King Kong – Safely Occupied

I would like to meet Joe Markham and shake him warmly by the hand. “Joe whom?” I hear you ask.

Joe Markham was no ordinary Joe. He ran a Volkswagen repair shop in Denver, Colorado. He also had a German Shepherd called Fritz. Fritz had a penchant for chewing dangerous objects such as sticks and stones. He was also a destructive chewer so toys did not last very long.

One day, while repairing a suspension on a Volkswagen van, he tossed a spare part, made of solid rubber and in the shape that is now so familiar to dog owners worldwide, to Fritz. It kept him occupied and remained intact. The Kong Classic was born – well almost. It was 6 years in development and took a while to become what it is today; one of the most popular dog toys in the world.

Whilst I have always loved Kong toys and recommended them to friends and clients, I have found them a sanity-saver with Travis. He is also a destructive chewer, even taking into account puppyhood. I not only feed him from a Kong Gyro, I have used the Classic Kong and the Puppy Bone to re-direct his teeth from objects – and from me –  as well as to keep him quiet. I can happily leave him with a stuffed Kong knowing that both he and the toy will still be intact at the end of the session. Frozen Kongs are a great treat in hot weather too – and they last longer. I have used countless other Kong toys with all of my dogs and client’s dogs and cats because I know that they are well-made and safe.

Training should always be fun – for dog and trainer – and Kong make that so much easier as well as buying me peace of mind and peace and quiet! “King” Kong keeps Travis safely occupied when I am otherwise occupied.

Oh – and why are they called Kong? Because a friend of Joe Markham’s remarked that the Classic Kong looked like King Kong’s earplug!

Next week: Second (In)Sight – The Second Fear Period 

Find out how to make training fun for you and your dog or how to use play and toys to help with problems.