KONG NEWS - 2008
Welcome to the 13th issue of the KONG Community Newsletter. Since the release of the last newsletter, our diverse international community has grown to over 90,000 active members.

GUEST ARTICLE
KONG Toys Help Train Canine Actors
The KONG Company recently interviewed animal trainer Debbie Pearl. Debbie is also the owner of Paws for Effect, Inc., a full service animal training company providing trained animals to the motion picture industry. We were very happy to hear about her humane training methods and wide use of KONG toys.

KONG: What types of animals do you train?
Debbie: We train all types of animals, but focus mainly on domestic animals: dogs, cats and birds.

How do you train the dogs?
We use a combination of food and toys. The process we apply is positive reinforcement / high motivation training. This method creates a dog that wants to learn and enjoys the training process.

Do you include KONG toys in your training?
Yes we do. We love the different products KONG makes and we are able to use them as part of our motivational training program.

Do you use KONG toys to calm and comfort your dogs?
Absolutely! When we have dogs that are injured or recovering from an illness we use the KONG toys to help them pass the time while recovering. We especially love to stuff KONG toys with our dog’s favorite goodies, which in turn, keep them entertained for hours.
 
How do you select dogs for work in the movie industry?
What I look for in a dog is high toy drive and food drive. This combination of motivators helps mold a winning dog. Naturally, the look of the dog is important as is a dynamic personality.
 
Is there one dog in particularly that’s crazy for KONG toys?
There are too many KONG–loving dogs at our facility to pick just one! Their favorite toys are the Classic KONG toys and the Air KONG toys. Our very-active dogs love the KONG Wubba, they’re great for tug, toss and retrieve. The smaller dogs really enjoy the KONG plush toys (KONG Dr. Noys’ Toys). 

Do you bring KONG toys on location with you?
We always bring lots of KONG toys with us on location. Our working animals deserve a rewarding release after a day on the set, and there’s no better way than a fun game of fetch with KONG toys or KONG Flyers. Food-stuffed KONG toys also serve to occupy our animal actors during downtime.
 
Do you use KONG toys with other animals besides dogs?
Yes, of course! Our cats especially love Cat Wubba and KONG Naturals catnip toys. The Cat Wubba toys keep them entertained and we all know the effect catnip has on those kitties!

Our birds also love their food-stuffed KONG toys, as it really helps nourish their forging instincts.

To learn more about Paws for Effect, check out www.pawsforeffect.net

KONG COMMUNITY LETTERS
This month the KONG Company would like to share a wonderful letter, sent to us by a grateful member of the KONG community. 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:

Our KONG Story
Every night following our after dinner walk I’d tell my four year old golden retriever, Rey, to “go get the KONG”. He’d bring me the smaller of our two black Extreme KONG toys and put it in my hand. I then would ask him to bring me the “other one”. He’d come back with the larger KONG toy and put it in my hand and then be rewarded with a small treat. He definitely knows the difference between “go get the KONG” and “go get the other one.”

Our 12 year-old lab, Aster, would then sit on my right side, Rey on my left while I stuffed the KONG toys with small treats and a dab or two of peanut butter. I’d hand Rey the KONG and Aster the “other one”.

We lost Aster on July 7, 2008, to cancer. She had been very happy and active right up to the day before we had to have her put to sleep. That day her body just sort of shut down and we decided to let her go rather than put her through any pain or lengthy decline.

That evening I told Rey to get the KONG. He brought it to me and then went after the “other one.” When I tried to take it from him he backed up and wouldn't hand it to me. When I tried again, he did the same thing. I turned to the counter to stuff his KONG toy and he moved over to my right side. He set Aster’s KONG toy on the floor by my foot, moved over to my left side, and sat down.

Rey is adapting now and doesn’t usually bring the “other one” unless I am too slow stuffing his “KONG”. Last night I was slow and he brought me the second KONG toy. I told him to put it in the toy box. Of course I never have gotten him to put his toys away, but he did take it back to the living room and drop it by the dog bed.

Dogs are just amazing. Thank you for letting us share our KONG story.

Sincerely,
Kelly Bolt
Sunnyside, WA 

Kelly Bolt and her dog Rey 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.

KONG TOY FOCUS
The Essential Dog Toys - Part Four
Part Four of our continuing series focuses on how you and your canine companion can benefit from using dog toys on a daily basis. We will explore dog toys from KONG’s Five Essential Dog Toy Categories and give tips for daily use.

Dogs are social, intelligent animals that crave our love and attention. With proper guidance, a dog can become a well-mannered member of any family. Initially, there is no substitute for proper basic training in providing a solid foundation to life-long learning. In fact, the more time you spend training, socializing and playing with your dog the faster they will learn. Even after the initial basic training, consistently reinforcing the lessons learned is a must.

Unfortunately, we all have busy days that can demand a majority of our time. So what can a dog owner do to provide the daily guidance and mental stimulation our dogs crave? Besides juggling our schedules to provide what time we have to share, dog toys can prove an effective aid to our canine commitments. Below we discuss easy and effective daily strategies utilizing the five essential dog toy categories to enhance shared time, maintain training and have fun.

1. Training Toys -
We define Training Toys as toys that help facilitate a training process or reinforce or maintain a learned behavior. Toys can prove effective training aids on many levels. For instance, toys can provide a source of positive reinforcement (reward) while shaping desired behaviors. They can be equally effective as a substitute activity for negative behaviors or stressful situations. By refocusing or occupying a dog, toys can help eliminate or curb many common issues, i.e. inappropriate chewing, barking or separation anxiety.

Assuming your dog has already benefited from some form of basic obedience training, it is important to consistently reinforce learned behaviors. Realistically, canine training should be viewed as a daily, life-long endeavor. It takes patience and diligence. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be a tedious and time consuming chore.

Reinforcing basic obedience with a training toy can be as easy as offering your dog a treat-stuffed KONG toy as reward for good behavior or placing one in your dog’s crate so they associate the crate with a positive activity. In both instances you are providing a positive reward for performance of a desired behavior.

Daily Training Toy Tips:
• Most importantly use treat-stuffed training toys to prevent unwanted behaviors. Prevention is one of the most important words in training. When you offer a treat-stuffed training toy you are giving your dog a positive activity to occupy his time instead of leaving him to develop bad behaviors on his own.

• Prepare a treat-stuffed Training Toy, like a Classic KONG toy, and show it to your dog. Before giving the KONG toy, have your dog perform several previously learned tricks or recall basic obedience training commands. Even simple commands like “sit”, “down” and “stay” will do. By doing this you are providing positive reward and reinforcing learned behaviors.

• If your puppy or dog uses a crate, a treat-stuffed KONG is the perfect enticement. Most dogs will eagerly enter their crate for the stuffed KONG toy then curl up and enjoy un-stuffing it.

2. Treat Dispenser / Enrichment Toys -
Treat dispenser toys are the perfect way to provide mental and physical stimulation for your dog while you’re occupied with daily chores or away from home. It is so easy to develop the daily habit of filling a treat dispenser with healthy treats to entertain and occupy your furry friend.

On days when you’re away for longer periods of time, consider filling several treat dispenser toys. This will help occupy and mentally stimulate your dog longer. You can also add dog food in the dispensers further extending the activity while adding fun to an otherwise mundane mealtime.

When using treat dispensing toys like the KONG Stuff-A-Ball, be sure to reduce your dog’s normal food intake to balance out the extra calories gained from treats.

Daily Treat Dispenser Tips:
• Give your dog a treat-stuffed dispenser toy after guests have arrived and your dog is starting to settle down. Providing a toy during this time will occupy your dog with a positive, calming activity. Your guests will be amazed at how well-mannered and calm your dog is.

• When your dog is demanding your attention during a busy day at home, offer a stuffed dispenser toy to keep him busy as well. Now you can get your work done and nurture your dog at the same time.

• When leaving the house give your dog something fun and positive to do while you’re away. Treat your dog to a goody- stuffed dispenser toy. Important - be certain the treat dispenser toy is safe for unsupervised use. First, experiment with different treat dispensers while at home to determine durability and how long it takes your dog to un-stuff them. Discourage excessive chewing of treat dispenser toys, especially after all the treats have been removed.

The first fifteen minutes after you leave are the most important. Most dogs experience the stress of separation during this time and can act out with inappropriate behaviors like digging, barking or chewing. To be most effective, don’t make a big deal when leaving, just stuff the treat dispenser and give it to your dog. You will want to provide a treat dispenser or two that can occupy your dog for at least fifteen minutes after you leave. This will lessen the stress of separation by providing a stimulating, positive activity while helping to preventing undesirable behaviors. 

3. Interactive Fun Toys -
Interactive toys are those designed to be used by you and your dog together. Interactive play helps strengthen the bond between you and your dog and provides healthy exercise for both of you. Reserve a little time daily for exercise and interactive play with your dog. Games using interactive toys like fetch, tug and disc toss help focus your dog’s attention to you and the task at hand. The resulting sharper focus and stronger bond will enhance future interactive play and training sessions.

Daily Interactive Toy Tips:
• Interactive play is a great reward for your dog. Before you begin any interactive play it’s a good time to ask your dog to recall some basic obedience commands. After a short session of four to six commands, reward your dog with interactive play.

• After a long and busy day away, it may not be possible to play outside. Even a mellow interactive game inside the house after work or before bed is beneficial. Try a short distance toss and fetch game or a gentle game of tug using soft, indoor toys. A Puppy KONG Flyer or a Snugga Wubba will work well.

• Play Keep Away and Chase: While outside, get your dog excited about a toy by throwing it in the air, bouncing it and hiding it behind your back. But don’t let your dog have it just yet. Once your dog is interested and wants the toy, run with it to begin the chase. After a while let you dog have the toy and then chase after him.

• Play Three Toy Monty: Choose three hollow toys or toys like KONG Flyers that can hide or cover a small treat. Randomly place a small treat under or inside one of the three toys. Shuffle the toys around on the floor and then let you dog hunt down the prized morsel.

4. Self Amusement Toys -
Dog toys in this category are designed to activate and occupy your dog’s attention without your direct participation or the need for treats. Since play with these toys is generally unsupervised choose especially safe and durable toys. A dog engaged in play is less likely to misbehave or feel stressed.

Important: With any new toy, always supervise use until you feel absolutely sure the toy is safe for your dog. Self amusement toys should be introduced as interactive play toys first. Any toy has the possibility of being a Self Amusement Toy. However, this must be determined by you, the dog owner, through careful observation and supervision. No dog toy is indestructible! Never allow unsupervised use of any toy unless you are absolutely sure the toy is safe for unsupervised play.

Daily Self Amusement Toy Tips:
• Self Amusement toys are great tools to use when your attention is focused on a task and away from your dog. Before beginning the task at hand, select a few, previously determined Self Amusement toys and give them to your dog. Your dog can then entertain himself while you complete your task

• This category of toy is also essential for the backyard. A few Self Amusement toys can occupy your dog throughout the day and keep her from unacceptable mischief, like barking, digging or inappropriate chewing.

5. 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 tend to have a soft, cuddly feel and also retain a familiar 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.

Daily Comfort Toy Tips:
• Most dogs like to sleep in the same area each night. Perhaps they even have a dog bed or blanket to curl up in. This behavior is comforting and gives our friends a sense of security much like the den does for their wild canine cousins. This is a great time and place for comfort toys.

• Create a comfort toy with praise and association: During quiet, relaxing times introduce a specific toy to your dog that she can lay with or gently chew. Praise your dog for cuddling or interacting with the toy. Over time and with repeated praise, your dog will associate the toy with quiet times and relaxation. The toy itself will begin to have a calming, comforting effect.

For more information on Essential Toy Categories, see KONG Community Newsletters, Volumes 10, 11 and 12.

KONG TRAINING
KONG 101 – Introducing the KONG Toy
KONG is well known as the “Worlds Best Dog Toy”, but that doesn’t mean your new puppy or dog will think - “Oh boy, there’s that world famous KONG toy” and then naturally begin playing with it. For some dogs it requires some introductory training before the KONG toy becomes your dog’s favorite toy. Although, for many dogs it is “love at first sight” or should we say “love at first chew”.

At KONG we like to say, “It’s not just a toy it’s a KONG”. In fact, KONG toys have been recommended by trainers and behaviorist for over thirty years as the tool of choice for addressing numerous canine behavior problems. These include stress and boredom, destructive chewing, separation anxiety, assistance in crate training, problem barking and digging. KONG’s are truly, more than your average dog toy!

KONG toys are produced for all dog sizes and all life stages, from puppy to adult to senior. There’s also an Extreme version for power chewers. For those of you who are new to the KONG community, take a minute to check out the KONG Rubber Formulas and Features chart. Choosing the right size and rubber hardness to fit your dog’s needs will help your dog get started on a safe and fun chewing adventure.

Day One – Create Desire
The KONG introduction starts with a challenge-of-patience for both you and your dog. Show the new KONG toy to your dog, call your dog by name (we’ll use Joey), and ask if he wants his KONG. DO NOT give the KONG toy to Joey at this time. Wave the KONG toy around and toss it in the air a few times to get Joey excited and then put it in a cupboard or a drawer until the next day. This might sound mean, but bear with us. One of the most overlooked steps of introducing a new dog toy is creating desire and excitement. By withholding the KONG toy on the first day you create even more excitement and desire the next.

Day Two A – Create Excitement
On the second day, show the KONG toy to Joey with excitement in your voice "Joey…Do you want your KONG”! Throw the KONG, roll the KONG, gently push Joey away and tell him it’s yours. Think of this stage as a modified game of “keep away”. Your dog will want the KONG toy even more. This technique sounds silly, but it’s commonly used by police dog trainers. They have even been known to tie a rope on the KONG and run around the house or yard with their dog in chase.

After the playful introduction above, let your dog settle down before moving to the next step. If your dog was not moved by your antics, don’t be discouraged. Not all dogs are motivated to play with or chase a KONG toy, so for those of you who were not successful with the play segment, the next step should work for you.

Day Two B – Pack Time Introduction
Pick a quiet time after completing Step A. Stuff your new KONG toy with healthy dog treats and finally…….give this well deserved treat to your dog. During the first few weeks of stuffed KONG toy use, offer the toy only during quiet family times, such as reading or watching TV. We refer to these times between you, your family and your dog as “Pack Time”. Your dog will begin to look forward to Pack Time and start associating a stuffed KONG with calm and relaxing moments.

After repeating Step B for several weeks, most dogs will start asking for their KONG toy, some may even bring you the empty toy to fill. The real benefit of your dog’s positive association with treat-stuffed KONG toys rests in its future ability to calm and occupy your dog during stressful or trying situations.

Think of the stuffed KONG as a puzzle. You want the puzzle to be easy at first and then over time, depending on the dog, increase the difficulty of the puzzle. This method will help increase the mental and physical stimulation all dogs need.

Ask KONG
This forum provides our community a way to ask questions related to KONG toys, KONG treats, training, behavioral issues and more. As a bonus, four questions will be selected quarterly as winners. Winning questions will be printed in the upcoming newsletters and winners will receive a KONG Gift Basket. Below are the four winning questions from last quarter.

1) How do you know when to upgrade your dog from a Puppy KONG to an adult Classic KONG. Furthermore, when do you size-up to a larger KONG toy?  I just want to make sure that he remains safely engaged and challenged while I'm away.
- Trenh N., Berkley, CA USA

A) Initial KONG toy sizing is best determined using a combination of your dog’s age, weight, breed and chewing temperament.
However, the move from Puppy KONG toys to Classic KONG toys is determined mainly by your dog’s age, weight and toy condition.

Age
If your dog is over nine months old, we recommend graduating to the properly sized, Classic KONG toy.

Weight
If your dog outgrows the recommended weight range of his current Puppy KONG and is under nine months, stay with Puppy KONG, but move up to the next size larger. If your dog outgrows the weight range of the largest sized Puppy KONG, make the early move to the appropriately sized Classic KONG toy.

Toy Condition
As your puppy grows his jaws will mature and become more powerful. Since Puppy KONG rubber is softer, he may begin to damage the toy. Occasionally inspect the toy for damage. If you notice damage to the Puppy KONG (missing pieces, cuts or tears), remove the toy and size up to a larger Puppy KONG or Classic KONG toy. If your dog is a power chewer you may need to size up or graduate to the black rubber, Extreme KONG.

For further sizing information, see chart or visit www.KONGcompany.com

2) I just bought a new red Classic KONG toy as recommended by my veterinarian. When I returned home I noticed white marks on the outer surface. It seems to rub right off. Is this normal?
- Stephen Cole, Canada

A) Yes, this surface discoloration is a normal occurrence in products made of natural rubber and is referred to as blooming. Blooming is caused by the migration of harmless natural elements within the rubber and can occur over time or under certain environmental conditions such as exposure to sunlight or florescent light.

Although it is not necessary to remove for safe use, the white spots can be removed by rubbing with soapy water using a dish towel or brush.

3)My dog Winnie just turned nine years old and does not chew or show much interest in her favorite red Classic KONG toy unless it has food inside. Even then, all she does is lick the toy. How can I get her to chew the toy again? It was such good exercise for her and the chewing and squeezing would help dislodge the food within. It was great fun to watch!
- Agata Schmit, Germany

A) There are many possible reasons for Winnie’s new KONG toy behavior. One might be health related, specifically dental. Check your dog’s teeth and gums for excessive wear, redness or damage. She may have developed tooth or gum disease. Both can cause pain as the result of chewing. See your veterinarian if you suspect a dental problem.

Another possible reason for her lack of KONG chewing could be her age. Dogs typically start to show their age around seven or eight years and tend to slow down and become less active. At this stage in life the red Classic KONG rubber may be too hard for Winnie.

Try using a Senior KONG toy. The rubber is much softer and therefore easier to chew. Senior KONG toys are specifically designed to reestablish play and encourage chewing exercise in older dogs.

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.

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 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 Janet Kozlowski of Dunkirk, New York and her Piper.

Hello KONG,
Here is our favorite KONG stuffing recipe. My dog loves it!

Salmon Treasure KONG
Ingredients:

First, stuff the KONG toy with one of your dog’s favorite biscuits. Then put in a few frozen peas. Next, add a healthy salmon treat or chunk of left-over salmon. For the next layer, add a few small slices of carrot. Finally, spoon in a little bit of peanut butter and cover it all with one more biscuit. Then watch your dog go to town! The salmon is the key. They love the smell of the fish and can't wait to get to it.

Thank you,
Janet Kozlowski

KONG CONTESTS
New Member Gift Basket Winners
Shanna Lenfesty
Beryl Clampton
Sarah Scheerens
Autumn Woodard
Jaime Djuric
Robin Palmer
Ariel Dunn
Elaine Camerin
Sara Jones
Hellen Langereis
Thad Warner
Jennifer Bishop
Nate Wambaugh
Jennifer Martin
Melissa Flanagan
Gloria Bartosik
EK Sharp
Cynthia Reid
Rebecca Deiter
Anita Ma

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

Photo Contest Winners – From Volume 12 Contest

The “You and Your KONG Dog” Photo Contest, grand prize winner was Elizabeth McNeely of Durham, NC and her dog Sydney. They have won $500.00 and a KONG gift basket.






Our second place winner is Jeanne Ireland and their dog Ava from Suffolk, Virginia. Jeanne and Ava have won a large KONG gift basket.






The third place winner is Kristen Sexton of Fircrest, Washington and her dog Henry. Kristen and Henry will receive a medium KONG gift basket.

The KONG Company would like to thank all the community members who submitted Senior KONG 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 13 Photo Contest - You and Your KONG Dog - Part Two
Win a $250.00cash prize and or valuable KONG Gift Baskets! It’s simple. Photograph you and your dog using any model KONG toy and email digital image to: kong@kongcompany.com Photographs of any family member with your dog are acceptable. Be sure any model KONG toy is also in the photograph. Please click link below for more contest details and rules.

Or mail photograph to:
You and Your KONG Dog 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 third 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 Dog Care Tips
In this section the KONG Company will offer Dog care tips and advice designed to help you and your furry friend. We would also love to hear from you, if you have any dog care questions or tips of your own. You can email us at: KONG@KONGcompany.com

Dog Toy Care
We know your dog probably has a toy box full of fun toys. But are they clean and have you checked them for damage? Here at KONG, toy safety is always at the top of our list and it’s a good idea to put it at the top of your list too. Keep your dog safe and healthy by keeping his toys clean and removing unsafe or damaged toys.

Dog toys should be cleaned on a regular basis. Especially if they are toys are stuffed with messy foods or treats. Most rubber or nylon toys can be washed with soapy water just like dishes.

While cleaning a toy, it’s also a good time to check for any damage. Dogs have very powerful jaws and their toys can become dangerous if cut, torn, cracked, or split. It’s our job to look after our furry friends.

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 Everett Hanke, age 7 from Renton, Washington, USA.

The winner of the 8 - 11 group is McKenna Paintin, age 10 from Omaha, Nebraska, USA.

The winner of the 12 - 15 group is Lisa Kilgrow, age 12 from Grove, California, USA.

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

KONG Kids Letter
Tell us about your KONG experiences. You can write about anything KONG related. Examples include: 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 issue’s winner is Sara Gardner and her dog Gimbel from Fairborn, Ohio. Sara and her dog have won a KONG Gift Basket full of KONG toys and treats.

Dear KONG,
Thank you so much for making good toys for my dog Gimbel. Every day, I get to fill the KONG toy in the morning with my dog’s favorite treats, dog cookies and peanut butter. Before we leave the house, our dog gets his favorite toy stuffed with food so he will be good all day until I get home from school. He is always so excited when I come home too! Sometimes even though the toy is not stuffed with food, he gets it out of his kennel and plays with it. I think he wants me to fill it with food again! Before Gimbel goes to bed every night, he likes to take his toy to bed with him too. I guess he just loves his KONG that much. Thank you for making my dog’s favorite toy.

Sincerely,
Sara Gardner
Fairborn, Ohio
4th grade

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
Brushing Your Cat

Cats are very neat animals and spend a good portion of their time performing personal grooming. This includes licking and smoothing their fur, thereby dislodging loose debris, dirt, and skin flakes. While cats left to their own devices will usually do a good job of grooming, they certainly benefit when you take some time to help brush them – both increasing their cleanliness and strengthening the bond between owner and pet.

The KONG Cat ZoomGroom is perfectly designed to help facilitate daily brushings. Frequent brushing helps keep your cat’s coat shiny, smooth, and free of tangles by removing loose fur and evenly distributing the cat’s natural oils. The soft, pliable rubber of the ZoomGroom makes it easy and comfortable for the cat, and cleanup is a breeze as the loose fur collects around the rubber points of the brush.

Start daily brushings as early in your cat’s life as possible, preferably when your cat is still a small kitten. Cats that do not have regular interaction with their owners may become defensive when touched, or it may take a long time to “warm up” to their owner. Having a brushing session, even for a few minutes, helps establish a routine and reduces the cat’s resistance to being handled. Holding brushings at the same time and place every day further strengthens the routine.

While brushing your cat, take time to give a preventative health check by examining her ears, eyes, mouth, nails, and skin to see if there are any abnormalities. By doing this regularly, you will be able to spot potential health problems more quickly and have a happier, healthier feline friend.

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 Animal-shaped Cat Wubba
Now your cat can play with brightly-colored Wubba in five, fun animal shapes: Cow, Bunny, Duck, Pig, and Mouse. Every animal-shaped, Cat Wubba is infused with premium, North American grown catnip to enhance excitement. Cats are also drawn to the rattle sound and extra-long crinkle tails. Each design encourages active play such as wrestling and hind paw kicking. Best of all….the animal-shaped Wubba for Cats allows your cat to adopt a playmate of its own.

See Cat Wubba in action!

KONG Catnip
You will instantly notice the high quality of KONG Catnip as you examine the bright green, leafy contents of our re-sealable plastic container. When sprinkled on appropriate scratching surfaces or toys, the fresh, irresistible scent will attract your cat. The re-sealable container ensures potency, freshness and fun. Also comes in spray form.

Kickeroos
This catnip wrestling toy is filled with a generous portion of KONG’s premium catnip and made of the softest fabrics. Your cat will enjoy attacking, wrestling, and hind-paw-kicking at this fun and flexible toy with an animal-like tail. The oversized Kickeroo may seem large for a cat toy, but cats at the KONG Company love them. The Kickeroo is available in three distinctive patterns.

See Kickeroo in action!

Cat Behavior Modification
Making the Transition to an Indoor Cat
There are many good reasons for keeping your cat an “indoor cat”. Cats that spend time outdoors face the dangers of: attack by other animals, being hit by a car, becoming lost or stolen, ingesting poisons or pesticides, or encountering an abusive person. These are but a few of the potential situations that can put your kitty in harms way.

Keeping your cat indoors can significantly increase their lifespan. In fact the Dumb Friends League states, “Most outdoor cats allowed to roam usually don’t live more than a few years. Indoor cats can live up to 18 to 20 years old.”

If you currently have an outdoor cat, making the transition to indoor cat may be difficult at first. Here are some suggestions that may help:

Establish regular playtimes, using interactive cat toys. Your cat will get to release the natural energy he builds up for stalking and catching prey. It doesn’t have to be a great deal of time, but even fifteen minutes a day will help tremendously.

Create an outdoor viewing spot in your house, using a piece of cat furniture or a window cushion. Your cat will enjoy watching birds, people, and everything that is going on outside. Placing a bird feeder outside where your cat can see it may add to her enjoyment.

Leave plenty of independent-play catnip toys around your house, hiding them in different spots where your cat can discover them fresh each day. You can place toys in small boxes, paper bags, or just out of sight around walls or corners.

You can still give your cat occasional supervised outdoor time, making use of a cat harness or stroller for taking short walks, or using specifically designed cat enclosures.

Finally, be sure that your cat is spayed or neutered – this will reduce the cat’s desire to go outdoors for the purposes of seeking a mate and should produce a calm, friendly feline.

Cat Wubba Photo Contest Winners – From Volume 12

The “Cat Wubba” Photo Contest, grand prize winner was Carla Sinclair of Raleigh, North Carolina and her cat River. They have won $250.00 and a KONG Cat gift basket.





Our second place winner is Mitch and Nicole Skrove and their cat Siren from Bolling AFB, Washington, DC. Mitch, Nicole and Siren have won a large KONG gift basket.




The third place winner is Julia Allen of Enfield, Connecticut and her cat Melody. Julia and melody will receive a medium KONG gift basket for their winning entry.

The KONG Company would like to thank all the community members who submitted Cat Wubba photos. Your participation in the new KONG Cat photo contest was overwhelming and the photos were wonderful. It was truly a pleasure viewing all the happy KONG cats. Check out the New KONG Cat Photo Contest in this issue for another chance to win.

NEW KONG Cat Photo Contest Volume 13 - KONG Naturals
Win $250.00 cash and or valuable KONG Cat Gift Baskets! It’s simple. Photograph your cat using any KONG Naturals cat toy and email digital images to: KONG@KONGcompany.com

Or mail photograph to:
KONG Naturals for Cats 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 Wubba for Cats information and suggestions please refer to our website at www.KONGcompany.com