So Remi is home and doing well, but boy is this puppy stuff exhausting! I need to be able to leave him in his crate (which he hates) for 15-20 minutes each morning and afternoon to run the kid to/from school so we're starting with kongs. Today he had 2 with just dry kibble in it, the first time he got about half out and I helped him with the rest, the second time he was in the kitchen (so more room to scoot it around) and got all but a few bits out. So, he's obviously a newbie and probably not ready for all the fancy frozen ones. What's the next logical recipe? Also, how messy are these, am I going to have to change his bedding after he has one?
I would try a little smear of peanut butter or squeezy cheese on the inside, to get him used to licking stuff out of the Kong. Then proceed to a slightly more substantial filling that he has to lick out, mashed banana, tuna, mashed sweet potato. You could put something really yummy in the top and bottom, such as a piece of chicken, beef, or cheese, so he keeps on going to the end. Then you can progress to freezing. As for the mess.... Not for a room with carpets
When i worked in the kennels we used to stuff them with kibble and 'seal' them with some tinned dlmog food. It took them a bit longer to get into it that way. You could also mix up a small amount of kibble with tinned food and stuff the kong with that, it doesnt have to be fancy or frozen.
Have you considered taking him with you on the school run? Lovely opportunity for socialization - kids of all sizes, screaming kids, cars, general life. You could put him in a crate on the back seat.
I agree with @MF I took Hattie twice sometimes three or four times a day with me on the School run, Scouts, after school clubs etc. She has always had an amazing temperament and is now 10 years old. The other thing I did for her was walk her through the playing fields (right of way) when the children were on their break so that she heard all the screaming, running, balls etc. It's such a great opportunity to train. I wouldn't miss that opportunity if possible As for kongs I never really used them that much. xx
I try not to put too many new things in a baby pup’s diet, so I just use mushed up puppy food for a start. They soon get the idea. Once they have got the idea I put the food in the Kongs, soak, then put a little peanut butter or salmon paste on top and freeze. I use food out of their allowance so as not to over feed, they get a LOT of Kongs - I’ve just bought new ones as they have begun to perish after five years continuous use.
He will be going with me sometimes, I don't have a small crate so no way to contain him in the car and the school has some rules that makes it difficult (no dogs on property and I have to walk to the door/be seen for them to release younger son). Once it warms up just a little (hopefully next week) we'll be walking (I'll walk, Remi will be carried or ride in the wagon) up there and meet son across the street. It won't be every day, but hopefully a few times a week.
Thanks, I'll just do softened food for now. I'm trying to keep his diet simple since we're already going to switch foods because of runny poos, I don't want to add a bunch of new stuff at once.
