How to Introduce a Kong to Your Dog Part 2
Keeping your dog mentally and physically enriched is important, and Kong toys are an excellent way to fulfill that need. Most dogs are unsure of Kong toys until they’re properly introduced, which can take a few days. If you’ve already read our guide to choosing the right Kong size for your dog and started to introduce a Kong to your dog, then let’s go over step 2!
Is Your Dog Ready for Step 2?
During step 1, we slowly introduced your dog to a Kong with a bit of peanut butter smeared on the outside rim and a few loose treats inside the toy. If your dog will happily lick away at the smeared peanut butter outside of the Kong, then it’s time to move onto step 2. Now, it’s time to make this food stuffed toy a bit more difficult for your dog. Remember, food stuffed Kongs are like puzzles, and your dog needs to solve it before getting all the treats out.
Digging Treats Out of a Kong
Smear a bit of peanut butter or cream cheese inside the outer rim of the Kong, so your dog must lick inside of the toy to get the food. Toss a few treats inside the Kong, such as bits of cheese, diced hot dogs or blue cheese crumbles.
Place the food filled Kong on a soft mat and walk away. Now, your dog is thinking, “Oh, this weird rubber toy smells really good and I must dig out all the goodness!” Practice twice a day for 2-3 days.
Multiple Dog Households and Kongs
When offering food stuffed Kongs to several dogs at once, it’s best to separate all dogs. Toss the dog toys inside secured crates or behind baby gates to prevent resource guarding among your dogs. Even the very best of friends will squabble over a peanut butter filled Kong, so prevention is key every time.
