I bought Kira (9 week old pup) the blue swirl puppy KONG, and she loves it, however I feel it is a bit small. She empties it pretty quickly. She doesn't seem to chew on it much, just works on getting the kibbles/treats out.
- Which size does everyone have for their Shibas? I was thinking medium for her. - And should I get classic (red) or indestructible (black)? - Wobblers - yay or nay? And which size (if yay). - Any other KONG products I should consider? I saw some bone looking things and oddly shaped balls.
We have a ball and bone that we use, I believe both are medium size. Our dog doesn't really chew it much either and mostly tries to get the treats out. We have noticed lately though that he has kind of found a strategy for getting the stuff out. Rather than lay down and chew and lick it, we have been him either dropping it repeatedly or "throwing" (putting it in his mouth, shaking his head and lettings go) it around and eating what comes out.
Miyumi loves her wobbler. We have the smaller of the two sizes. We put kibble in it instead of treats. She can relaly whack that thing around and it keeps her busy. We also have the small red kong which is way too small now for her at 6 months old.
Heather, Logan, and two Shibas named Miyumi & Yoshiro
Foxy still chews on her pink swirled kong even though it's a small. She's on the smaller side anyway so I think she likes that she can carry it around in her mouth. We also still use the Kong Wobbler at times for feeding. She has destroyed two of the Kong dumbells that have the tennis ball material all over it.
I've been thinking about getting a Kong for Elwood, too, so this thread is awesome! Guess I'll have to pick up a wobbler the next time I go to the store, it sounds like it has the Shiba stamp of approval :)
I'm a big fan of the Kong brand Zoom Groom. It's a curry comb-like grooming brush which you can use dry or wet. It's really good for getting loose hair from the undercoat without cutting the hair. I used to sing the praises of the furminator, but I prefer the ZG now. It's only maybe $8 or so in the grooming aisle [made of the same silicone type material, so practically indestructible]; and I take it with me every time we hit the dog park, so I can groom him there for a few minutes leaving the hair outside instead of in my home. It's also easier to use around the tough to reach spaces, like behind the ears, than I've found the furminator. I know it's not a toy, per se, but when anybody brings up Kong stuff, I always chime in my appreciation of that tool.
Actually Xabi, I didn't bring that one up but I often give that to Foxy to chew on when I'm sitting on the couch and she decides to be bitey. Mostly because it sits on a table next to me and is always handy...
The red medium kong is a must for my boy it's the only thing he plays with, he has sooo many toys but will only play with and chew his kong. @ koyuki u no what tartchi is like with his kong? It's his life support system, he is happy even when it's empty I've even taken him for walks and he carries it in his mouth.
5 kids and a shiba, call me crazy, but i wouldnt change if for the world
I have never seen a kong in any of the pet stores where i live, which is bizarre as it seems to be the go-to toy! I will definately have to get a few for my cheeky monkeys online i think. :-)
Koyuki - red female d.o.b 18/11/2011 Takeo- cream male d.o.b 21/11/2011
We have a whole range of Kongs, the Kong Genius is good, but maybe for a slightly older puppy (we gave Tako hers at 5 months). She doesn't chew her Kongs either unless she has them inside her crate, she shakes, throws and drops them instead. The genius Kongs are better used this way too, rolling dropping or shaking which is what makes them good for smart Shiba's who work out the most efficient way to the prize. They might need slightly higher value rewards mixed in with the normal kibble as they take much longer to get to than the normal bobble shape.
@koyuki.. safe way sell them, thats where i get tartchis from they $15.99 cheaper than online and pet shop, if you cand get one pm me and ill send you one
5 kids and a shiba, call me crazy, but i wouldnt change if for the world
Kongs are a BIG deal in our house! We have a couple of the medium sized kongs in red and black. We also have a couple kong wubba toys in a variety of colors (very popular).
We just got a kong-plush bone in purple that has held up very well so far...
Bella is 13weeks, but I mostly buy the Kong's for a dog ~10kg so i dont have to replace them... She has most of the kongs!
Squeak Air balls are fantastic, light and interactive. A puppy teething stick thing in pink, I can add treats as required. Some of the adult Kong Genius range- sometimes I feed her with it, other times its a great disctraction before she is left alone so that she isn't interacting as we walk out the door and continues to be entertained. I'll have them all in no time! We have some normal 'turd' shaped kongs too.
I have also found some of the soft toys to be a hit with our pup- she will position them and pounce on them. The tennis ball/rope designed toys are great for fetch, tug, puppy shenanigans too, and they are cheap.
We keep a bag of raw hide chews in the pantry, at $0.50 each, and a rate of two per week they are a great investment for a puppy- has helped Bella stop chewing on the wrong things.
We used to use a bunch of old socks tied together for our Basenji.
In my opinion a dog can never have enough toys, and if you buy quality products it ends up cost effective. If you think they have too many or are getting bored, rotate them.
