quick kong question

[Mike P.]

Hi everybody. My wife and I are new parents to 9 week old Harley. He's a tough guy This site has been invaluable during our relatively smooth transition. Harley is settling in really well and I'm sure would love to thank everyone here for their caring advice.

My question is regarding when we should be giving him his treat-filled kong. I read one post which suggested we "save" his king for when we need to crate him when we go out, so he will have a positive association with us leaving. It seems to me though, that he would instead have a negative association with his kong because he would know we're about to leave. Can we just give him his kong anytime and let him go nuts and love it, or is it really worthwhile to "save" it? Thanks in advance for even more advice.

BTW - I searched the archive for "kong" and found a lot of info, but none that addressed this question in particular. If I missed it somewhere, forgive me!!

Harley - 9 wk fawn male, goofball ears, docked tail, and the toughest little puppy you'd ever wanna meet!!!

 

[Renee&Jake]

I do a little of both - I fill it with a little canned dog food (frozen right now with Josie starting teething) when I leave. If I'm home and just want to give her something to play with, I might stuff a Dog Biscuit in there.

Josie is NOT a big fan of her crate, in fact she hates it. But she will, every day, hop into that crate before I leave for work to get working on her Kong.

Doesn't make her like her crate, but she doesn't hate her Kong, either.

Congratulations on your new Puppy!

 

[Tulsa-Dan]

I would also suggest giving the kong at different times, varying it, so that the dog doesn't make the kong/crate association.

You can also save some special "treat" such as freezedried liver or cheese and give it to the dog AFTER he gets in his crate for a job well done (getting in the crate), as a reward so that the dog learns that going in is good and he is rewarded. The kong is a reward too, but you don't want him to think every time he sees it you are going to put him in the crate.

Try and get him in the crate first, then give the toy or treat or whatever as a reward. And, you can vary the reward as well. Doesn't always have to be the kong.

Good luck.