The Labrador Site

When I was a little kid, outside of the Hollywood movie,  there was no such thing as a ‘kong’.

Dogs were simply given old slippers and bones to chew.   With varying results!

Kongs were invented in the 1970s,  and these excellent products have really stood the test of time.

According to Wikipedia,  the inventor of the Kong Joseph Markham spent around six years developing the product after noticing that his German Shepherd dog enjoyed chewing on the hard rubber of a Volkswagen suspension device.

His dedication certainly paid off.  The Kong is now one of the  most popular dog toys in the world.

What is so great about Kongs?

The Kong is a virtually indestructible chew toy.  With the right Kong, your lab won’t be able to tear off little bits of rubber and swallow them,  so it is quite safe to leave him alone with his Kong.

And because the Kong is hollow,  you can fill it with food.   This provides the dog with hours of entertainment trying to get the food out of the centre.   Especially if you freeze it first.

Separation anxiety

Giving your labrador a Kong just before you leave him alone can help avoid or reduce any separation anxiety.  Knowing that your departure is associated with a nice long lasting treat is a real bonus for the dog

Filling the Kong

Anything that is reasonably mushy can be used to fill the Kong.  Minced meat,  mashed vegetables,  soaked and mashed dog biscuits, peanut butter, and combinations of the above keep most dogs happy.

It is handy to have a couple of Kongs so that one is in the freezer ready for when you go out.

Which Kong?

This is the one we use Classic Kong Dog Toy Large 10cm, and I have so far never had a labrador destroy or even significantly damage one.   If your dog is a really powerful chewer though,  it may be better to go for the toughest black Kong Extreme Kong Dog Toy Black Large 11cm.

For a puppy’s first few weeks he will need a smaller puppy Kong like this one Puppy Kong Medium.

Regular opportunities to chew on a puppy Kong help to reduce your puppy’s desire to gnaw on your furniture,  but will not prevent this altogether.  You will still need the help of a crate when you are not able to supervise your little one.

And you?

Does your labrador love his Kong?  And which size and colour do you use?  Share your thoughts in the comments box below

Thank you for sharing!

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