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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