Kong Magic! How This Simple Toy Can Solve 90% of Dog Behavior Problems

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Do you want to make your dog’s life even better with something super simple?

You’ve come to the right place!

We’re going to dive into the world of Kong toys and trust me, it’s a game changer for you and your furry best friend. 🐾

Ready to unlock the surprising power of the Kong?

Ian Stone from Simpawtico Dog Training is your guide in the video below, and he’s here to show you just how fast, easy, and effective Kong dog toys can be!

Ian believes in keeping things simple and will demonstrate how using a Kong can tackle 90% of the most common behavior problems you might face with your furry friend.

Forget complicated recipes, Ian’s approach is all about training your dog to love the Kong itself, turning it into an automatic training tool that’s surprisingly easy to implement for both puppies and adult dogs.

Let’s get started.

Kong Toys: What’s the Big Deal? 🤔

You’ve seen them in pet stores, maybe your dog already has one lying around…

Kong toys!

These little rubber thingies are way more than just chew toys, you know?

They can be absolute superstars in your dog’s life and in your training toolkit.

Think of them like magic… ✨

Okay, maybe not magic magic, but pretty darn close!

They’re simple, durable, and your dog can go absolutely bonkers for them… if you know how to use them right. 😉

Why Your Dog Needs a Kong in Their Life 🐶

So, why all the fuss about a Kong?

Well, these toys are seriously versatile.

They’re not just for keeping your dog busy when you need a moment of peace (though they are amazing for that! 🧘‍♀️).

Kongs can actually help you teach your dog some really important skills…

Think about it… a toy that entertains and trains?

Yes, please!

But with all those fancy recipes online, stuffing a Kong can feel like a chore, right?

And sometimes, after all that effort, your dog just gives you a “thanks, but no thanks” look. 🙄

We’ve all been there…

Keep It Simple, Seriously! 💯

Here’s the thing I always tell people… Keep It Simple, Stupid!

Or, you know, KISS principle for short. 😉

There’s no need to get all complicated with gourmet Kong recipes unless you really enjoy that kind of thing…

Honestly, all those fancy ingredients and complicated steps?

Totally unnecessary!

And here’s a golden rule to remember: It’s not what you stuff in the Kong, it’s how you train your dog to love it.

Yep, you heard that right!

If your dog isn’t thrilled at first, don’t just toss the Kong aside and grab the next trendy gadget.

We’re going to train them to be obsessed!

Ready to learn how?

Let’s get stuffing!

Training Your Dog to be a Kong Fan 🤩

First things first, let’s get some Kongs!

Head to your local pet store and grab a few.

When you’re picking out sizes, here’s a little tip…

Kongs aren’t as roomy as they look, believe me!

My rule? Grab the size that looks right, and then go one size bigger.

Trust me on this one. 😉

A slightly bigger Kong with a slightly bigger hole can make it easier for your dog to get into it, especially at first.

Plus, I’ve noticed dogs are less likely to get frustrated and give up if it’s a bit easier to get the goodies out.

And pro-tip number two…

Don’t just buy one Kong.

Get at least four!

Why? Rotation, my friend!

You can fill ’em, use ’em, wash ’em, and always have a fresh one ready to go. No more being caught Kong-less when you need one the most! 😩

The classic red Kongs are great all-rounders.

If you have a super-chewer on your hands, the black Kongs are tougher.

All the other colors are pretty much the same as the red ones in terms of toughness.

And hey, there are other cool toys out there like the Petsafe Squirrel Dude or the Kong Biscuit Ball… but honestly, the Classic Kong is the OG for a reason.

It’s durable, readily available, and just plain awesome. 👍

Ditch the Fancy Kong Fillers! 🙅‍♀️

Now, let’s talk stuffing…

Forget all that overpriced “Kong stuffing” stuff they sell in pet stores.

Seriously, it’s basically doggy junk food.

And those elaborate Kong recipes you see online?

They’re often way too much work and totally overkill.

If you enjoy spending hours in the kitchen making gourmet dog treats, go for it!

But for everyday Kong stuffing?

Keep it simple and use your dog’s regular food!

Yep, you heard me right.

Their own kibble is the secret weapon. 🤫

Dog Food Kongs: Simple and Smart 🧠

Using your dog’s own food to stuff Kongs is genius for a few reasons.

• First, it’s super convenient and saves you money.
• Second, it’s actually healthier for your dog!
• And third, it turns their regular food into a super high-value reward.

Think about it… you’re already feeding them, right?

So, let’s make mealtime fun and training-friendly!

Here’s how I do it for my Labrador, Winston…

Winston, my 3-year-old black lab, is a total food monster (like most labs! 🤣) but he also loves to please.

So, using his kibble in a Kong is like hitting the jackpot for him!

He gets his yummy food and gets to work for it – win-win!

Here’s the super simple method:

• Measure out Winston’s daily food (or your dog’s, of course! 😉). We never free-feed Winston, routine is key!
• Set aside about a third of the kibble for training treats throughout the day.
• Moisten the rest of the kibble with a little water. Just enough to make it a bit mushy.
• Spoon the moistened food into a few Kongs.
• Freeze the stuffed Kongs! 🥶 This makes them last longer and adds extra challenge.

And boom!

You’ve got a stash of awesome, food-filled Kongs ready to go.

When you’re ready to give your dog a Kong, just add a little something extra yummy to the top hole to get them started… a smear of peanut butter, plain yogurt, or cream cheese works wonders! 🥜🍦🧀

Kongs: Your Secret Weapon for a Well-Behaved Dog 🦸‍♀️

Now, here’s where the real magic happens.

When you give your dog a frozen Kong, make it a routine.

Same place, every time.

Crate, dog bed… you name it.

Routine is the backbone of dog training, remember?

As your dog works on the Kong, it thaws, and the food starts to come out bit by bit.

The more they chew and lick, the more they get rewarded.

It’s self-rewarding and it’s called “Autoshaping” because your dog is practically training themselves! 🤯

You just set up the environment for success.

From day one, this is teaching your dog to be happy and relaxed when they’re alone.

Chewing and eating releases endorphins… happy brain chemicals!

It’s like a pleasure bomb for your pup! 💣

As your dog gets the hang of it, you can bring back the food bowl for regular meals and keep the Kong as your secret weapon for…

• Boredom busting: No more mischievous pups tearing up your furniture! 😇
• Quiet time: Happy neighbors, happy you! No more endless barking while you’re out. 🤫
• Destructive chewing? Kong to the rescue! Say goodbye to chewed table legs and furniture. 👋
• Trash raiding? Not anymore! Kongs keep them busy and satisfied. 🗑️➡️🙅‍♀️
• Isolation distress & separation anxiety: Kongs can be a HUGE help in building confidence and independence. ❤️
• Settling down: After playtime or excitement, a Kong helps them chill out. 😌
• Crate training & potty training: Yep, Kongs are amazing for these too! 🐾

Want to take it up a notch?

“Anchor” your Kong!

Thread a rope or string through the small hole, knot it, and freeze it with the food.

Now you can tie it to the crate for crate training or even to a tree outside for some summer fun! 🌳☀️

The possibilities are endless once your dog is a Kong convert.

Remember, Kongs aren’t a magic bullet.

You still need regular playtime, training, and interaction with your dog.

But a properly stuffed Kong?

It’s like a force multiplier for all your training efforts.

It helps you get results faster and easier.

Combined with other chew toy training, you’ll be tackling 90% of common dog behavior problems!

So, go get some Kongs, get stuffing, and get ready to see some amazing changes in your dog!

Good luck and have fun!

Keep learning, keep practicing, and I’ll see you in the next post! 👋

Find out more at: https://www.youtube.com/@SimpawticoDogTraining

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