I have a few favorite tools and toys I recommend to all dog people.



Kong
First of all the Kong. A Kong works for just about everything. A lot of dogs just like
the feeling of mouthing on a Kong so I let them have it for entertainment and to
exercise their jaws. Free access to such a treasure requires that you dog(s) can "share"
and not get into resource guarding or disputes, of course.

Strong chewers chew straight through a regular (red or copy) Kong so they need the
extra strong black ones, and they hold up to being soaked in vinegar or bleach better,
too.

Kongs also help control tartar, as does most chewing on hard and/or uneven surfaces

Since Kongs don't get eaten you don't have to worry about chocking or stomach and
bowl disruption. They are therefore safe to leave with the dogs unsupervised, like
when you go work.

When it comes to problem behaviors the Kong is great. A lot of dogs chew on stuff
you don't want them to. Puppies, adopted dogs and foster dogs are all unfamiliar with
what is right and what is wrong to munch on in your home. Stress or boredom
steps up the problem, and neglected dogs - such as backyard dogs - can be particularly
destructive. Besides always having Kongs available for playing and chewing, I also
give stuffed Kongs. This keeps the dogs interested in the Kongs, which means not
interested in blankets, alarm clocks, slippers, wires etc. It is natural and healthy for a
dog to chew, so telling them not to chew is not only nearly impossible but also
wrong. Teaching the dog about appropriate chews is a positive and money saving
way to let it follow its natural chewing instinct and release stress. And Kongs are
cheap in the long run since you just wash them and use them again and again.








































The Kong is also great for crate training. Yeah, a crate is another thing I wouldn't
be without. For a dog locked up, whether it is in the house or in a crate, it is the first
5-15 minutes that are the problem. It is not the waiting for your return that stresses
it but being left in itself. If you can make that time more positive then you have
basically solved the home-alone problem. You have to take small steps at first. Before
even crating or leaving the dog I acquaint it with the crate in a positive way. I leave
treats in there, serve the food there, and give the stuffed Kong in there. The crate
generally stays open and has a soft blanket in it. Several of my dogs use the crates as
dens and get frustrated if they don't have access to them. Slowly I start to close the
door while the dog is eating or chewing - 30 seconds, 1 minute - and if the dog is
calm I start increasing the duration the door is closed. Before you know it you have a
crate trained/home-alone trained dog.

A dog that is comfortable with the crate is a lot easier to house train, too. The are
lots of good articles about that on the web. These are on the Idaho Humane Society
website: For puppies and for adults.

And being able to crate your dog keeps your stuff safe! Don't forget to provide an
proper chew object with the dog while crated - but not raw-hide chews which have
in a few instances caused suffocation.



Bones
You can buy treated hollow or stuffed bones that can be filled/smeared again and
again for a little variety.

Raw bones are a great hit, too, but check out the guidelines first for feeding raw
animal products on the Food page and the provided links.



Chews
A chew can be a great snack. They can be made of rawhide, body parts, or vegetable
matter. Make sure you get some that your dog can't unroll into long pieces and
swallow whole, or break up into sharp pieces that tear the dog inside. You have to let
the dog try different ones to find out what suits him/her. Always supervise the dog
while it has a chew. Here are some guidelines for choosing and giving chews:
http://www.care2.com/channels/solutions/pets/600.



Buster Cube and Treat Balls
I love the Buster Cube, and the fact that I know the guy who invented it, and knew
of it years before it was finally produced and marketed, only makes it more special to
me. The whole idea is so simple and so ingenious.

Another good tool of this kind is the Spot Roll-A-Treat Ball. It is similar to the
Buster Cube inside and also mate of a strong plastic material. Because it is round it is a
little easier for the dogs to roll, and I usually teach them this one first..



Homemade treat dispensers
You can make your own treat dispenser by taking the cap off a water, coke etc bottle
and fill it with treats.

A cardboard roll from a spent roll of toilet paper or paper towels (or carpets, or...) can
provide a minute of entertainment if you fold/mash down one end, poor in 3-4 treats,
and fold/mash the other end, too. You can use it for little furry critters as well if you
use seeds, nut, pieces of carrots, and other treats that don't stick to the cardboard.
Toys, Tools,
and Tricks
Go to the Kong company's
website for more
information and stuffing
ideas.



A Kong can be up-graded in several ways. Here are some ideas. Make sure to watch
calorie and sodium content, and remember to dedudct it from your dog's daily food
ration.

Smear with:
Peanut butter
Cream cheese

Stuff with:
Hunks of cheese
Oatmeal, grits, pasta, rice, bread etc.
Green beans, carrots, corn etc.
The dog's usual kibble
Canned dog food

Cool with
Doggie jello (gelatin w/broth)
Gelatin w/chopped vegetables

Ice with
Broth
Tuna can juice
Poweraid

The Kong doesn't have to be filled up,  just make the dog work for it.

To ice the Kong you simply stuff it and put it in the freezer. It is great on a hot day
or simply to make it last longer.

A lot of these things can also be put in ice trays with some water for doggie ice cubes.
The dogs love them. I keep trays going all the time and a bag of finished cubes.
Finally, the same ideas are applicable to cat treats only sometimes smaller. Stuff a
piece of PVC pipe, smear a small puppy or cat rubber toy, bring out  a tuna ice cube,
and hear them purr.
Here is the homepage of the
Buster Cube.
Enrichment
- keeping your pet's mind busy