The Kong range of dogs, cats and birds are innovative, long lasting and are almost any pet owners essential, once they try them. At the heart of the range is a superb product simply known as 'Kongs', which are intended for dogs. Made from durable rubber and in a number of types there really is a perfect one for every pooch.

So what does it do? Simply put it's a toy, but used in the right way can become an innovative a simple training aid or even a house saver if your dog suffers from separation anxiety. Generally they are formed in a 'blobby' cone shape or a hexagonal cone shape, with a large hole in one end and a smaller hole (for ease of cleaning) in the other. This unique shape helps them to bounce, roll and balance like no other dog toy. But there is more, the hole can be stuffed with treats and depending on what sort you use, can transform the Kong for different purposes.

For example, you can use small bits of your dog's favourite kibble, which will come out when rolled or thrown. This makes a great interactive toy for any dog, it also provides mental stimulation as they roll and shake the Kong to get to the treats. However, Kong 'Stuff 'em's' are a fantastic biscuit with a strange shape, that get wedged in the Kong. This can be fun for your dog as he eventually gets them out or can be used as a training aid for retrieving, as you can easily remove one treat as a reward for bringing it back.

Kong also has practical applications. You can leave the Kong toy as a distraction for dogs that become distressed at being left. Putting tasty morsels in the Kong and sealing it with either frozen cream cheese or Kong 'stuff'n' paste makes a great distraction. The dogs become so engrossed at getting the food by the time they have, they forget about you leaving, gradually reducing the stress they feel when you leave the house. Another great idea is stuff the end with a treat or kibble, then filling with water to be frozen. In hot weather this makes a fantastic treat that helps keep dogs cool!

But surely all this food and fun would make the dog love it to death? Well Kong have even thought of that. The Kongs come in different sizes, from puppy to small, medium, large and even giant! Along with these sizing they have different softness. For puppies a different type of rubber is used, so they are soft on gums and aid teething. The small medium and large come in the standard softness, which is durable enough not to be broken or ripped but still kind to your companion's teeth! But what about the dogs that can seemingly chomp their way through anything? Well the medium, large and giant sizes come in a variation called 'extreme'. This type has the most solid rubber and is virtually indestructible, making Kongs a good investment.

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