Representative
Free the Bears Fund Inc.

The aim of Free the Bears Fund is to protect, preserve and enrich the lives of bears throughout the world. Free The Bears Fund is now active in several countries in south-east Asia, including Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Kalimantan and India, saving sun bears, Asiatic black bears and sloth bears.

To learn more about the good work Free the Bears Fund performs please visit www.freethebears.org.au

GUEST ARTICLE
Behavior Training with Shelter Dogs
In 2006, as a result of a few large cities in the Denver Metro Area passing breed-specific bans, the Table Mountain Animal Center was faced with serious challenges involving “dominant breed” dogs. “Dominant Breed” dogs are typically what we define in the shelter community as the dogs that are bred for working and guarding. Typically these dogs are the Shepherds, Cattle Dogs, Rottweilers, Bull Dogs and especially the Pit Bulls.

As a result of the breed-specific bans, Table Mountain Animal Center was faced with a tremendous challenge of housing a large number of Pit Bulls who had been relinquished by owners. The owners came to us with the hope their dogs would have the best possible chance of being re-homed. What we observed after some time in the shelter environment, these very adoptable dogs were succumbing to the stress of being away from their family. Animal shelters place dogs in a highly stressful and noisy environment with no release for their stress and frustration. What happens to some dogs is very sad as they suffer from a term we use in the field as “kennel crazy”, a state of depression that hits dogs hard, especially Pit Bulls. Without some type of release many of these dogs were doomed because this condition makes them un-adoptable due to aggression and an altered mental state.

In May of 2006 the Table Mountain Animal Center adopted a unique view point. I became very interested in the training philosophy and methods of Dog Psychology. We began an experimental program with our long term shelter dogs. We called the program Psychology Health and Training or PHAT. Dogs that had been at the center for more than 30 days were placed in this program. The keys to the program are socialization, exercise, discipline and affection. We form a “pack” of dogs led by a shelter employee. Most of the dogs were “dominant” breeds which our center seems to specialize in. The results continue to amaze us!

We hold dogs in our PHAT program as long as we can until they get adopted. Many of the dogs we have put through the program have been with us for 8 or 9 months and are astoundingly adopted into fantastic homes and are infrequently returned to the center. The dog’s response to the socialization aspect of our training is amazing from the aspect that they respond to and learn from each other on how to act within the “pack”. Behavior issues like aggression towards other dogs, fear and anxiety are rehabilitated and resolved within the human led packs. The dogs bond with humans and each other. It is one of the most amazing and joyful sights. See dogs that are happy, healthy and well-balanced while living in an animal shelter!

One of the other ideas we incorporated to help dogs alleviate the stress of the shelter environment came from Center Manager, Angie Davis. The idea was to put KONG toys loaded with peanut butter treats in their kennels. We found this helps keep the dogs mentally and physically occupied during their stay at the center. We soon learned ingenious and industrious ways to keep the larger breeds from un-stuffing the KONG’s too quickly! One way involved threading sturdy ropes through the small hole of a KONG toy and hanging them from the top of the kennels. The dogs would have to reach up to get the treats. We also found the super strong, Blue KONG toys at local area veterinarians for our most powerful chewers.

Together these two programs give fantastic dogs a chance to find new forever-homes. Our mission at Table Mountain Animal Center is to take the best care of every animal that enters our doors. It makes me very proud to live that mission every day, and with the help of KONG toys we can make that mission possible!

Nick Fisher is the Executive Director of the Table Mountain Animal Center in Golden, Colorado and the founder of the PHAT (Psychology Health and Training) Program. For information about our programs go to our website at www.tmac4pets.org
Photos taken by Beth Parish

KONG COMMUNITY LETTERS
This month the KONG Company would like to share two wonderful letters. One sent to us by a grateful member of the KONG community and the second sent by a caring non-profit organization. It is great to be part of a community and product line that truly makes a positive difference in the lives of companion animals and their owners.

KONG Community Letter:

Dear Kong Company,
I have a 13 month old mixed breed that I adopted from my local shelter last Sept.  She is a "SATO" from Porto Rico. She was rescued there from a "kill shelter" and sent to the U.S. for adoption. I was lucky enough to get her at 9 weeks old. Her name is Cricket and she is the smartest dog I have ever owned!

The very first thing I taught her after potty training was to sit and wait by the door. Then, (unknowing just how smart she was at the time) I taught her to find her Puppy KONG toy and bring it to me. I started by asking Cricket to find her “KONG”. After Cricket started to bring the toy to me when asked, I would put a KONG Stuff’N Snack cookie inside as a reward. This really reinforced the behavior. Now Cricket knows “KONG” is the name for her Puppy KONG toy.

I then bought Cricket a red Classic KONG and a blue Puppy KONG Activity Ball. I named the Puppy KONG Activity Ball her "BALL”. I use the KONG Stuff’N Snacks and the KONG Liver Paste inside of it. So when I ask for the "BALL", she brings me the Puppy KONG Activity Ball. One quick warning on naming dog toys, now that I’ve named the Activity Ball “Ball”, I have to call any other dog ball toys, "peaches" or “apples” so cricket can differentiate the toys. So be careful choosing the names for your dog toys! 

I decided to call her red Classic KONG toy "BACON."  It had to have a different name or she would confuse it with the blue Puppy KONG. I put bacon flavored treats in it to complete the process. I can and do ask her to bring me any one of those 3 KONG toys and she IS correct every single time! By naming them differently and being consistent with the type of treats I use in each, my baby learned very quickly at a young age how to choose the correct KONG toy and bring it to me.

Recently, I enrolled her into Manners Classes and she passed all of them with flying colors! Yes, she is a quick learner. But, I truly believe her unique training with and enjoyment of KONG toys at such a young age taught her problem and puzzle solving capabilities. She now has many KONG toys to play with. But, the first three are still her favorites and they are ALL in great shape!

Enclosed are a few photos I took the other day just to prove these facts! Hope you enjoy them. THANK YOU KONG COMPANY for helping me teach my beloved, best friend so much.

Your #1 fan of KONG TOYS & TREATS,

Judy & Cricket

Judy Thomas and her dog Cricket are this issue’s “KONG Letter Contest” winners 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 email 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.

Non-Profit Organization Letter:

To whom it may concern,
Wow, what great news to read in the most recent KONG Newsletter about a Senior KONG dog toys and treats - way to go!!!
 
I volunteer at a wonderful rescue / hospice group called Old Dog Haven. The name more or less says it all. We help find homes for senior dogs of any size and breed. We also provide final refuge - a.k.a. hospice. We operate within the state of Washington, but have had placements in other states as well.
 
Senior dogs are the most loving and grateful dogs I've ever been around and just happy to “be” dogs. I love it when a company includes senior products in their lines. Most senior dogs will benefit from a softer chew toy. Not only are senior dogs a little less active they often are missing a few teeth or have dental issues as our vet bills attest. But that doesn't stop them from being any less interested in chewing or playing.

Thank you so much. Please take a look at our web site. It's very “homey” and reflects so much of the people who help find homes for the senior dogs abandoned or given up at this late stage in their lives. It could make you very sad but I choose to be uplifted. I am fortunate to be in the company of so many wonderful people and dogs who give so much! We love your other products as well, especially the durable Air KONG tennis ball toys which are highly visible for seniors with poor vision.

Thanks again,

Colleen Robinson
Volunteer & Board Member of Old Dog Haven
www.olddoghaven.org

Old Dog Haven will receive a special, non-profit, Senior and Air KONG Gift Basket. Letters of success from non-profit organizations, 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 email us at: kong@kongcompany.com. If your letter is chosen for the next KONG Community Newsletter, you will receive a special KONG Gift Basket.

NEW KONG PRODUCTS
The KONG Company is proud to be the recognized leader in quality pet products. All of our new products are tested under veterinarian supervision by happy family pets. Here are the latest additions to our ever-expanding product line.

KONG Dog Products:
KONG Tenni
KONG Tenni toys add color and excitement to the Air KONG Squeaker line. These interactive squeaker toys are great for spending quality time with your dog. The tails and the balls are easy to see and work well for a game of fetch. Grab a Tenni by the tail and toss it for your best friend.

KONG Tenni is available in four NEW styles: Twirli, Whirli, Toss and Duo. The blue and red tail fabric is made with ballistic nylon for extra strength. All models are available in 3 sizes (small, medium and large).

KONG Cat Products:
KONG Naturals Cat Toys
KONG Naturals cat toys are ecologically responsible. All materials and dyes come from renewable resources that are naturally found in the environment. These toys have been developed to appeal to the natural instincts of the indoor cat. So they aren’t just fun for your cat, they’re fun with a purpose. Please browse the toy categories below.

Straw and Bamboo Toys
The unique weave of our Naturals straw and bamboo toys have lots of nooks for easy snagging and their unpredictable movements and crackling sound add to the fun. All are specifically designed to appeal to your cat’s desire to stalk and pounce. Irresistible North American grown catnip is enclosed in all our straw and bamboo toys, except the Natural Ring toy.

Natural Cotton Toys
KONG Naturals cotton toys are specifically designed to encourage your cat’s natural hunting and stalking instincts. Their light weight, springy construction and combination of natural fabrics and feathers ensures endless batting and chasing fun. All toys contain potent, North American grown catnip to further encouraging exercise and entertainment.

Teaser Toys
The look, feel and movements of Naturals teaser toys will excite any cat. Our teasers are designed to stimulate your cats’ natural urge to chase small prey and will create hours of interactive fun and exercise. All Teaser toys contain natural North American grown catnip filling to provide an added reward for the successful hunter.

KONG Naturals Cat Scratchers
KONG Naturals Cat Scratchers will satisfy your cat’s natural scratching instincts, while encouraging appropriate scratching behavior. Our environmentally friendly Cat Scratchers are made with renewable resources and are recyclable. All scratcher pads are made with KONG’s NO MESS cardboard. All styles but the Corner Scratcher feature reversible pads for extended use and refill scratcher pads are also available. All models come with a FREE bag of potent North American grown catnip to further entice your feline friend. Individual Scratcher models listed below.

Single Scratcher
KONG Naturals Single Scratcher will satisfy your cat’s natural scratching instincts, while encouraging appropriate scratching behavior. Each pad is reversible for extended use. Save natural resources and money by purchasing KONG Naturals Cat Scratcher Refills. Keep outer Cat Scratcher box and replace worn scratcher pads with Cat Scratcher Refills.

Double Scratcher
KONG Naturals Double Cat Scratcher has twice the scratching surface to satisfy your cat’s natural scratching instincts, while encouraging appropriate scratching behavior. Each pad is reversible for extended use. Save natural resources and money by purchasing KONG Double Cat Scratcher Refills. Keep outer Double Scratcher box and replace worn scratcher pads with Double Cat Scratcher Refills.

Corner Scratcher
KONG Naturals Corner scratcher will fit snuggly into most corners of your home. Once opened in a corner, this unique Scratcher provides two upright, angled scratching surfaces. The Corner Scratcher will satisfy your cat’s natural scratching instincts, while encouraging appropriate scratching behavior.

Incline Scratcher
KONG Naturals Incline Cat Scratcher has an ergonomic scratching surface for maximum scratching comfort. As a bonus, all Incline Scratchers have parallel Cubby Holes with an irresistible toy suspended between them. As with all our scratchers, the Incline Scratcher will satisfy your cat’s natural scratching instincts, while encouraging appropriate scratching behavior. Each pad is reversible for extended use. Save natural resources and money by purchasing KONG Incline Cat Scratcher Refills. Keep outer Incline Scratcher box and replace worn scratcher pads with Incline Cat Scratcher Refills.

Scratcher Pad Refills
Save natural resources and money by purchasing KONG Naturals Cat Scratcher Refills. Use with KONG Naturals Single, Double and Incline Cat Scratchers. Keep original Scratcher box and replace worn scratcher pads. Each refill pad is reversible for extended use.

Wubba and Hugga for Cats
KONG is proud to introduce “The Ultimate Cat Toys”, Wubba and Hugga Wubba. The original Cat Wubba was inspired by KONG’s popular Wubba dog toy and is the perfect size for batting around. Wubba for cats stimulates senses of sight, sound, smell and touch. All Wubba and Hugga Wubba toys contain pure North American catnip, rattle and have tails that make a crinkle sound.

Wubba for Cats
KONG Wubba for Cats is covered in durable, reinforced nylon fabric. All styles contain irresistible catnip. The Wubba with teaser pole is perfect for interactive play with your feline friend.

Hugga Wubba for Cats
The soft, fuzzy Hugga Wubba promotes realistic wrestling and its longer tails make great targets for hind paw kicking. The Hugga Wubba with teaser pole is perfect for interactive play with your feline friend. Your cat will love you for it!

KONG TOY FOCUS
The Essential Dog Toys - Part Two
Last issue we introduced the KONG Company’s philosophy of offering your dog a unique variety of toys. The recommended varieties were categorized into five distinct toy types: Enrichment, Interactive, Amusement/Self-Active, Comfort and lastly the Classic KONG.

For our canine companions, much like children, education is critical to social growth and intellectual development. The variety of educational subjects (toys, obedience training, etc) is just as important as the frequency and length of the education for creating a sharp-minded, well-adjusted canine. In this segment, I would like to focus on the behavioral and psychological benefits of each toy category.

1. Enrichment Toys
This toy category provides important educational and problem solving opportunities for your dog. Think of this toy category as higher canine learning. By using a variety of enrichment toys often your dog will eventually graduate with a Masters Degree in problem solving.

As we stated in the last issue, the majority of these challenging enrichment toys stimulate active problem solving through positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement, in this case is the random release of treat rewards. Your dog must master the mechanics or specific movements necessary to release the treats from the toy. This process repeated over and over with a variety of enrichment toys will leave a lasting influence and help mold a sharper canine mind.

Enrichment toys also provide a fun and fulfilling activity to help occupy your dog throughout their day. Preventing boredom is one of the best ways to prevent bad behaviors from developing. Simply fill KONG Stuff-A-Ball, KONG Biscuit Ball, or any Planet KONG toy with your dog‘s favorite KONG Stuff’N treat and watch the fun begin. To keep things interesting for your dog use a variety of different treats or recipes. See www.kongcompany.com for more information and recipes.

A challenged, educated dog is a well mannered, well adjusted dog.

2. Interactive Toys
Interactive toys can be described as any toy designed to be used by you and your dog together. Toys like KONG Balls, all KONG Wubba toys, KONG Jump’N Jacks, KONG Flyers and KONG Saucers are perfect for interactive games like Toss and Retrieve. The new KONG Tug is also a great interactive toy.

Through interactive play and obedience training you can effectively reinforce your “leader” status in the pack. Use of interactive toys will help cement your pack hierarchy and strengthen the bond between you and your dog.

Adhering to the following basic suggestions will keep your interactive play under control and avoid overly aggressive play, “chase me” or “keep away”:

1. Utilize basic obedience commands during your interactive play, i.e. “drop”, “sit”, “stay” and “come”.
2. You decide when interactive play starts and when it ends.
3. Interactive toys should be stored out of reach after play to keep these toys special and prevent damage.

Interactive play also provides great exercise for you and your dog as well as an opportunity to expend pent-up canine energy.

An exercised dog is a satisfied and relaxed dog.

3. Amusement or Self-Active Toys
Canine parents aren’t always available to play with their dogs 24/7. That’s why developing independent or self-activated play is so important. Providing a good selection of safe, amusement toys is the perfect way to activate and ensure play while keeping your dog occupied and out of trouble.

Important: when introducing a new toy and before you leave your dog alone with it, you will need to supervise your dog’s toy play until you are absolutely sure the new toy is safe. Join in and show your dog the proper way to play. Since the toy is new, your dog may have no idea how to use the toy. Once your dog realizes what the toy is for and how to use it, he will be more likely to play with it alone.

Amusement or self-active toys can be any KONG toy to which your dog bonds and plays with without any coaxing. As stated above, you should be absolutely sure the toy is safe to leave with your dog unsupervised.

In addition to providing an outlet for play and eliminating boredom, amusement toys also act as an important deterrent to the development of bad behaviors or habits, such as digging, barking and destructive chewing. Without the proper amusement toys available, your dog may decide to play with your potted plants, chew your garden tools or add large craters to your lawn.

An occupied, playful dog is a busy, well behaved dog.

4. Comfort Toys
A comfort toy can be defined as any toy that has a calming, stress-reducing effect on your dog. In many cases it’s a stuffed or cloth toy. These toys have a soft, cuddly feel and also retain a scent after your dog has played or slept with them. However, for some dogs it may be a favorite ball or rubber toy that calms and comforts.

Comfort toys serve several purposes. They can act as a security blanket or a fun, indoor play toy. Both act to reduce stress and provide a calming influence. Many dogs love having a familiar plush toy in their sleeping area, crate or dog house. They also can reduce the stress of travel and make good surrogate toys when you have to leave your dog in a kennel.

Be sure to buy dog-safe plush toys, like KONG Material Dog toys. Always supervise your dog with plush toys. Remember: for most dogs, plush toys are temporary toys. Replace damaged toys. In any case, careful owner supervision is always recommended.

A stress free dog is a happy, relaxed dog.

5. Classic KONG Toy
Classic KONG toys are in a category of their own. Not only do they meet the definitions of the other four recommended toy categories, they have unique attributes and behavioral benefits as well. For over thirty years the world’s top trainers and behaviorists have recommended the Classic KONG toy and praised its abilities as a behavioral modification and training tool.

The Classic KONG toy has helped millions of dogs and dog owners address numerous canine behavior problems. These problems include: destructive chewing, separation anxiety, assistance in crate training, problem barking, digging and general relief of boredom to name a few. When any of the behavioral issues above can be remedied, the potential overall benefits will be greater than the elimination of the problem behavior itself.

For example, when offering your dog a treat-stuffed Classic KONG toy to eliminate loneliness and boredom, you are effectively re-focusing your dog’s emotions and time to the toy and away from negative feelings. When this method is repeated, your dog’s emotional state and alone-time will be replaced with the positive experience of the treat-stuffed KONG toys and further enhanced by the rewarding time spent un-stuffing them. Over time loneliness and boredom can be reduced or eliminated completely.

Along with the reduction or elimination of the core behavioral issue, in this case loneliness and boredom, you can effectively prevent a host of associated secondary behaviors. Common secondary behaviors of loneliness and boredom can include: destructive chewing, pacing, whining, barking, and digging. This alone serves to illustrate the how the reduction or elimination of a core behavioral issue can have far reaching benefits.

A KONG dog is a lucky dog.

If your dog does not respond to KONG toy intervention, seek the advice of you veterinarian, trainer or behaviorist.

KONG TRAINING
Drop and Take Away
Teaching your dog the standard “drop” command is essential for molding the well-mannered dog. Without the drop command, normally enjoyable games of fetch or disc toss can become frustrating games of “chase me” or “keep away”. For your dog’s safety “drop’ can be a lifesaver. For instance, if your dog picks up a potentially harmful object, you can quickly react with a “drop” command. Crisis averted.

The following training method involves primary and secondary reward. In this case, the primary reward is a high value treat and the secondary reward is praise. Praise can be verbal as well as physical (petting).

Proper timing is essential, always reward the exact moment your dog performs the requested command. It’s best to start “drop” training in a quiet environment, free from distractions. If “drop” training turns into a game of chase or “keep away” you can use a lead to control the situation. Always prepare for your training in a way that ensures your dogs success. The more your dog wins or performs the command correctly, the quicker your dog will learn.

Be cautious, you will be asking your dog to give up a high value toy. If, during the training your dog exhibits any aggression (growling, barking, lunging or biting), stop the training and seek the aid of a professional trainer or behaviorist.

Step One: Basics
Start with one of your dog’s favorite toys and some high-value treats in a quiet environment, preferably in your home. Keep the treats hidden so your dog is not distracted. Offer the toy to your dog. Once the toy is in his mouth ask him to “drop” the toy and at the same time show him the treat. The moment he drops the toy, give him the treat, carefully pick up the toy and praise your dog (Good boy! Good drop!).

If you are unsure how your dog will react when you grab the KONG toy, you can coax her up or away from the toy using the high-value treat as bait and then use your foot to push the KONG toy away from your dog. As you offer the treat you can carefully pick up the toy you just pushed away.

Timing of the reward and praise is very important, make sure you offer both the moment your dog drops the toy. Never pull the toy from your dog’s mouth or it will become a game of tug.

Step Two: Repetition with Primary and Secondary Reward
Repeat Step One again. However, during repetition, allow your dog to play with the toy for a short time (1 – 2 minutes) after you re-offer it. This will stimulate your dog’s play-drive and increase engagement with the toy. Eventually you want your dog to “drop” the toy no matter how much he wants to keep it.

After the short playtime, ask your dog to “drop” while offering the treat. The moment the toy is dropped, give the treat and praise as you pick up the toy. Repeat five times each session, twice a day for one full week. Slowly increase the amount of play-drive and engagement after each successful session.

Step Three: Introduce Random Primary Rewards –
Week Two
Use the basics procedures in Step One, but do not offer the primary treat reward with the “drop” command. If he drops the toy, pick it up and praise your dog. Repeat five times each session, twice a day for one full week. Occasionally, offer a treat or two with the praise (without showing the treat first) for successful drops to reinforce the good behavior.

If your dog does not drop the toy within 10 seconds of the drop command, do not repeat the “drop” twice, instead turn your back and walk away. Do not reward your dog. Retrieve the toy once he loses interest and repeat the Step One procedures a second time. However, this time show the primary treat reward to ensure success. Every other time you perform the “drop” command do not use the treat reward. Eventually your dog will drop without the use of a treat. This step will take patience. If your dog reverts you may reintroduce the primary reward to reinforce the proper behavior.

Step Four: Introduce a Variety of High Value Toys – Week Three
Once the “drop” command is mastered with your dog’s favorite toy using secondary reward only, you can start introducing different high value toys and begin the training over again. It’s important to drop train with a variety of high value items, this will ensure the training will transfer to other novel or inappropriate items your dog may happen to pick up.

Ask KONG
Our new “question and answer” section was added in response to requests from KONG Community members. This forum will give our community a way to ask questions related to KONG Toys, KONG Treats, training, behavioral issues and more.

For your concern and efforts, the KONG Company will award four KONG Gift Baskets. Four questions will be selected quarterly as winners. Winning questions will be printed in the upcoming newsletters. Below are the four winning questions sent in from the KONG Community members this past quarter?

1. Q) Is it OK to heat up or freeze a KONG toy? - Molly Black, Jaspar, AB Canada

A) Food-stuffed KONG toys can be frozen over and over. However, we do not recommend heating a KONG toy as this can weaken the natural rubber. Be sure to clean your KONG toys after each treat session.

2. Q) How do I clean out a KONG toy? - Chelsea Townsend

A) We recommend two cleaning methods: 1) Hand wash with dishwashing soap and warm water. A narrow brush can help remove stubborn food particles inside the toy. 2) Rubber KONG toys can also be cleaned in your dishwasher, top shelf only and no dry cycle.

3. Q) What product did the KONG Company sell first? -
Shelley Dillon

A) The Classic KONG toy was the first product sold by the KONG Company, originally named "Tuffy". In 1975 Joe Markham, KONG’s founder, invented the Tuffy KONG toy to help his dog Fritz overcome a bad habit of chewing on rocks. After strenuous testing, production began in 1976. Since then, KONG research and development has continued at a brisk pace. The KONG Company now sells over 300 different products worldwide.

4. Q) Is there a Blue KONG? - Ramona Ramirez, Sealy, TX

A) Yes. The Blue KONG is manufactured exclusively for KONG Veterinarian Products, a subsidiary of the KONG Company. The Blue KONG is only available through your local Veterinary Clinic. Veterinarians consider the Blue KONG a therapeutic tool to aid in the treatment of separation anxiety and other behavioral issues. Ask your veterinarian for Blue KONG.

Got a KONG Question?
Simply email your question to AskKong@KongCompany.com . Each quarter, our group of Pet Experts will answer your question(s) and enter you into the “Ask KONG” contest for a chance to win one of four KONG Gift Baskets.

Hey kids, have you heard the news? The KONG Company has added a new community newsletter section just for you.

Welcome to the first edition of KONG Kids. We hope you enjoy the fun features and articles within. This new section is geared toward young dog owners 4 to 15 years old. Be sure to enter the contests. You and your dog could win a KONG Kids Gift Basket.

My Dog Contest
Do you have a special dog? Of course you do, all dogs are special and unique, and that’s why we love them so much. Tell us what makes your dog so special. For each issue, one letter will be chosen as a winner and printed in an upcoming newsletter. The winner will receive a KONG Kids Gift Basket.

This issue’s winner is Brenna Costello and her dog Juneau from Louisville, Colorado. Brenna and Juneau have won a junior gift basket of KONG toys and treats.

My Dog’s KONG Birthday
By Brenna Costello, 5th grader

I know there’s one day my dog looks forward to every year. It’s his birthday of course! Doesn’t everybody? There’s lots of cake, ice cream, and presents, but for dogs it’s a little different. One way I make my dog, Juneau’s, birthday special is with KONG toys and treats. While Juneau patiently watches, I fill his dog bowl with a layer of regular dog food and add KONG Stuff’N Liver Paste on top for the icing. Then I add KONG Beef & Liver Treats as decoration. Finally, I top it off with a KONG ZIGGIES as a candle. This is my version of a dog friendly birthday cake. You can also add KONG Stuff’N Liver Snacks or any other healthy treat. My dog absolutely loves it.

After he devours his cake, we move on to presents. My dog loves to unwrap presents. My family usually gives Juneau lots of treats, stuffed animals and rubber toys. Every year, his all time favorite present is the new KONG Material Dog stuffed animal. Juneau always loves the old one to pieces. He loves to snuggle and sleep with it every night. He looks so cute! I love to spoil my dog on his birthday and I think he loves me for it.

KONG Kids Art Contest
Calling all young artists! Show us your talent. Create your KONG-related masterpiece today. Your artwork can be a drawing, painting or sculpture, using any style or media you wish.

Since this is our premier KONG Kids issue, the art contest was only open to children of KONG employees. We have two winners for this issue, in future issues there will be three.

The winner of the 4 - 8 group is Autumn Hines-Lanckriet, age four and her dog Caya from Denver, Colorado.






The winner of the 8 - 11 group is Brenna Costello, age 11 and her dog Juneau from Louisville, Colorado.

Artwork received will be judged by KONG Company employees and one winner will be chosen for each of three age groups: 4-7, 8-11 and 12-15. Wining artwork will be showcased in the next KONG Kids section. Best of all, each winner will receive a KONG Kids Gift Basket. You and your dog will love it!

Scan or photograph your masterpiece and email it to: kong@kongcompany.com

Or mail artwork to:
KONG Kids Art Contest
16191 Table Mountain Parkway
Golden, CO 80403-1641

(Artwork mailed to the KONG Company cannot be returned)

Art Contest Rules
1. Artwork must be KONG related in some way, containing the likeness of any KONG toy, KONG logo or KONG shape.
2. All artwork submitted requires parental permission. Ask your parents first! You must include your parents name and phone number with submission.
3. Be sure to include artist’s age.
4. Limit two entries per contestant per quarterly contest.
5. The artist’s parent or guardian’s mailing address and phone number must be included. Any prize won will be mailed to that address. 6.Contestant information will never be used or distributed for any other purpose.
7. The KONG Company will pick one winner from each of three age groups: 4-7, 8-12 and 13-15. Each winner will receive a KONG Kids Gift Basket worth $75.00.
8. Artwork comments and explanations are welcome, but not necessary to win.
9. All entries must be received by May 22th, 2008. No entries accepted after May 22th, 2008. A winner will be selected by May 30th, 2008.
10. Winning artwork may be used in KONG Company advertisements and promotions. By submitting artwork or photographic images to the KONG Company for the KONG Kids Art Contest, you grant the KONG Company a perpetual, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, modify, publish, distribute, and otherwise exercise all copyright and publicity rights with respect to the artwork or 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.

KONG Kids Letter
Tell us about your KONG experiences. You can write about anything KONG related. For example: KONG games you play with your dog, funny things your dog does with KONG toys or treats or how KONG has helped your dog. We love to hear from our young KONG users and will choose one winning letter for each upcoming issue.

This issues winner is Kelsey Bruner and her dog Dudley from Taylorsville, Kentucky. Kelsey and Dudly have won a KONG Gift Basket full of KONG toys and treats.

Dear KONG Company,
I wanted to let you know about my school Science Project. My project asked the question: What is the toughest dog toy? I used the toughest dog I know, my dog, Kida. She tears everything up in minutes. My parents would never buy the KONG toy because they thought Kida would just destroy it. 

Well, in my Science Experiment, the KONG proved to be the toughest dog toy! My Mom said she would have never thought the KONG would have won. My project won first in my class and gets to compete in the entire school Science Fair. Not only did I get an A+ on my project, but Kida has now been carrying and playing with her KONG toy for 4 weeks and still has not been able made the first dent or rip in it.

Thanks for a great dog toy, for my pup that’s the best... Kida is a 3 year old yellow lab with a chocolate nose or 'Dudley". I understand, Dudley, is the name used for a yellow lab with chocolate nose and rims of her eyes, or chocolate features.

KONG - you're the BEST!

Kelsey Bruner
Spencer Co. Middle School
Taylorsville, Kentucky

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 KONG toys daily. Clean KONG toys thoroughly after each use. We recommend cleaning rubber KONG toys by hand or in the top shelf of dishwasher, with no dry cycle.

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

Winning KONG Stuff’N Recipe
Each quarter, KONG Company staff tests and chooses 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. Be creative and feel free to stuff any model of KONG toy. Winners will receive a KONG Gift Basket stuffed with a variety of fun KONG toys and tasty KONG Stuff’N treats.

This newsletter’s winning recipe comes from Kendell Jones and his dog Layla.

Layla’s KONG Toy Recipe
Spoon a small amount of peanut butter (either smooth or chunky) into your dog's kong. Add a layer of your favorite "goodies." I like to use cut up baby carrots, bananas, apples, small treats or dry kibble. Spoon more peanut butter and another layer of your favorite additive. Feel free to alternate and mix and match goodies. Add bananas one layer, apples next and then kibble. Top it off with peanut butter and pop it in the freezer for a few hours or over night.

This is sure to be a favorite for your dog - the peanut butter is a great source of oil to keep your dog's coat shiny and healthy and is a great way to get some fruit and veggies into your dog. The frozen treat will last hours as your dog has to lick the KONG-cicle until it thaws and figure out a way to get the treats out!

Enjoy,
Kendell Jones & Layla
Rochester NY

KONG Activity
KONG Toy in a Box – The Gift That Keeps on Giving
We all know how much fun it is to see our furry friends open presents on holidays and birthdays. But why limit the fun to those events. Dogs are intelligent and curious creatures that relish a fun and challenging task. So give your dog a well deserved present puzzle today. Your dog will love it and you will love watching your dog solve the KONG in the Box game.

Here’s how:
Pick out your dog’s favorite KONG Toy and or Treats. A treat-stuffed Classic KONG or Stuff-A-Ball will work. If your dog loves squeaker toys, try using KONG Squeakers or any Dr. Noys plush toy.

Find a small box. This could be your standard cardboard box, shoe box or other paperboard box. Make sure the box is clean and safe. Free of staples, excess tape or packing materials. Be aware your box will be damaged or destroyed after a few games. Always supervise your dog for this game, make sure your dog does not eat pieces of the box.

Level One – Beginner to intermediate
Some boxes will present more challenge than others. Start with an easy shoe box until your dog masters the game. With you dog watching, place the treat-stuffed toy inside the shoe box and cover with shoe box lid. Get excited and offer the box to your dog.

If your dog solves the shoe box puzzle too quickly move to the next level or add two small strips of tape to each side of the lid to seal the box. If your dog is having difficulties with this puzzle open the lid and show the toy several times. You can also shake the closed shoe box so your dog can hear what’s inside.
Watch Video Example >>

Level Two – Intermediate
For more challenge, offer your dog a standard four flap cardboard box. Fold four flaps over one another to close one end. With your dog watching, place favorite treat-stuffed toy inside box and fold over the other four flaps. Get excited and give your dog the present puzzle.
Watch Video Example >>

Level three - Expert
For the expert present opener, add an additional, larger box. With your dog watching, place the treat-stuffed toy inside the smaller box and close. Place the smaller box into the larger box and close. Get excited, shake the box and give the double-boxed present puzzle to your dog.

KONG CONTESTS
New Member Gift Basket Winners
Deanna Wiuff
Kim Rochefort
Debbie Edwards
Michely Solpt
Christina Parker
Crystal Mcglone
Megan Gallagher
Bill Lepman
Tammy Hickling
Ashlee Ciarcia
Jim Casper
Richard Allen
Cynthia Robarge
Julie Cass
Colleen Doyle
Michell Schaffer
Cathy Voshell
Bob Galbreath
Sean Griffin
Joe Taylor

Air KONG Squeakers
Photo Contest Winners – From Volume 10
Last issue the Air KONG Squeaker Photo Contest grand prize winner was Michelle Luckett of Owings, Maryland and her dog Shyla. They have won $500.00 and a KONG gift basket.

Our second place winner is Bob Lane and his dog Roxie from Playa del Rey, California. Bob and Roxie have won a large KONG gift basket.

The third place winner is Andy Welsh of Batesville, Indiana and his dog Hailey. Andy and Hailey will receive a medium KONG gift basket.

The KONG Company would like to thank all the community members who submitted Air KONG Squeaker photos. As usual, your participation in the photo contest was overwhelming and the photos superb. It was truly a pleasure viewing all the happy Air KONG Squeaker dogs.

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

Volume 11 Photo Contest - Senior KONG
Win $500.00 or valuable KONG Gift Baskets! It’s simple. Photograph your dog using a Senior KONG toy and email digital image to: kong@kongcompany.com

Or mail photograph to:
Senior KONG Photo Contest
16191 Table Mountain Parkway
Golden, CO 80403-1641

(Photos mailed to the KONG Company cannot be returned)

For more important Senior KONG toy information and suggestions please refer to our website at www.kongcompany.com

Rules:
1. The photo must contain a dog(s) interacting with any model of the purple and white Senior KONG toy.
2. Make s ure your photo is clear and of good quality (300 dpi preferred). If your picture is blurry, or the Senior KONG toy unrecognizable, it is not likely to win. 
3. Limit four 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 May 22th, 2008. No entries accepted after May 22th, 2008. A winner will be selected by May 30th, 2008.
9. Winning photos may be used in KONG Company advertisements and promotions. By submitting photographic images to the KONG Company for the KONG Photo Contest, you grant the 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
Late Spring 2008

KONG - It's More than Just a Dog Toy

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
• Volume 7 - January, 2007
• Volume 8 - April, 2007
• Volume 9 - August, 2007
• Volume 10 - December, 2007

For More Information Visit www.kongcompany.com

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