Discovering the KONG toy!

In the last few days Mochi's jaw strength has increased tremendously as he is teething and gaining better motor skills and overall strength, and he is starting to discover the intrigue of the KONG, a reputed puppy/dog chew toy used by many to stimulate chewing and mental exercise.  You can hide all sorts of treats inside the KONG and a puppy has to manipulate it to get to the treats.  Some owners put peanut butter, canned dog food, veggies, kibble, and other treats inside to KONG to hold a puppy's attention for hours. The KONG company even produced a squeezable treat (for those who grew up in the USA in the 80's, it's not unlike CHEEZ WHIZ!) to fill the KONG with.  Here's a few good sites that suggest things to insert inside a KONG.  Keep in mind that your puppy's tummy is sensitive so use your judgement for what he can handle.


http://dogs.thefuntimesguide.com/2006/02/stuff_this_in_a_kong.php
http://www.caninemind.co.uk/kong.html
http://dogs.thefuntimesguide.com/2006/02/dog_recipes_for_kong_chew_toys.php

Here are also some other toy ideas for keeping a puppy busy:

http://gizmodo.com/5913008/the-6-best-toys-to-keep-your-dog-really-busy
http://tullystraining.com/blog/the-best-puzzle-toys-to-keep-your-dog-busy


 I tried to put some of Mochi's wet dog food inside the KONG last week as well as a few kibbles but Mochi wasn't interested.  However, the last few days we have seen him grabbing toys with a new strength and vigor so I revisited the KONG by putting a few dry kibbles inside and he loved it!

Update May 23rd:

I got Mochi a puppy sized and puppy textured tiny Kong, and he's been doing so well with it compared to the normal adult sized one he had been playing with.  The puppy sized Kong is lighter and easier to manipulate for tiny dogs and he has learned that picking it up and dropping it is the best way to shake out the treats locked within.