KONG NEWS
Thank you for subscribing to the second issue of the quarterly KONG Newsletter. Volume 2 contains descriptions of KONG’s latest products, delicious KONG Stuff’N recipes, KONG training and activity tips and an article by well-known, guest author and behaviorist, Terri Ryan. Also, new this issue, a chance to win $500.00. Enjoy.

Welcome to the KONG Community
This month the KONG Company would like to share a touching 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 Sir or Madam,
I would like to tell you about Sandy, our beautiful Golden Retriever, whom we adopted in 2002, at the age of 7 years.  Unfortunately, Sandy came to us severely disturbed. His original owner having died resulted in a very traumatic existence for Sandy. Shuttling him in and out of a rescue center, as various prospective parents tried to adopt him, just to return him to the rescue center each time because they couldn’t cope with his erratic behavior problems. He was eventually under death sentence if returned to the rescue center one more time, when our next door neighbor took him out of pity.  However, even she couldn’t cope, being fully employed and realizing that Sandy needed full time care to aid his recovery, and so, as we were retired, we took up the challenge.

Our first priority was to establish a strict routine to make him feel more secure, firm but with plenty of personal attention and interactive play. Consequently, we discovered that he pulled violently on the lead when walked, and tended to barge through whatever obstacle were in his way in spite of the danger of knocking them over. When we had visitors, he would charge around the house barking and knocking over anything in his path. Also to our horror, the “Disturbing Piece” as described by our neighbor, was actually the result of a very distressed mind. Whenever anything upset him, and particularly when we had visitors, he would put a paw in his mouth and chew on it to the point of mutilation. He wouldn’t even pull it out of his mouth to walk about, but would run around on three legs. Alas, due to his previous adversities, Sandy had become a “Self-Destructive Chewer”. His paws were a mess, with numerous lacerations, all self inflicted, and slow to heal. We bought him numerous toys to chew on, but not one lasted more than half an hour.

Sandy’s fortunes changed the day I purchased the red “KONG” which can be seen in the picture, and which, full of treats, he accepted eagerly. Since then it has become his favorite toy, with or without the treats inside! It has truly been Sandy’s salvation, and one look at the accompanying picture shows that his paws are now unblemished. He is very happy, contented and considering his history, exceedingly obedient; having given up all the bad habits other than minor and insignificant ones, which in view of his maturity when we adopted him, truly miraculous. This red “KONG” has lasted two and a half years. Another miracle! We have now taken the advice which comes with your product, and bought his second “KONG”, a black one, slightly larger, and he has taken to it with equal enthusiasm as he did his first red one. In view of this I feel that his picture and story deserve to go in your “KONG Hall of Fame” as it is most definitely a great success story.

Many thanks for a wonderful product,
Freda and John Robinson
Bury, Lancashire, England

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

The responses to the KONG website and KONG newsletter have been overwhelmingly positive. We continue to receive thousands of visits daily from the enthusiastic KONG community. Feel free to visit the KONG website often, and welcome to the community.

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

New KONG Toys:
KONG Flyer
After years of designing and testing hundreds of rubber flying disc prototypes, KONG has succeeded in producing the ultimate natural rubber, flying disc. The KONG Flyer is made with exclusive KONG Natural Rubber. Accurate flight and soft-catch make the new KONG Flyer perfect for a game of fetch and catch. Fun, flying                       exercise for you and your dog.

New KONG Stuff'N Treats:
KONG Stuff'N Hounds 27
Delicious Fun! The new KONG Stuff’N Hounds 27 is a thick, rich, all natural, gourmet sauce for the pampered dog in your life. Designed to be used as a stuffing for KONG’s famous line of dog toys, or as a topping that will add a gourmet touch to any dry dog food.

KONG Stuff’N Hounds 27 is easy to use; simply squeeze a small amount of the thick, flavorful sauce into your dog’s favorite KONG toy to create a deliciously fun playtime experience. KONG Stuff’N Hounds 27 can also be frozen inside KONG toys for an extra long playtime. Although perfect for stuffing KONG toys, Hounds 27 can be added as a welcome change to dry dog food for a more enjoyable meal. Hounds 27 is available in two delicious, gourmet flavors: Meaty Roast Beef and Peanut Butter.

For the last three decades the KONG Company has encouraged stuffing their uniquely shaped natural rubber toys with food and treats to maximize the behavioral benefits of the KONG toy. Veterinarians, trainers, and behaviorists worldwide see stuffed KONGs as more than just the perfect toy. It’s a safe and effective therapeutic tool used for training, reward, and enrichment. Stuffed KONGs will entice dogs to work for the reward inside, keeping them busy and content. Hounds 27 is the perfect match for KONG Toys.

KONG TRAINING TIPS
This section of the KONG Newsletter will offer tips on training your dog using KONG products. Every quarter we will explore different topics related to training and behavioral issues. All future issues will also include feature articles from world-renowned dog trainers and behaviorists. This issue our guest author is Teri Ryan.

KONG - A Trainers Viewpoint
By Teri Ryan

The KONG toy is often dubbed as "the ultimate dog toy and behavior aid". Certainly Joe Markham, the inventor of KONG, was a pioneer in the movement to use toys and rewards to influence the behavior of dogs. In 1989 I received my first KONG as a gift from another trainer. Back then there was "the KONG" - and that was it. But that original red, pine cone shaped KONG was versatile! Dogs could chew it, they could chase it, they could retrieve it, they could search for it, and they could dive under water for it, to name just a few of its uses. But best of all, they could get dinner or treats out of it! For the next decade, the best way to stuff a KONG became the topic of many a dog trainers gab session.

Over the years, with advice and help from the experts (the dogs!), the KONG Company has produced a much wider variety of KONG toys and KONG Stuff’N Treats, making a good idea even better and more versatile.

A few months ago, Mark Hines, KONG's resident behavior and training expert, announced to me, KONG's latest plan: A KONG newsletter! This networking tool has the capacity to bring together dog lovers from all walks of life to brainstorm and share Kong ideas. With a little lateral thinking, we can come up with even more ways to train our dogs and enrich their lives.

Puppy KONGs - The Whole World is NOT a Chew Toy
Puppies, like human babies, explore their world through their mouths. Dog toys, Granny’s scrapbook, a Gucchi loafer, it’s all the same to a puppy. Teach your puppy “chew discrimination” as soon as he comes home. Play the interactive game I call THE “Good Toy, Not-A-Toy” GAME. Supply yourself with a few KONGs of various sizes. Puppy KONGs are soft and fun--there’s even a KONG Stuff'N Paste formulated especially for puppies (KONG Stuff’N Puppy Treat)!

Help soothe a teething puppy’s gums by freezing your stuffed KONGs. Some pups appreciate just plain water frozen into a KONG. Seal off the hole in the small end with a dab of peanut butter or squeeze cheese. Put the KONGs in a muffin tin or in individual cups, big side up. Fill with favorite healthy liquids and treats. Then freeze. Chewing on the cold rubber surface of the frozen KONG and licking the icy center will provide relief from the discomfort of teething. When purchasing KONGs, keep in mind that your pup will grow. The KONG that’s just right now could be too small in several months. Be sure to upgrade to larger KONGs once your puppy outgrows their first Puppy KONGs.

If you get four or five KONGs, you will have enough to keep a good rotation going: some stuffed and in the refrigerator standing by, one or two in use with the puppy, and some waiting to be washed on the top rack of your dishwasher.

Play ‘GOOD TOY, NOT-A-TOY' several times a day. Clear a play area. There should be nothing in this area but an empty KONG and two NOT-A-TOY items, such as your glove and a box of tissues. Deliver your pup to the play area, stand back and watch. If he looks at the tissues or gloves, ignore him. If he looks at the KONG, rush in telling him how great he is. Toss the KONG around for him, put a smear of something good in it, and cheer him on. She’s made a good choice! When she’s had 15-30 seconds of interaction with you and the KONG, put the KONG back down somewhere among the other two items and pick up your pup a minute or so for a snuggle. Play again. Two or three short games in one session are plenty. Your pup will soon learn that KONGs are not only fun by themselves, but also gain your attention, a game and delivery of treats. The NOT-A-TOYS will be boring by comparison. End each game within 15-30 seconds, while your pup is still involved with and loving the KONG. Don’t wait until the KONG is empty or she loses attention. In addition to good timing, set up the games so that the NOT-A-TOYS are visible, but a little further away or off to one side. When the game time is over pick up the NOT-A-TOYS and supervise your puppy between sessions. This game will soon have your dog choosing KONGs over anything else he can get his teeth on!

Terry Ryan, author of "Coaching People to Train Their Dogs” is the president of Legacy Canine Behavior & Training, Inc. www.legacycanine.com. Through Legacy Canine, Terry writes books, presents national and international seminars and workshops, instructs pet dog classes, hosts interns and consults.

Terry has been a community dog training class instructor since 1968, specializing in pet dog classes using motivational exercises presented as games. She was the Coordinator of the People-Pet Partnership, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University from 1981 until 1994.

KONG STUFF'N RECIPES AND ACTIVITIES
As usual, this section offers KONG Stuff’N recipes and other fun activities using KONG Toys and KONG Stuff’N Treats.

Kong Toys are the original treat-dispensing toy; 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 KONGs thoroughly after each use. Dishwasher is recommended.

Basic Stuff'N Suggestions:
For quick and easy KONG stuffing, use any of our KONG Stuff’N treats or pastes. KONG’s 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.

NEW! Frozen Hounds 27
KONG Recipe:
Smear peanut butter or cream cheese over small hole of KONG toy. Set KONG in cup to stabilize, large end up. Fill with either Meaty Roast Beef or Peanut Butter KONG Stuff’N Hounds 27. Squeeze large end of KONG to create oval-shaped opening. Insert large end of KONG Stuff’N Snap first, leaving smaller two segments exposed. Freeze for a minimum of 4 hours. Can be made in advance and kept in freezer for up to 8 weeks. Most frozen KONG recipes are not recommended for carpeted areas.

Winning KONG Stuff’N Recipe:
New for this and all upcoming KONG Newsletters: the KONG staff will be choosing a Winning KONG Stuffing 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. Winners will receive a KONG gift basket stuffed with a variety of fun KONG toys and tasty KONG Stuff’N treats.

KONG Doggie Popsicle
Ingredients:
Peanut butter
Chicken broth
Hot dog
Cheese Whiz

Directions:
Fill small hole with peanut butter and smear a good bit on the outside around the hole. Put in the freezer until peanut butter is firm. Set KONG in cup to stabilize, large end up. Fill KONG with chicken broth, almost to top. Stick hot dog in large hole. Squirt some cheese whiz around hot dog. Freeze over night. I throw it out for my dogs in the morning before I leave for work. They love it! It's like a doggie popsicle.

Winning recipe submitted by KONG Community member:
Kristyn F.
Mobile, Alabama

Kristyn will receive a special KONG gift basket as our thank you. Send in your favorite KONG Stuffing recipes for a chance to win.

Featured KONG Activity:
Getting Started With the KONG Flying Disc

Rolling KONG Disc Chase
Rolling the KONG Flying Disc on the ground, like a wheel, is the best way to get your dog interested in chasing. Roll the disc on its side using a roll toss, see illustration. Hold the disc upright in the palm of your hand with your thumb on the gripping ridges, roll the disc back up towards your bicep, then fling outward to the ground. Encourage your dog to chase after the disc. If your dog obeys, be sure to provide praise or reward with any KONG Stuff’N Treat. If your dog doesn’t go for the disc, don’t become discouraged. Never become angry or frustrated with your dog during a learning experience. It is important to your dog that you always keep this time fun. Just keep trying. Eventually your dog will get it.

KONG DENTAL STICK
PHOTO CONTEST
Win $500.00! It’s simple. Photograph your dog using a KONG Dental Stick and email digital image to: kong@kongcompany.com, or mail photograph to:

KONG Dental Stick 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 KONG Dental Stick.
2. Make sure your photo is clear and of good quality! If your picture is blurry, or the dental Stick unrecognizable, it is not likely to win. 
3. Limit two photos per contestant.
4. The dog owner’s mailing address and phone number must be included. Any prize won will be mailed to that person.
5. The KONG Company will pick one “Best Photo” winner from images received.
6. Photo comments and captions welcome, but not necessary to win.
7. All entries must be received by September 1, 2005. No entries accepted after September 2, 2005.
8. Winning photos may be used in KONG Company advertisements and promotions.

KONG DENTAL STICK
KONG’s DENTAL STICK is designed with patented Denta-Ridges that reduce plaque and food debris while providing a gentle abrasive cleaning and conditioning of teeth and gums. The Dental Stick makes a great fetch toy and treat dispenser. KONG Stuff’N TOTs and KONG Stuff’N Pastes work great to initiate play sessions.

NEXT KONG NEWSLETTER WILL BE SENT
SEPTEMBER 15, 2005

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!

For More Information Visit www.kongcompany.com

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