KONG NEWS
Spring is here and your dog is begging you to play outside. After all, it is the perfect time of year for interactive play in the backyard or park. Get out and have fun with your dog….your dog will love you for it! In this issue, we introduce our new interactive tug, toss and fetch toy, “KONG Tails” as well as two other new products. Also in this issue: new KONG video section, KONG Contests, KONG Training Tips section and much more.
 
Our international KONG community continues to grow. You are now joined by over 98,000 other members. Remember, this is your newsletter – let us know what you think or what we can do to improve it.

KONG Tweets
Want more frequent KONG updates? Now you can follow us on Twitter: @KONGcompany

To learn more about Twitter go to www.twitter.com

Pet Airways Update
Pet Airways is now accepting flight reservations for your KONG dog or cat. Maiden flights start July 14th, serving New York, DC/Baltimore, Chicago, Denver and Los Angeles. Now your dog or cat can fly first class in the main cabin instead of the cargo hold.
 
Pet Airways ensures pets are in the good hands of people who love and know how to take care of pets. From the moment a pet is dropped off at a Pet Lounge, the pet is always under the care of trained Pet Attendants. Monitored by Pet Attendants, pets will fly in planes that are fully-lit, climate-controlled and have the proper level of fresh air circulation that pets require.
 
Pet Parents will be assured of sensitive, careful handling and the peace of mind that their pets are well looked after. The Pet Airways goal is to make the pet travel experience more comfortable and enjoyable for both “pawsengers” and their human families. For more information or to book a flight please visit www.petairways.com

GUEST ARTICLE
The “Wild” Side of Positive Reinforcement Training
By Grey Stafford
It is an exciting time to be a zookeeper. Today’s zoo professionals are using their creative and behavioral talents to teach wild and potentially dangerous animals how to participate in their own care and ultimate survival. From daily body weights and exams to voluntary blood sampling, wild animals are learning to engage in cooperative behaviors (often without direct contact) that help ensure long-term health and well being. These behavior training advancements help create a safer, healthier and more productive environment for animals and the people caring for them. But, the real story is the source behind all this success—the exclusive use of positive reinforcement-only training.

It’s probably no surprise to anyone that most zoo species are neither receptive to nor intimidated by the presence of humans. These simple statements of fact have helped to lay the foundation for the widespread use of positive reinforcement-only training in zoos and aquariums we see today. With countless examples to point to, we now know that it is possible to shape reliable behaviors in any species using only positive reinforcement, while foregoing the use of all forms of punishment/correction. The end result is a relationship of trust between animal and caregiver. One that is strong enough to build successful new behaviors and help transcend past behavior problems, including severe aggression.

Of course one of the challenges to using positive reinforcement in a zoological setting (or our homes for that matter!) is finding safe, durable and interesting activities and objects to engage a wild animal’s mind and body, with and without a trainer present. Fortunately, the KONG Company has an array of products that help trainers provide their animals with positive reinforcement. The resulting mental and physical stimulation goes a long way to teaching and maintaining calm and constructive behaviors. Plus reinforcements that are variable in type, location, timing, duration and so on, such as the ones made possible by creative trainers and KONG toys, are essential to the reduction and outright prevention of unwanted and unhealthy behaviors, such as chewing, pacing, excessive vocalization and other forms of stereotyping. And if that wasn’t enough, training with only positive reinforcement is just plain fun for you and your animal—whatever species it may be!

Grey Stafford, Ph.D. has trained zoo and domestic animals for 20 years. As Director of Conservation for the Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium near Phoenix, he promotes positive reinforcement training on weekly TV appearances. His book ZOOmility: Keeper Tales of Training With Positive Reinforcement (www.iReinforce.com) was recently featured on NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

KONG COMMUNITY LETTERS
This month the KONG Company would like to share two letters. One sent to us by a grateful member of the KONG community and the second sent by a wonderful 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,
Pets have been a part of my life ever since I was born. My family first discovered KONG after a long search for durable dog toys for Cracky, a Black Lab/Chow mix. By the time we found the Classic KONG toy she was already ten.

During that time, we added a new puppy to our family. A yellow lab named Shadow. Both dogs were able to go to work with Dad, a construction worker and they loved going for rides in the car. Cracky and Shadow had the perfect life until Greg got a new job out of state. Then everything changed.

We lived in Maine and Dad’s new job was in New Hampshire, three hours away, so the dogs had to stay home alone during the day. Mom had to go to work, one hour away and the four kids, Mazie, Sara, Ethan and I had to go to school. Cracky the older dog had developed a weak bladder and therefore had to stay outside. Shadow had to stay in, so she didn’t get into mischief.
 
This was very hard for both dogs and we knew we had to do something. Fortunately, this was when we discovered KONG toys. We got Cracky a medium red Classic KONG. Shadow got a large black Extreme KONG. We tried different KONG stuffing recipes and finally found one both dogs really liked. Each night we would freeze their favorite recipe in their KONG toys. The food stuffed KONGs gave our dogs something to do all day long!

For two years everything was fine. Until one day, Cracky could barely move and wouldn’t eat, so we took her to our veterinarian. Our family was told that of Cracky’s liver had failed. We had no options and decided to put Cracky to sleep. It was so hard to do. Our family had already lost our cat, Mr. Boots earlier in the year.

We buried Cracky with the rest of our pets. Cracky was buried with her bed, tennis ball and of course, her favorite red KONG. She had loved it and it had been such a big part of her life.

Mom, Dad and I are now planning on breeding Shadow. All of the puppies will be introduced to KONG toys as soon as they are old enough to play. I am hoping to use Puppy KONGs and Puppy KONG Squeakers! Since dogs are such a big part of people’s lives, I believe all of them should have something that is important to them, for Cracky it was her red KONG.

Thank you for creating such wonderful toys, 
    
Danielle Pierce

Non-Profit Letter:
Dear KONG,
We at the Pet Prescription Team don’t even know how to begin to thank you for your generous donation to our organization. I am not sure if you know just what this means to us, but let me start by giving you a little history of who we are and what our goal and mission is as a pet therapy group.

The Pet Prescription Teams’ primary goal is to educate people and support programs that endorse the “Prescribe Pets Not Pills” philosophy, which is based on the premise that pets are good for our health and well being and are important in our increasingly urban and complex society.

One of the major activities of the Pet Prescription Team is to provide support for our pet therapy team members and qualified groups throughout the country, volunteers who want to share the joy and value of pet interaction and its overall benefit to society. They routinely visit nursing homes, hospitals, hospice facilities and schools with their certified therapy pets.

With your generous gift of KONG toys, we were able to raise funds for our teams, helping us purchase shirts, vests and literature to continue to promote our cause. It couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time for our organization. We are so thankful to you, and in many ways see you as a miracle in times such as these.

Please visit our website to read more about our organization and see some of our volunteers on recent visits: http://mysite.verizon.net/res8je7y/

We were also able to use some of the KONG toys for our local 4-H Dog Project to reward the kids for their great efforts in dog obedience training. I have enclosed a picture of a few of the 4-H Kids and also a photo of our Pet Prescription booth at a recent event where your KONG toys were used in a raffle to raise funds for our organization.

Thanks again Joe for your support and kind donation to our organization!

Krystal Emery, Director

Pet Prescription Team Director
1404 Dorothea Road
La Habra Heights, Ca 90631
562-694-8090  

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 Tails
KONG Tails is our new, fun interactive tug, toss and retrieve toy. Durable ballistic nylon tails are anchored to a rubber Classic KONG toy. Dogs love to chase the flapping tails and super bouncy KONG toy. A nylon handle loop is also attached, allowing extra long throws, easy pick ups and more comfortable bouts of tug-o-war. KONG Tails comes in three convenient sizes: medium, large and extra large.

Large KONG Goodie Bone
Finally, a new treat dispensing toy for larger dogs. The new Large KONG Goodie Bone is 25% larger than our original Goodie Bone and is perfect for dogs between 30-65 lbs. Molded with KONG Natural Rubber for extra durability and bounce. Each end features Goodie Grippers that securely hold treats, creating a delicious challenge. Keeps larger dogs busy and content.

KONG BraidZ
Squeak it! Tug it! Shake it! Cuddle it! New KONG BraidZ are plush toys with a twist! A variety of soft but strong fabrics are tightly braided to form the body of each adorable, safari-themed toy. The tight stretchy weave is great for a game of tug, and as a bonus helps floss and clean teeth during play. And a squeaker adds to the fun and excitement. All non-toxic fabrics are carefully chosen for your dog’s safety and enjoyment.

KONG TRAINING

Progressive Toy Challenge –
Proper introduction and use of Enrichment Toys
Enrichment toys can be one of the most useful tools for a dog owner. Also known as treat dispensing or puzzle toys, they can provide hours of productive fun for your dog. KONG has a variety of toys that fit this category such as the Classic KONG, Stuff-A-Ball, Goodie Bone and the Biscuit Ball to name a few. If introduced correctly, they will occupy your dog with a progressively challenging and intellectually stimulating activity.
 
Enrichment toys are also very effective when used as redirection tools to distract your dog from engaging in unwanted behaviors or as special rewards during or after training sessions. Many owners utilize these toys daily to busy their dogs freeing them to focus on other activities.
 
Treat-dispensing enrichment toys are different from most other toys because they typically require a short introduction or training period. Don’t let this process scare you off. Most enrichment toys are very easy to introduce, just follow the basic steps below.

Enrichment Toy Introduction –  
1. Introduce the new toy before a meal, this way your dog will be hungry to learn. It’s also best to choose a quiet time and place with no distractions so your dog can focus on the task at hand.
2. Fill the toy with treats that easily dispense. Most treat-dispensing enrichment toys have a least one opening that randomly dispenses or grips the treat. Be sure the treats dispense or release easily. Others toys have adjustable openings, for those toys make sure the opening is at its widest or easiest dispense setting.
3. Have your dog watch you fill and test the toy. Be sure your dog sees the treats going in the toy and falling out as you test the rate or ease of dispensing.
4. Place the treat-filled toy on the floor in front of your dog and roll or shake it until one or more of the treats falls out. Let your dog eat those treats and praise him for his attention.
5. Now let your dog try the toy. Most dogs, after watching the filling and release demonstration will understand how to manipulate the toy to get the treat rewards. If not repeat steps 2 and 3 several times and leave the toy out for a few hours. Important: Always supervise the use any new toy until you are confident it is safe for your dog.
6. Always let your dog win. During the introductory stage use the easiest challenge level to ensure your dog is able to solve the treat puzzle. Following this simple rule will allow your dog to “win” and greatly increase the desire to repeat the puzzle.
 
Increasing the Challenge –
1. Once your dog successfully solves the treat-dispensing puzzle multiple times, at the easiest level, it's time to slowly increase the difficulty. Do not immediately move to the highest level of difficulty, take your time and gradually increase the challenge. Remember to let your dog win at each increasing level of difficulty.
2. If your dog has repeated difficulty solving the puzzle at more challenging levels, go back to the last level solved. Continue at the previous level for a longer period of time before increasing the difficulty.
3. After some experimentation with the toy at various levels of challenge you may find a certain sized treat or previous level of difficulty is perfect for entertaining or occupying your dog.
4. At this point, instead of continually trying to force a higher level of difficulty, try adding variety with additional enrichment toys. Introduce the new toys following the same introductory steps. Offering a variety of puzzle toys will keep your dog interested in the challenge and provide a greater degree of intellectual stimulation and growth.
5. You can also try offering multiple enrichment toys per session for longer playtimes.

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 Stuff’N Snacks, Treats or ZIGGIES. KONG treats are specifically designed to fit your 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 Jayde. Her dog Sam loves this recipe.

KONG Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 or more, appropriately sized KONG Toy(s)
Small handful of:
strawberries
blueberries
pineapple
1 cup plain yogurt
 
First, put a spoonful of plain yogurt in the KONG toy so it covers the small hole. Then add some strawberries, a spoonful of yogurt, some blueberries, spoonful of yogurt, some pineapple, and finally, one spoon of yogurt to cover the opening. Place in freezer and give to your dog the next day. This works especially well for the power chewers such as my American Staffordshire terrier. Very healthy and good for their coat.

KONG CONTESTS
New Member Gift Basket Winners
Jill Butler
Andrea Holtschlag
Mariana Gracia
Carol Stevenson
Brittany Hulsey
Annik Tremblay
Beverly Miller
Louisiane Courcelles
Stacey Puckett
Becky Weyer
Paul Dombrock
Jennifer Fowler
Donna Pawelski
Jennifer Norgard
Carla Ricci
Samuel Wahba
Keren Murphy
Lisa Walsh
Bo Barr
Tony Gonzales

If your name appears, please email us at KONG@KONGcompany.com to claim your prize.

KONG Videos - NEW
Several KONG Community members have sent in videos of their dogs or cats enjoying their favorite KONG toys or KONG activities. Our new section allows us to share these great videos with all of you. Send in videos of your pets and each quarter we will choose a winner to post in the newsletter. Winners will receive a large KONG basket filled with KONG toys and treats. Click on Video Contest Rules below for instructions on submitting your KONG video.

This issue's winners are Alexis, Tom, Geo & Simon Roy. The Roys will receive a large KONG basket for their winning submission. Enjoy!

Hello KONG People,
My husband and I bought a KONG Flyer disc a couple of years ago and our boxer fell in love with it immediately. Now we've gotten her a husband.  He's discovered that he's likes her KONG Flyer too.
 
Attached is a little clip I threw together for you all to enjoy when you’re having a bad day or find yourself lacking inspiration.  Our dogs count on your toys being durable. 

Thank you all,
 Alexis, Tom, Geo & Simon Roy!

Click HERE to view video and make comments.

Please read rules and regulations

Photo Contest Winners – From Volume 14 Contest

The “KONG Wubba” Photo Contest, grand prize winner was Vit and Barbra of Mission Viejo, California and their dog Rudy. They have won $250.00 and a KONG gift basket.






Our second place winner is Elizabeth Knowles of Longmeadow, Massachusetts, and her dog Simon Tucker. They are the lucky recipients of a large KONG gift basket.







The third place winner is Lisa Hill and her dogs Sam and Cody from Sherwood, Oregon. Lisa, Sam and Cody will receive a medium KONG gift basket.

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

Check out the New KONG Photo Contest in this issue for another chance to win.

Volume 15 Photo Contest - KONG BraidZ
Win a $250.00 cash prize and/or valuable KONG Gift Baskets! It’s simple. Photograph your dog using any version of a KONG BraidZ toy and email digital image to: KONG@KONGcompany.com. Be sure a KONG BraidZ is visible in the photograph. Please click link below for more contest details and rules.

Or mail photograph to:
KONG BraidZ Photo Contest
16191 Table Mountain Parkway
Golden, CO 80403-1641
(Photos mailed to the KONG Company cannot be returned)

Please read rules and regulations

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

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.

The winner of the 4 - 7 group is Hannah Langstaff Sauve, age 5, from Biltmore, Ontario, Canada.

The winner of the 8 - 11 group is Jacey Bolton, age 8, of Arvada, Colorado.

The winner of the 12 - 15 group is Tammie Glockzin, age 13, of Euless, Texas.





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. Winning 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.)
Please read rules and regulations

NEW KONG CAT SECTION

The new KONG Cat section is off to a great start! We continue to get positive feedback from our cat-owning, KONG Community members and the response to our KONG Cat Photo Contest was phenomenal.

Several more exciting cat toys have been added to the lineup – see below for details. As always, your comments and suggestions are welcome and help shape future segments and articles.

Cat Activity / Behavior Modification
Promoting Healthy Exercise
Just like their human counterparts, cats these days are facing somewhat of an obesity epidemic. As cats have been moved indoors for their own safety and health, they have naturally gotten less exercise. Without prey to hunt and chase, it can be difficult for an indoors-only cat to maintain a healthy weight. However, there are some ways that you can help your feline friend.
 
Take time to play. Devoting even a few minutes each day to playing with your cat can give your cat some much-needed exercise. Try a KONG Canvas Ball with Feathers teaser or other interactive teaser toy. Watch your cat run around trying to capture the toy, and you will be helping give her the healthy, natural exercise that comes with trying to catch prey.

Try a high-activity toy. You don’t necessarily have to supervise playtime, using a high-energy toy like a KONG Kickeroo will get your cat’s blood circulating. This toy is specifically designed to encourage wrestling and active hind-leg kicking. You can practically see your cat working up a sweat as he tackles this bigger-than-average cat toy.

Consider taking a walk. Believe it or not, some cats can be trained to take walks on a leash just like dogs. However, if you live in a busy neighborhood, you might just want to walk a few minutes in the backyard rather than taking a chance encountering excitable dogs, stray animals or other neighborhood hazards. There are also some pet enclosures that you might want to consider to let your cat get some fresh air and exercise.
 
Don’t overfeed your cat. It should go without saying, but diet is the other component that leads to an overweight cat. In addition to healthy exercise, be sure to measure the correct portions of food at mealtimes and cut back if you notice your cat gaining too much weight. (You may want to ask your veterinarian about foods specially formulated for overweight or indoor cats). Limit between-meals snacks and treats as well.

New KONG Cat Products
The KONG Company is proud to be the recognized leader in quality pet products. All of our new cat products are tested under veterinarian supervision by happy family cats. Here are the latest additions to our ever-expanding line of KONG Cat products.

New Cat Naturals Toys
KONG Cat Naturals is an environmentally responsible line of cat toys, made from natural ingredients and dyes. We have added four new toys this spring:
Canvas Ball with Feathers Teaser • Crinkle Fish • Crinkle Caterpillars • Straw Ball Teaser (pictured below)

Look for these toys at your local pet store and select online retailers. KONG Cat Naturals toys are more than just fun – they’re fun with a purpose!

NEW KONG Cat Photo Contest Volume 15 - KONG Kickeroo
Win $250.00 cash and or valuable KONG Cat Gift Baskets! It’s simple. Photograph your cat using any KONG Kickeroo and email digital image to: KONG@KONGcompany.com

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

(Photos mailed to the KONG Company cannot be returned.)
Please read rules and regulations

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

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, 200
• Volume 9 - August, 2007
• Volume 10 - December, 2007
• Volume 11 - April, 2008
• Volume 12 - July, 2008
• Volume 13 - November, 2008
• Volume 14 - December, 2008

For More Information Visit www.KONGcompany.com

Privacy Policy
We collect e-mail addresses that are supplied to us through our FREE KONG Newsletter sign-up form. We also collect e-mail addresses from online and telephone newsletter subscription requests.

If you have supplied us with your e-mail address, we will email the FREE KONG Newsletter on a quarterly basis. Your e-mail address will not be distributed to any other companies. If you wish to cancel your FREE subscription, please click here and follow the instructions.