KONG NEWS
Welcome to the sixth issue of the KONG Community Newsletter. Our community now consists of over 15,000 active members worldwide. In this issue we have descriptions of KONG’s latest products, delicious KONG Stuff’N recipes, KONG photo contest, KONG training and activity tips and an article by Brett C. Titus, Denver Police Officer and President of the Colorado Police Canine Association.

Puppy KONG Photo Contest Winners – from Last Quarters Newsletter

Puppy KONG Toy Photo Contest grand prize winner was Lisa Takacs of New Baltimore, Michigan and her dog Sammi. They have won $500.00 and a KONG gift basket.





Our second place winner is Judson Forman of Orlando, Florida and his dog Harlie. Judson and Harlie have won a large KONG gift basket.





The third place winner is Vicki Melaragni from Larbert, Scotland and her dog Indie. Vicki and Indie will receive a medium KONG gift basket.




The KONG Company would like to thank all the loyal community members who submitted Puppy KONG Toy photos. Your consistent involvement in the photo contests is overwhelming and the photos superb. International participation continues to rise with new contestants from all over the globe. Last issue we had participants from Australia, Holland, South Africa, Canada, England, Mexico, Italy and India. This issue, we received entries from Ireland, New Zealand, Spain, Chile, Peru, Sweden and Scotland.

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

Service Dogs in Action


All of us have been affected by the current world conflicts in some way. For many of us, a loved one may be serving in their country's military or directly involved in some other way. The human suffering and economic impacts of these conflicts are enormous. Considering the overwhelming influence the current world events and news have on each of us daily, it's easy to overlook the effects these events have on the animals in these troubled regions.

Military service dogs are but one example of animals directly involved in current conflicts. The dangerous and demanding day to day work put forth by loyal military service dogs is nothing less than amazing. Their loyalty and dedication is commendable. This is why the KONG Company recently donated KONG dog toys to K9 service dogs in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Military police dog Gabor is shown in the picture above, posing with some of the donated toys. Gabor's handler is SSgt Andrew M. Limes.

It is our hope these toys will help relieve the daily stress and provide a moment of peaceful play for these selfless canines.

Welcome to the KONG Community
In this issue 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,

After living in our new home for a little over a year, my boyfriend and I decided we needed some additional company. We started looking at local animal shelters and rescues for a dog that would fit our lifestyle. When we spotted Jackson, a three year old black lab mix, we fell in love. He seemed extremely friendly and low key, yet playful when we spent time with him. He fit right in with our life and settled into his new home quickly. When we adopted him, we had no idea of his background, other that he came to the shelter as a stray.

Shortly after getting him we discovered that he wasn’t too crazy about us leaving him alone. Luckily, I’m able to work primarily at home, and we provide each other a lot of company throughout the week. However, there are certainly times when I need to leave Jackson at home. Left alone, he would get into everything and would urinate in the house. Door frames were chewed, walls were covered with paw prints and scratches, and trash would be everywhere. He even ate more than one loaf of bread after getting into cupboards.

Baby gates around the house couldn’t confine him. And due to his destructive behaviors, we couldn’t leave him in a separate room or crate, because we were afraid he’d hurt himself. We tried everything we could think of. I spent a long time researching ideas on the internet.  We were getting frustrated, and I was becoming a prisoner to the house, because I never wanted to leave him alone. The best advice I found....... try giving him a KONG prior to leaving. I went out and bought a black rubber Extreme KONG as he has powerful jaws and chews through most toys in a short amount of time.

The KONG toy has been a blessing for us! The first time I gave Jackson a peanut butter and kibble-stuffed KONG, I handed it to him and quietly walked out of the door. I came back in two minutes to see how he was doing. He was still enjoying his treat and unbothered that I had left. So, I walked back out and ran a quick errand. Since we’ve had the KONG, he seems completely adjusted to our coming and going. We are now able to leave him alone, unconfined and come home to a sleeping dog and an empty KONG nearby.

Jackson will even play with the empty KONG, but he certainly seems to enjoy finding a few treats in it. He’s also mastered dropping it on the linoleum kitchen floor as soon as I gave it to him. This method quickly knocks out any loose treats before he has to do the hard work. I still give it to him when I’ll be gone for an hour or more. I’m so glad that the KONG gave us a quick, easy fix to what was becoming a big problem.  Now, we’re thinking Jackson may need a friend (OK, really my boyfriend and I need another friend!) and are looking to adopt a second dog. I’m sure we’ll be purchasing a few more KONG products in the near future.

With lots of thanks,
Abbi, Kevin and Jackson

Abbi, Kevin and Jackson will receive a KONG Gift Basket for submitting the winning letter. Thank you for sharing your KONG story.

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 Newsletter, you will receive a 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 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 Stuff'N Treats:

KONG Stuff’N Puppy ZIGGIES MultiPack

• Won't Crack or Splinter
• Safe and Digestible
• Freshens Breath
• Cleans Teeth

The KONG Company’s recently released Puppy ZIGGIES, are now available in 8 oz. (56g) packages. Puppy ZIGGIES’ unique chewy formula and manufacturing create a safe and highly digestible treat that will not crack or splinter. This irresistible puppy treat is low in fat, high in protein and calcium enriched. Like adult “green” bones, Puppy ZIGGIES freshens breath and cleans teeth. Available in three sizes: small, medium, and large.

KONG Stuff'N Puppy ZIGGIES Video

FREE Puppy ZIGGIES Promotion

To receive your FREE Puppy ZIGGIES, simply purchase any KONG product or treat and mail or email your proof of purchase (store receipt) to:

FREE Puppy ZIGGIES Offer
KONG Company
16191 Table Mountain Parkway
Golden, CO 80403

To save time and money, the KONG Company will also accept a digital photo of the store receipt as proof of purchase. Simply take a digital photo of your store receipt, make sure it’s legible, and email to: kong@kongcompany.com (please add "Free ZIGGIES Offer" in subject line of email)

Important: Please indicate when sending in proof of purchase what size Puppy ZIGGIES your dog requires.
Please see below for correct size ZIGGIES.

Small - For puppies 6-16 lbs over three months in age.
Medium - For puppies 15-35 lbs over three months in age.
Large - For puppies 30-75 lbs over three months in age.

NOT RECOMMENDED FOR PUPPIES UNDER 6 POUNDS OR UNDER 3 MONTHS OF AGE.

Offer available to U.S. residents only, one offer per household. Allow 2–3 weeks for delivery.

Click here for details.

KONG TRAINING
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 author is Brent C. Titus.


KONG and K9 Police Training -
Police K9 teams hold an overwhelming amount of responsibility when patrolling the streets of the communities they serve. Our first priority is public safety and the safety of our K9 teams. Working a patrol dog for the last seven years has opened my eyes to the importance of having a well trained dog. Additionally, training and competing in sport dog competitions like Schutzhund (a dog sport that puts emphasis on obedience) has without a doubt enhanced my police dog training. Most of my training time is spent on obedience and control which enables me to deploy my police dog safely in almost any circumstance required.

When selecting a dog for police work, one of the things I look for is a dog that will retrieve and is motivated by a toy. It’s the desire for the toy I tap into for obedience training. This training can range from building a strong obedience foundation to simple obedience maintenance. Reward based training is best accomplished with the use of a single dog toy. The best toy I have found to enhance the working ability of my police dog is the KONG toy. The unpredictable bounce of the KONG motivates my K9 partner like no other toy, and its durability is unmatched for the strong jaws of a police dogs. Not to mention, the dental benefits gained from chewing the KONG. For my police dog, the KONG toy is without a doubt the best motivator I have to achieve optimal obedience and control.

The use of KONG toys as a tool to train police dogs does not end with obedience training. For many police K9 handlers, KONGs are the toy of choice to reward their dogs during scent detection training of explosives, narcotics, and article searches. When the canine finds the desired substance or object, the KONG toy is used as a reward. The enthusiasm a police dog shows in their work is a joy to watch and receiving the KONG toy as a reward helps promote that enthusiasm. KONG toys are truly a valuable tool for police K9 teams all across America.

BRETT C. TITUS, Denver Police Department - Metro SWAT/ K-9 Unit

Affiliations:
President of the Colorado Police Canine Association
Certifying Official for the Colorado Police Canine Association
Certifying Official for the National Police Canine Association
Training Director for the Colorado Canine Club

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. Along with relieving boredom, a stuffed KONG toy will provide an enriching activity that stimulates your dog 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. Top shelf of dishwasher is recommended.

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 be choosing 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 Deborah Chad of Worcester, MA.

KONG Ambrosia
Ingredients –
½ cup non-fat sugar free yogurt
½ banana, sliced
1 tbsp honey
1 spoonful of peanut butter
Aluminum Foil

Mix no-fat sugar free plain yogurt with a tablespoon of honey. Add a heaping spoon full of peanut butter and sliced bananas. Wrap aluminum foil around the small end of the Classic KONG Toy and scoop the mixture into the KONG. Freeze. Then hand them out when your dog is in need of an exciting afternoon treat. They have to lick the KONG to warm up the frozen treats and get it out. This keeps them busy for at least 45 minutes and gives me free time knowing they won't be into other mischief. The yogurt is also great for their digestive system!

Featured KONG Activity:
There is no better way to strengthen the bond you share with your dog than a good healthy game or activity. In the past five newsletters the KONG Company has included some of the KONG Company’s most popular games. In the spirit of community, we are asking KONG newsletter subscribers to share their own unique KONG toy activities or games. We will be choosing a winning KONG activity each quarter to share with the KONG community.

Winners will be published in the newsletter and will receive a KONG Gift Basket worth $120.00.

KONG Flying Disc Activity:
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 the. Roll the disc on its side using a roll toss, see illustration. Hold the disc upright in the palm of your with your thumb on the gripping ridges, roll the disc back 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 Disc Retrieve:
Once your dog is interested in chasing and picking up the KONG Flying Disc, you are ready to teach your dog to retrieve. Play your usual game of rolling the KONG Flying Disc. But this time when your dog picks up the disc, call your dog’s name. Tell him to bring the disc back to you. If successful, praise or reward with any KONG Stuff’N Treat. After repeated retrievals, start asking your dog to “give” or “drop” the disc, always rewarding with praise when correct behavior is shown. There are additional steps you may need to try if your dog does not bring the disc back when called.

1) Tempt your dog to return the KONG Flying Disc by offering another KONG Flying Disc in exchange. Roll the first KONG Flying Disc, when your dog has picked it up, call the dog’s name and tell the dog to bring it to you. Once the dog returns, show the other disc and prepare to throw. Most dogs will drop the first disc. If successful, praise or reward with any KONG Stuff’N Treat.

2) If your dog proves to be a little stubborn, then you may have to resort to using a 30-foot training lead. After you roll the disc and your dog picks it up, call her name and tell her to bring the disc to you, and then gently pull her back to you. Praise your dog as you pull her towards you. If your dog drops the disc, stop pulling your dog toward you, retrieve the disc and start again. Never throw over 30 feet with this method.

Catching the KONG Flying Disc:
When your dog has mastered bringing the KONG Flying Disc back to you without the offer of another disc or the aid of a lead, your dog is ready to begin learning the catch.

Stand a few feet away from your dog and gently toss the KONG Flying Disc into the air. While doing this say “Catch.” Repeat this process until your dog successfully catches the disc. Be patient. This can take some time to accomplish. When your dog manages to catch the disc, be sure to give lots of praise or reward with any KONG Stuff’N Treat.

You are now ready to move onto the final step. If you are right handed, position yourself on your dog’s right. If you are left handed, reverse position. Make sure the dog sees the KONG Flying Disc. From this position throw the disc a short distance in front of you. When your dog becomes adept at catching these short throws, you can then progress to throws of greater distance. If you have a dog that likes playing fetch with a stick or toy then you can expect your dog to transition easily to catching a KONG Flying Disc. Dogs love and the challenge of chasing and catching the KONG flying disc. Catching and retrieving a KONG Flying Disc can be a great way to keep your dog healthy and stimulated both physically and mentally.

Very Important
Before you head out with your new KONG Flying Disc, be pro-active in ensuring the health and well being of your dog. There are some simple rules you should follow in order to protect you and your dog, ensuring a safe and enjoyable play session.

Always play on a flat, grass field free of holes, rocks or other potentially dangerous obstacles. Do not throw near trees, fences, posts, or other obstructions. Only play during the day or in brightly lit areas. Always have water and shade available for your dog to prevent overheating during practice. Keep workouts short at first, allowing your dog’s stamina to build.

The KONG Flying Disc should be used as a retrieval toy not a tug toy. Tugging can be counter productive to the retrieval game. Also, do not allow your dog to become too possessive of her KONG Flying Disc or show any aggression towards you while handling the disc. You should always control how and when games are played. The KONG Flying Disc is not a chew toy.

Puppy ZIGGIES PHOTO CONTEST
Win $500.00 or valuable KONG Gift Baskets! It’s simple. Photograph your puppy enjoying a Puppy ZIGGIES treat and email digital image to:kong@kongcompany.com.

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

Photos mailed to the KONG Company cannot be returned.

Rules:
1. The photo must contain a puppy (or dog) enjoying a Puppy ZIGGIES chew treat. No canine age limit imposed.
2. Make sure your photo is clear and of good quality (300 dpi preferred). If your picture is blurry, or the Puppy ZIGGIES 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 December 15, 2006. No entries accepted after December 16, 2006. A winner will be selected by December 20, 2006.
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
December 15, 2006

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

For More Information Visit www.kongcompany.com

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