KONG NEWS
Thank you for being part of the 8th issue of the KONG Community Newsletter. Our community now consists of over 39,000 active members worldwide. In this issue we have included descriptions of KONG’s newest products, KONG Contest winners, KONG Activity Tips and a special KONG Training section.

KONG Treat Quality Assurance

Valued KONG Customers,
In light of recent events involving dog food recalls, we wanted to take a moment to reassure all of our customers that KONG treat products are completely safe. We have no affiliation with the companies and plants that produced the tainted pet food. All of our consumables are manufactured in the USA. We stringently and thoroughly test our products for quality and safety. KONG Treats meet or exceed industry standards for quality. In fact, every batch of KONG dog treats is tested for microbiological activity by an approved third party laboratory prior to packaging as required by APHIS and international regulation, then certified by an APHIS veterinarian. KONG products have never appeared on a recall list and we look forward to years of providing safe, healthy treats for your pets.

Sincerely,
The KONG Company

KONG – Wubba Wins Award
The KONG Wubba was recently recognized as one of the best new dog products at Global Pet Expo, America’s largest international pet industry trade show. KONG Wubba is a fun, interactive toss and tug squeaker toy. The Wubba is made with durable reinforced nylon and comes in five different colors and 3 sizes to accommodate most breeds. The durable rubber squeaker and long tail will keep your dog entertained for hours.

quicktime logoNEW KONG VIDEO
Learn about the many uses of KONG products in this entertaining video.

GUEST ARTICLE
See KONG Training Section

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.

Dear KONG Company,
I've never thought that I could love an inanimate object as much as I love my pups, but KONG has fit that bill.
 
In September of 2005, my husband and I set out to adopt a puppy. We had been married at this point for almost 2 years, had purchased a condo, and truly were ready to save a life, and share our love. After months of searching shelters, and petfinder.com, we found our baby at a local animal rescue. On Election Day, Kona Bear Memon, an 8 week old rottie-beagle mix entered our lives and our hearts, and unfortunately our closets.
 
My little terror was a chewing machine from the start. My favorite boots, gone, my new purse, done for, my brand new pair of glasses, well, gone. Thank goodness for a very understanding Optometrist, a great warranty, and an assistant in the office who had suffered these same issues in the past, and had discovered a miracle, KONG.
 
She laughed when I brought in my destroyed pair of glasses, and told me that she had the same issue with her puppy until she discovered KONG. She explained to me what it was, and told me that I should go to a pet store ASAP, because it really will change his ways. She didn't have to tell me twice, I was on my way.
 
A sales rep pointed me in the right direction, and I saw all sorts of amazing KONG toys and treats. I grabbed two Puppy KONG toys and some KONG Stuff’N Liver Paste, and made my way home. When I got home, my lil chew machine was of course happy, jumping and nipping at my heels. I sprayed a small amount of KONG Stuff’N Liver Paste inside his new Puppy KONG toy, placed it on the floor and literally watched his face light up! His attention detracted from my heels, to his new best friend, KONG.
 
Suddenly, our possessions were safe and we had a few hours to tend to some chores while Kona Bear was completely occupied and content.
 
Six months later, we heard a story of a terribly neglected min pin that needed a new home. Of course, realizing that Kona seemed a bit lonely and that we could never turn away such a suffering innocent creature, we adopted him as well. It was so beautiful to watch them bond, play and become brothers. But the most amazing thing was when I placed two Puppy KONGs, filled with peanut butter, down before them. Kona nosed one towards his new brother Chopper. It was like he was saying; I accept you, and wait until you try this.
 
I absolutely must commend you on the most fantastic products. You are #1 in my book. I know you'll be around for at least 100 more years.
 
LOVE ALWAYS,
Jennifer, Kal, Kona and Chopper

Jennifer Memon is 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. Veterinarians also approve and test all our new products. Here are the latest additions to our ever-expanding product line.

KONG Wubba is a fun, interactive toss and tug toy. Durable reinforced nylon covers the toy and the tails make it easy to pick up and throw. Dogs love to squeak the Wubba and shake the flapping tails back and forth. KONG Wubba is available in three sizes (small, large, x-large) and three color options (blue, red and yellow)

KONG Puppy Wubba Same quality construction and features as above. Puppy Wubba comes in one size (small) and in two puppy colors (light blue and pink).












KONG ZIGGIES are specially formulated for dogs. This long lasting chew treat is designed to fit snuggly into a Classic or Extreme KONG toy. A ZIGGIES-stuffed KONG is the perfect way to provide a fun, challenging activity for your dog. Our hypoallergenic formula contains no wheat, corn or soy. This healthy, delicious treat is highly digestible, and helps to clean teeth and freshen your dog’s breath. ZIGGIES are the healthy chew treats for dogs.

KONG ZIGGIES Packaged With FREE KONG Toy
For a limited time, this specially packaged box contains a FREE KONG toy along with 12 ounces of ZIGGIES chew treats. Look for this package inside your local pet store. Be sure to ask your local pet store to order soon if they don’t have it in stock. This is one special deal that won’t last long.

KONG TRAINING
KONG Aids International Working Dogs

The KONG Company was recently honored with an invitation to speak at the 2nd Annual International Police Work Dog Association Seminar. The five day IPWDA event held in Providence RI, featured Explosives Detector Dog training and seminars. Distinguished local, state and federal agencies including the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms), TSA (Transportation Security Administration) and CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) were in attendance. The KONG Company was the only non-law enforcement company or agency asked to participate. The IPWDA is a growing organization with members in Australia, Bermuda, Canada, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Philippines and the UK, to name a few.

Explosives detection dog training is accomplished through a conditioning model called “operant conditioning”. This model is reward based where the dog is trained to “alert or indicate” to the location of an explosives odor. When the dog responds correctly, it is given a reward that is of great value to the dog, such as a KONG toy or food. This association of explosives odor and reward (for correct responses) is done on a continual basis for hundreds of repetitions until the dog learns “the game”. The dogs are taught to respond in a passive manner. When they identify the strongest concentration of explosives odor, they sit at that location. To the dog, detection-work is nothing more than a game of hide and seek.

The KONG Company was asked to discuss the role of toys and positive reinforcement techniques utilized in K-9 detection training and work. Mark Hines, KONG’s behavior and training specialist, was present to discuss these issues. At the event Mark enjoyed several days of working with experienced IPWDA trainers and master trainers and observed the K-9 teams in action. Participants greatly appreciated Mark’s perspectives and advice on training, given his unique background and professional experiences, said Ken Kelleher an IPWDA trainer.

When asked about his overall impression of the seminar, Mark Hines said, “I have participated in dozens of police and military K-9 training events internationally. The mock training scenarios were impressive and as life-like as possible. The IPWDA is one of the most organized and professional police organizations I’ve been honored to work with.”

The overall goal of the IPWDA is to improve and standardize the training methods and certification of K-9 teams. Through various training venues and encouraging an exchange of ideas and methods in K9 training, the IPWDA hopes to accomplish this goal.

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 Liliana.

Liver and Potato KONG
Ingredients:
1 – Small Potato
½ cup – Turkey Liver
1 – Egg
3 tbsp – KONG Stuff’N Liver Paste

Cooking Instructions:
Chop the potato into small pieces and boil them along with the whole egg and turkey liver. After all three are boiled, cut egg and turkey liver into small pieces. Start stuffing your KONG toy with the turkey liver, then the potatoes and the egg pieces and finish with the KONG Stuff’N Liver Paste. Your dog now has a great treat full of protein and flavor!

Featured KONG Toy Activity:
The Benefit of Food Puzzles

We all strive to provide the best for our beloved canine companions, including shelter, a nutritious diet, exercise, routine health care, basic training and most importantly, lots of love. Along with initial basic training, it’s important to provide continuing education. Consistent and continual training will reinforce and maintain basic obedience skills. Examples of daily training reinforcement would be commanding your dog to come, sit or stay, then rewarding her for obeying the command. Repetitive training also serves to strengthen the bond between you and your dog.

In addition to continuing canine education and daily training routine, it is very important to provide daily mental stimulation. Also known as, environmental enrichment, it can consist of playtime between you and your dog, a walk, a variety of fun toys or food puzzles. The hidden ZIGGIES is a great example of a food puzzle. Food puzzles provide a great deal of mental stimulation and reward. The food or treat will coax your dog to think and solve the puzzle.

A good food puzzle should be versatile, possessing adjustable levels of difficulty and the ability to vary the food reward. This versatility will challenge your dog and hold their interest. When introducing food puzzles for the first time, start with the easiest level of difficulty. It is important to eventually let your dog win, in other words, help him solve the puzzle if she starts to lose focus. As your dog masters the easy levels continually increase the difficultly. Your dog will learn more and stay interested longer.

The Hidden ZIGGIES puzzle has both attributes listed above. You can vary the difficulty by adding additional ZIGGIES or other treats to the puzzle. Be creative with the treats you use and the methods of stuffing. It is entertaining and fascinating watching your dog solve the puzzle and enjoy the food reward. Knowing you are contributing to your dog’s mental growth and reducing boredom is your reward.

The Hidden ZIGGIES Puzzle
Requires:
2 – KONG Toys (Puppy, Classic or Extreme KONG toys of the same size)
1 – Puppy ZIGGIES or regular ZIGGIES.

Insert one ZIGGIES half way into one KONG toy, leaving the other half out of toy. While holding the KONG Toy and exposed ZIGGIES, carefully push second KONG toy over the exposed half of the ZIGGIES. Keep holding the exposed ZIGGIES until the second KONG toy reaches your fingers and then push the two KONG toys tightly together so the ZIGGIES is completely covered. The idea is to get equal lengths of ZIGGIES into each KONG toy. This will provide more gripping action on the ZIGGIES and more challenge for your dog.

As your dog masters this puzzle, experiment by adding additional treats to be covered by the KONG toys. The tighter the toys grip on the treats the more difficult the puzzle becomes. Your Dog Will Love You For It!

KONG CONTESTS
New Member Gift Basket Winners
Recently the KONG Company held a contest for non-KONG Community dog owners. Ad banners were placed on the KONG website 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.

John Kavaratzis
Kath Hayes
Brianne Roseberry
Kimberly Powell
Roger Ramos
Joe Smith
Chris Webb
Erin Flanagan
Angela Janisse
Kimberly Sykes
Richard Hewitt
Tiffany Haverstick
Rikki Lee
Kate Peterson
Kathy Coleman
Catherine Foss
Diane Knapp
Mark Guminski
Berkeley Hull
Jackie Alvarez

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.

KONG Puppy ZIGGIES Photo Contest
Winners from Volume 6

Last issue the Classic KONG Photo Contest grand prize winner was Alexis Sauer-Budge and her dog Phoenix. They have won $500.00 and a KONG gift basket.










Our second place winner is Stephen Calderone and his dog Brady. Stephen and Brady have won a large KONG gift basket.




The third place winner is Mason Chau and his dog Barkley. Mason and Barkley will receive a medium KONG gift basket.





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

KONG Wubba Toy Photo Contest
Win $500.00 or valuable KONG Gift Baskets! It’s simple. Photograph your dog using any KONG Wubba toy and email digital image to: kong@kongcompany.com.

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

Photos mailed to the KONG Company cannot be returned.

For more important KONG Wubba 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 KONG Wubba toy.
2. Make sure your photo is clear and of good quality (300 dpi preferred). If your picture is blurry, or the KONG Wubba 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 July 10th, 2007. No entries accepted after July 20th, 2007. A winner will be selected by July 30th, 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
Summer 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
• Volume 7 - January, 2007

For More Information Visit www.kongcompany.com

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