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KONG NEWS
Thank you for being part of our fifth
issue of the KONG Community Newsletter. We now have over 11,400
active members worldwide. Volume 5 contains descriptions of KONG’s
latest products, delicious KONG Stuff’N recipes, KONG photo
contest, KONG training and activity tips and an article by KONG’s
behavioral consultant and trainer, Mark Hines.
For a printer friendly version, click here.
KONG Stuff-A-Ball Photo Contest Winners
The
KONG Stuff-A-Ball Photo Contest grand prize winner was Scarlett
Barbosa of Kansas City and her dog Taz. They have won $500.00
and a KONG gift basket.
Our
second place winner is Patty Change of Castle Rock, Colorado, and
her dog Sashi. Patty and Sashi have won a large KONG gift basket.
The third place winner is Rajeev Pradhan of Mumbai, India and his
dog Zippo. Rajeev and Zippo will receive a medium KONG gift
basket.
The KONG Company would like to thank all the community members who
submitted KONG Stuff-A-Ball photos. Your involvement in the contest
was overwhelming and the photos superb. International participation
is on the rise with contestants from all over the world. We
had participants from Australia, Holland, South Africa, Canada,
England, Mexico, Italy and India.
Check out the new KONG Photo Contest in this issue for another chance
to win $500.00 or one of three KONG gift baskets.
KONG - One of Seven Best Pet Inventions
The KONG toy was recently honored in an article written by Dr. Marty
Becker as one of the seven most innovative and beneficial pet inventions
in recent history. Below please find a quote from the article. To
read the entire article, please go to: www.fortwayne.com
7 Inventions That Have Made Life Better
for Pets and People
By Dr. Marty Becker (Knight Ridder Newspapers)
"4.
The KONG toy - The world's first interactive dog toy has probably
saved thousands of dogs from the pound by giving inveterate chewers
a better outlet for their habit than the furniture or their owners'
slippers! When Fritz the dog refused to stop chewing rocks, his
owner Joe Markham tried distracting him with a rubber suspension
bushing from the VW van he was repairing. Fritz enjoyed chewing
on it for hours. This gave Markham the idea of manufacturing a "Michelin
Man" shaped rubber dog toy that would bounce unpredictably,
with interior space for some food or a treat hidden inside to sustain
interest. Thus the KONG toy was born, and owners everywhere found
that their destructive chewers could become happy, well-adjusted
pets."
Dr. Marty Becker is the veterinary contributor to "Good Morning
America" and hosts "Top Vets Talk Pets" on www.healthradionetwork.com.
He is also coauthor of "Chicken Soup For The Horse Lover's
Soul." Write to him in care of Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service,
700 12th St. NE, STE 1000, Washington, DC 20005 or visit his website
at: www.drmartybecker.com
Welcome to the KONG Community
This month 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,
We
are proud owners of Oscar our dachshund and Sadie our Pomeranian
mix. We rescued Oscar from a local shelter in May of last year and
soon realized that he enjoyed the company of other dogs. In early
October we began to search for another shelter dog.
That’s when we came across our Sadie. She was brought in the
day before we arrived by her previous owners to be euthanized. Thankfully
the staff members saw that she was in perfect health and
just needed a loving home. We immediately fell in love with the
scruffy Mohawk Pomeranian (yes, she had a Mohawk!). After having
her groomed and
de-ticked we took her home to meet her brother Oscar and
they hit it off beautifully. In the first few days of having her
we soon realized that she didn’t understand what should come
naturally such as playing with toys or giving affection.
We
already knew of KONG since we purchased the KONG Stuff-A-Ball and
Classic KONG toy for Oscar and
began our training with the same products for Sadie. She was immediately
intrigued with the treats waiting inside for her to gobble up. After
a few “lessons” she caught onto pushing the KONG Stuff-A-Ball
around the room and
chewing on the Classic KONG toy to receive the treats. Now she can’t
get enough of her wonderful KONG toys, you can always bet on seeing
her run across the room with her KONG Stuff-A-Ball not even conscious
of the wall waiting in front of her. She now has a new favorite
to add to her collection the KONG Extreme Goodie Bone which she
received yesterday and
has since carried with her everywhere.
I want to take a moment and
express my deep gratitude for your products. Without knowing it,
you helped our wonderful and now very affectionate Sadie. She now
has more confidence and understands the simple concept of playing
with a toy.
All Our Love,
Brandy, Paul
Oscar and
Sadie
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 toy testing. Veterinarians also test and approve
all new products. Here are the latest additions to our ever-expanding
product line.
New KONG Toys:
Puppy
KONG Flyer
The Puppy KONG Flyer is our latest
interactive toy for puppies, adding another flying disc to the successful
KONG Flyer line. This Flyer is perfectly sized for a puppy and made
with KONG’s special teething rubber formula for a soft catch.
Safety, flexibility and durability make the Puppy KONG Flyer the
world’s best rubber flying disc.
Medium
Extreme KONG
On an ongoing basis, we poll our
customer service and sales teams to determine the most requested
new product suggestions. The overwhelming winner for the past six
months has been the Medium Extreme KONG. Apparently, there are a
lot of very tough, small to medium dogs in need of an Extreme KONG.
Ideal for the power chewer, the Medium Extreme KONG is made with
our ultra-strong black rubber compound. Extreme KONGs are recommended
and used worldwide by a multitude of professional canine organizations,
including police, drug enforcement, and military K-9 units.
Dr.
Noys' Long Tailed Jungle Mouse (Cats With an Attitude)
KONG is offering the NEW
Cats with an Attitude Long-Tailed Jungle Mouse. The furry, catnip-filled
Jungle Mouse has an extra long tail with a pom pom end to entice
any cat.
New KONG Stuff'N Treats:
KONG Stuff’N Puppy ZIGGIES (Coming This Summer)
The Healthy Treat for Puppies
Puppy ZIGGIES are specially formulated for growing puppies. Puppy
ZIGGIES have a long-lasting, chewy texture that is safe and highly
digestible. Available in three sizes. Check out our exclusive features
and see why your pup will love Puppy ZIGGIES.
•
Won't Crack or Splinter
•
Safe and Digestible
•
Freshens Breath
•
Cleans Teeth
• Unique Formula
and Design
Puppy ZIGGIES are low in fat, high in protein and calcium enriched
for growing bones and healthy teeth. The flavor and texture are
irresistible. Independent analysis confirms Puppy ZIGGIES are 95%
digestible and highly palatable.
• Natural Dental Benefits
Puppy ZIGGIES’ unique chewy texture helps remove plaque and
food debris. This soft formula contains breath freshening alfalfa
and parsley, rich sources of chlorophyll.
• Long Lasting Treat
The texture and density of our Puppy ZIGGIES produce a safe, long-lasting
chew time. Ideal for stuffing into Puppy KONG toys.
Better
Ingredients
Only the finest digestible ingredients are included in our Puppy
ZIGGIES.
• High in Protein – Pure wheat gluten and chicken liver.
• Safe, Firm, Chewy Texture – Vegetable derived glycerin
and glycerides of edible fatty acids.
• Controls a Variety of Canine Odors – Natural alfalfa
and parsley help reduce breath, gas, and feces odors.
• Helps Maintain Firm Stool and a Healthy Digestive
System – Purified plant cellulose fiber.
•
Calcium Enriched – natural calcium carbonate.
• No Artificial Flavors, Colorants or Preservatives –
Tocopherals are a natural preservative and source of vitamin E.
PUPPIES LOVE'EM.
KONG Community Special Offer
FREE Puppy ZIGGIES
sample. To receive your FREE Puppy ZIGGIES, simply purchase any
KONG product or treat and mail 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.
Offer available to U.S. residents only, one offer per household.
Allow 2–3 weeks for delivery. Offer expires August 1st, 2006.
KONG
TRAINING TIPS
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 KONG’s own, Mark Hines.
KONG
- The Perfect Interactive Play Toy
Over the years and on numerous occasions,
I’ve discussed the many uses of the KONG toy with trainers
and behaviorists. Often, and for good reason, the discussions are
focused on the KONG toy as a behavioral aid or tool rather than
a dog toy. The world’s top trainers and behaviorist have recommended
the Classic KONG toy for over 30 years as an effective training
tool to assist in addressing behavioral challenges. These challenges
include: destructive chewing, separation anxiety, assistance in
crate training and alleviation of stress and general boredom to
name a few. But let us not forget the KONG toy was originally developed
as, and still is, the ultimate interactive play toy for dogs.
Encouraging KONG playtime has many benefits. Interactive play strengthens
the bond between you and your dog. The healthy physical exercise
your dog receives through play can prevent a number of unwanted
behaviors. A well- exercised dog is less likely to bark, dig, and
destroy. Any behaviorist will tell you, prevention is always the
best cure for behavioral problems.
When introducing a KONG toy for the first time, you need to get
your dog focused on the KONG toy. You can do this with interactive
play, constantly focusing the dog on the KONG toy and praising the
dog when she plays with it. With repeated play, the KONG toy will
become a source of positive interaction and reward. Another way
to elicit a positive response to the KONG toy is by stuffing it
with a variety of KONG Stuff’N treats. KONG Stuff’n
Pastes, Snaps, ZIGGIES, Beef and Liver, TOTs, and Hounds 27 all
work great to make the KONG your dog’s favorite toy.
Fetch
Game
One of the best exercise games to play with your dog is KONG Fetch.
Before you start playing the fetch game, teach your dog to release
or drop the KONG toy. Do this when all is calm in the house, hand
your dog an un-stuffed KONG toy and then ask for it back with the
command of your choice: “drop”, “out”, “release”,
etc. Repeat this exercise over and over until your dog clearly understands
she must give up the KONG on command. Praise or reward your dog
with each release. This exercise is much easier to teach when your
dog is not excited or involved in the game.
With all games, make it clear you are the one in charge. You decide
when games start and when they finish. Also, be careful not to let
the fetch game change into the “Chase me for it” game.
I like to use two KONG toys to avoid the chase me game. This way
you can encourage your dog to come to you by coaxing her with the
second KONG.
Start your fetch game by asking your dog to sit. Toss the KONG a
short distance and give the command “fetch.” In order
to learn the desired response, your dog needs to know when she has
done the right thing. Praise your dog the exact moment she starts
doing the right thing. For example, when your dog grabs the KONG
toy in her mouth and takes one step towards you, say “good
girl!” When your dog returns to you with the KONG toy use
the “drop” or “release” command. Progressively
increase the distance of your throw as your dog masters the game.
Have fun!
Professional Tip
While enjoying KONG playtime, use the time to reinforce your dog’s
basic training skills: sit, stay, down, drop, etc. Positive, motivational,
reward-based training with praise, food or toy reward is the “right
way” to train your dog.
•
See your local professional trainer for lessons.
•
Before
playing fetch in a new location, always use caution. Look over the
play area for holes and obstructions that could injure your dog.
•
Always
have a source of fresh water for your dog during extended exercise
or playtime.
•
Always
finish the fetch game with your dog wanting more. This will leave
the dog excited to resume the game next time.
Mark
Hines has worked with dogs for thirty years. His career
experiences include veterinary technician, breeder/importer, gundog
trainer, and Schutzhund trainer. Additionally, while representing
the KONG Company as KONG’s Behavioral Consultant/Trainer,
Mark regularly attends training seminars and classes that range
in subject from canine behavior training, clicker training, service
dog training, scent discrimination training, military/police K9
training, agility training, disc dog training, and others. Mark
travels internationally for the KONG Company and speaks often to
trainers, behaviorists, and veterinarians about his favorite subject,
KONG.
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. 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 Mike Pettifor
of Swansea, Wales, Great Britain.
Jiggle Gel KONG Treat
Ingredients
2 Cups Low-Sodium Canned Stock (beef or chicken works well)
1 Box Plain Gelatin (as a thickening agent)
1⁄2 Cup Chopped KONG Stuff’N Snaps, Meat Chunks, and/or
Vegetables
1 Tablespoon Peanut Butter, Cream Cheese or KONG Stuff'N Paste.
Instructions to fill 3–4 medium Classic KONG
toys (prep time 15 minutes)
Start with 2 cups stock. Pour 1⁄2 cup stock into small bowl.
Following directions on the gelatin box, add the appropriate amount
of gelatin to the 1⁄2 cup of stock. Stir well. Boil the remaining
1 1⁄2 cups stock (Approximately 3 minutes in microwave). Add
hot stock to gelatin/stock mixture. Stir well. Add 1⁄2 cup
chopped KONG Stuff’N Snaps, cooked meat chunks or vegetables
to hot stock/gelatin mixture. Let cool for 10 minutes.
Plug
the small-hole ends of the KONG toys with KONG Stuff’N Paste,
peanut butter or cream cheese. Stand up KONG toys in large mugs,
large-hole side up. Carefully pour or spoon hot mixture into KONG
Toys and place in refrigerator. Gelatin mixture will set (thicken)
in 2 – 3 hours. This fun and delicious treat is best fed outdoors.
Place additional filled KONG toys in zip lock bag and store in the
refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Any excess stock/gelatin mixture can be poured into a pan to set,
once mixture is firm cut into 1 inch squares as treats.
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 four 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.
Puppy
KONG Toy
PHOTO CONTEST
Win $500.00 or valuable KONG gift baskets! It’s simple. Photograph
your puppy using any Puppy KONG toy and email digital image to:kong@kongcompany.com.
Or mail photograph to:
Puppy KONG Photo Contest
16191 Table Mountain Pkwy
Golden, CO 80403-1641
Photos mailed to the KONG Company cannot be returned.
For latest rules, please see bottom of newsletter.
Puppy KONG Toys
Proper and consistent training of a new puppy is the key to successful
canine development. Socialization and acceptable chewing behaviors
are among the many lessons a puppy must master. A variety of puppy
toys are essential for teaching and for providing physical and mental
stimulation.
Puppy KONG toys are specifically designed to meet these needs. Our
puppy toys provide educational opportunities for exploratory play,
owner/puppy interaction and development of proper chewing behaviors
to name a few. Most of all, the bouncy Puppy KONG toys are pure
fun.
Original
Puppy KONGs
PUPPY KONG is the original toy that started the Puppy KONG line.
Made with our exclusive KONG teething rubber formula, the Puppy
KONG is available in three super-bouncy sizes. Veterinarians and
trainers recommend stuffing the Puppy KONG to aid with crate training,
separation anxiety, promoting proper chewing behavior and deterring
misbehaviors.
Puppy
KONG Activity Ball
The Puppy KONG Activity Ball is the perfect toy for puppies with
energy to burn. Fill the Activity Ball with any KONG Stuff’N
treat and watch the fun begin. The treat dispensing feature keeps
puppies entertained while enhancing their intellectual development.
In addition, the versatile Activity Ball is a great fetch ball.
Available in two sizes: small and medium.
Puppy
KONG Teething Stick
The Puppy KONG Teething Stick is the perfect solution for the teething
pup and instills appropriate chewing behavior. The Teething Stick
massages sore gums and keeps puppies teeth clean. KONG Stuff'N Puppy
Paste can be applied to the exclusive Dental-Ridges. They also grip
tasty treats. KONG Stuff’N Pastes and KONG Stuff’N TOTs
are ideal for this product. Available in three sizes: small, medium
and large.
Puppy
KONG Binkie
The Puppy KONG Binkie soothes sensitive gums and provides opportunities
for interactive play. Other benefits include, eliminating unacceptable
biting and inappropriate chewing behaviors. Both behavioral issues
can be addressed by consistently offering the Puppy KONG Binkie
when the misbehaviors occur. For example, when your puppy playfully
bites your hand, immediately offer the KONG Binkie to chew. Over
time, your puppy will realize the KONG Binkie is the appropriate
chew item. Available in two sizes: small and medium.
Puppy
KONG Flyer (NEW)
Described in the “New Product” section above.
For more important Puppy KONG toy information and suggestions please
refer to our website at www.kongcompany.com
Rules:
1. The photo must contain a puppy interacting with a Puppy KONG
toy.
2. Make sure your photo is clear and of good quality (300 dpi preferred).
If your picture is blurry, or the Puppy KONG toy 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 July 20, 2006.
No entries accepted after july 20, 2006. A winner will be selected
by July 30, 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
August 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
For More Information Visit www.kongcompany.com
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