Whether it has been a new dog joining our family, a foster dog, or a friendly visiting puppy; KONG dog toys has always been my go-to choice for the fur kids. Made in the USA, time-tested, and thoroughly proven to withstand dog abuse; there are not many companies with the enduring reputation of safe and reliable dog toys as the KONG Company. Often referred to as “the world’s best dog toy,” the KONG Classic can be used to help prevent boredom, calm anxious/fearful dogs, soothe puppies, build confidence, reinforce crate training, provide mental exercise, and correct destructive chewing. And that is just ONE of the many lifesaver products that the KONG Company makes! There are many outstanding KONG toys available, each with their own interesting and fun ways of interacting with your dog. Here were some of the particularly extraordinary KONG products that I’ve found helpful over the years that has helped with puppies, hyperactive adult dogs, dogs with anxiety, and aggressive chewers.
KONG Classic Dog Toy
The red KONG Classic is the standard interactive treat-dispensing dog toy for tough chewers out there. While it is not made for the most extreme chewer, it is usually the recommended KONG for most dogs. Of all the KONG chew toys I own, over half are the classic red KONG toys.
KONG Extreme Dog Toy
Made from the toughest rubber compound available, KONG Extreme is the most durable KONG dog toy available. Often used by police, drug enforcement, Schutzhund, and AKC competition trainers, the KONG Extreme can handle the most aggressive chewers and big dogs. Unlike many dog toys, my KONG Extreme toys has survived the abuse of dogs of all shapes and sizes including Doberman Pinschers, American Pit Bull Terriers, German Shepherds, Boxers, and even Rat Terriers!
KONG Senior Dog Toy
Similar to the red KONG Classic but reformulated with a tough, yet softer, rubber material that is more gentle for the teeth of senior and geriatric dogs. While some older dogs can continue with the KONG Classic, your senior dog may enjoy the the KONG Senior dog toy if he has worn down teeth and sensitive gums.
KONG Puppy Dog Toy
Made of the softest and durable rubber compound available, the Pink and Blue marbled color KONG Puppy dog toys are recommended for small mouths and growing teeth. Unlike the KONG Classic and KONG Extreme, puppies are often more interested in playing with an appropriate sized toy that they can actually bite into and interact with. Eventually, your puppy can ‘graduate’ onto the red KONG Classic or black KONG Extreme if he’s a tough chewer or larger dog breed.
KONG Puppy Teething Stick Dog Toy
KONG Teething Sticks are fantastic for introducing puppies to interactive treat-dispensing toys. By starting early, puppies can learn how “work” to receive treats while also soothing their teething gums at the same time. This also helps puppies become more comfortable with their teeth which often makes it easier for them to have their teeth brushed in the future. In addition, you could always apply some tasty dog toothpaste into the grooves of this dental stick for added oral hygiene benefits.
KONG Goodie Bone Dog Toy
The KONG Goodie Bone is an excellent alternative treat-dispensing toy to the traditional KONGs. It is a durable rubber bone-shaped toy with open ends that you can stuff treats into. If the KONG Classic is too challenging for your dog or puppy, the Goodie Bone is a useful as a transitioning toy because it’s more generous treat dispensing mechanism. While it doesn’t have quite the same capacity as the regular KONGs, the KONG Goodie Bone is particularly well-suited for sneaking dog medicine and supplements into! For tougher chewers and puppies, the KONG Extreme Goodie Bone and KONG Puppy Goodie Bone are also available.
KONG Stuff-a-Ball Dog Toy
The KONG Stuff-a-Ball Dog Toy is a hybrid interactive treat-dispensing ball/dog toy. It is not too big, nor is it too small; making it a fantastic toy that both puppies and adult dogs can enjoy. Like the traditional KONGs, there is a large hollow center where you can stuff dog treats into. However, the outside of the ‘ball’ also have several flexible ridges that you can fill with delicious goodies such as peanut butter. Like the KONG Goodie Bone, the Stuff-a-Ball would also be an excellent transition or alternative interactive toy to the KONG Classic. The dual-purpose treat-dispensing mechanisms are easier for young puppies and learning adult dogs to grab with their teeth and paws.
KONG Wobbler Treat Dispensing Dog Toy
Based on the shape of the traditional KONGs, the KONG Wobbler dog toy utilizes a ‘wobble’ mechanism to dispense treats out as your dog “work” at it. Because it is made out of hard plastic and is filled differently (the top comes off), the KONG Wobbler is best used with small pieces of dry dog kibble or dog treats inside. With supervision, it is a versatile toy that can be used to provide your dog with mental exercise and treats/dinner at the same time!
KONG Air Dog Squeakair Tennis Ball Dog Toy
What would fetch loving dogs enjoy more than a tennis ball? A pet-safe tennis ball that squeaks such as the KONG Air Dog Squeakair Tennis Ball! Available in several sizes (Extra Small to Large), the Squeakair Tennis Balls provide a SENSational change of pace that many dogs will howl for! As an added benefit, you can worry less about the toxic glue, dye, and covering used in traditional tennis balls because KONG tennis-type balls are made with durable non-abrasive covering, dog-safe, constructed to hold up to dog abuse, and have a squeaker inside. As always, be sure to supervise your pet’s toy for excessive wear and tear, removing and replacing unsafe toys as necessary.
Air KONG Squeaker Ball with Rope Dog Toy
How can you go wrong when you combine two of the most popular dog toys together? Ball + Rope = Barktastic Fun! The Air KONG Squeaker Ball with Rope Dog Toy is the popular Squeakair Tennis Ball constructed with a handy rope through the center. Besides providing your dog with the ability to play keep away, chase, toss, and hurl the toy; the rope also makes it easier for you to throw the ball in games of fetch (and possibly keep your hands clean from dog drool). Don’t forget, it also squeaks! Try taking this toy to the dog park and watch dog football commence!
