Kong Training Guide

Kong Training Guide:

  • Mix together dry kibble and water (or softer foods) to create a thick mixture. You can try different mixtures of food depending on what your dog likes. It is always easier to use what you have available! Just be sure to mix solid foods with softer foods to bind the mixture together. Using mostly kibble in your Kong(s) will also help prevent overfeeding your dog with treats.

    Softer ingredient examples: *water(preferred)*, peanut/nut butter, pureed pumpkin, apple sauce, avocado & yogurt. Fruit & vegetable purees are always a healthy choice too! 

    Solid ingredient examples: *dry kibble(preferred)*, cooked meat/fish & crumbled up treats. Frozen fruits & vegetables are always an affordable option.

    Amount of dry kibble to use for different sized Kongs:

    XL kong = 1¼ cup kibble

    L kong = 1 cup kibble

    M kong = ¾ cup kibble

    S kong = ½ cup kibble

    XS kong = ¼ cup kibble

  • Double-check that the foods you include are safe for dogs before including them (for example- onions, garlic, grapes, and chicken bones are harmful to dogs and can make them sick) **If your dog is on a restricted diet, talk to your vet before choosing ingredients to put in the Kong**

  • Spoon the mixture into your Kong. The opening of the Kong is pretty wide, so you should be able to use a normal tablespoon to transfer your mixture. If you’re filling up a smaller Kong, you may need to use a popsicle stick or butter knife instead of a spoon. *OPTIONAL* Spread peanut butter on top of the Kong to seal it. **Warning: If you are using peanut butter, double check that it doesn’t have any xylitol in it. This sweetener is harmful to dogs**

  • Put the Kong(s) in the freezer for 3-4 hours. Your dog will have to work harder to reach their kibble mixture since everything is stuck together, releasing feel good chemicals like serotonin.

  • Separate your dog into a crate (or long-term confinement area). This will give your dog the space and time they need for this feeding method. Allowing for your dog to have their own space and designated activity will decrease both separation and isolation anxiety!

    Why use the KONG TRAINING METHOD?

    We recommend feeding your dog throughout the day with this method, in order to help with the following: 

  • Treat your dog with a Kong as a reward for good behavior. Since the Kong is filled with tasty, maybe even new flavors- it makes for a great prize at the end of a long walk or a good behavior at the park. 

  • Use the Kong to manage your dog’s anxiety or high energy. If your dog doesn’t like to be alone or they have a ton of energy all day long, give them a Kong to keep them distracted and entertained for 1-3 hours (on average). Since they have to use their brains to get to their frozen kibble, it can tire them out and make them feel good about themselves once they’ve finished. If your dog barks a lot when you leave, a Kong can keep them distracted and quiet.

  • Prevent your dog from chewing or digging by giving them a Kong. This feeding method also doubles as a form of enrichment for your dog. If your dog loves to chew on the furniture or dig holes in the yard, they might need a positive outlet. Give them a full Kong to keep them occupied and less likely to destroy your things or areas of your home!

  • Use this feeding method to help with both crate & potty training. Whether you have a new puppy or older dog who needs to adjust to confinement, kong feeding is a great way to attach a positive association to alone time in a crate. Structuring feeding with frozen kongs will also help with getting a schedule down for potty training!