Before getting my Lab puppy, I thought that I dove as deep as I could into every little detail. I was researching what type of crates to use, all the way down to what scents to avoid using in the house. I grew up with dogs in my household, and when it came to Kongs we always filled them with peanut butter and gave the pooch the yummy treat. But, that isn't the proper way to use a Kong! A puppy should be provided with mental stimulation. Filling the kong with peanut butter and sending them on their way MAY work for some pups, but majority of the time the puppy will disengage. Why do they do they disengage, aren't they suppose to like these toys? Puppies needs toys that reward them with every interaction, if not they will easily give up. When using a kong with peanut butter eventually the puppy won't be rewarded with every lick. Instead, try filling the bottom with a high protein reward (so when they finish it is a mega jackpot!) Next, you want to add dry kibble up to the point where your pups tongue can barely reach. Above the dry kibble, you will add some soaked kibble (goat milk, chicken stock, beef broth, or even water are all great!) Top the kong off with some peanut butter and your pup has a nutritious kong, almost guaranteed to capture engagement.
Share your kong filling ideas below for others and myself to try!
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