My little pup is only just 8 weeks and struggling to get the hang of her puppy kongs! In spite of me mixing her kibble with super tasty stuff like sardines, she'll take a bit out of the top then leave the rest! I read on this forum that Rice Bones might be an alternative, but the ones I've seen say only for 9+ months. I really need something to occupy her while I begin crate training and also in car which at the moment she finds distressing. Thanks for any advice.
Hi! We used the Kong quest bones to begin with as they are softer and easier for a puppy to get stuff out. We just used soaked kibble and then added a bit of boiled chicken or banana to begin with then I froze them when he was a little bit older. He still loves these (age 17 weeks) as well as his normal kongs. We found the rice bones gave him a funny tummy when he was very young but now he loves them and is fine - I freeze them to make them last longer! I think some have stronger tummies than mine! Keep going with the kongs - they have been a lifesaver for me and touch wood he do far hadn't chewed a thing when I have been out as he's so busy with his Kong!! Good luck! Sam and Mole
Have a go at making some crunchy treats, like the liver biscuits , recipe is in the Recipe section near the bottom of the home page . I used to also make tuna biscuits for mine when they were little . Fish4Dogs also make Tiddlers , small crunchy biscuits made from pure fish, no nasties in them , ours adore them
We also had problems with the car. Coyote howling, it was so stressful!! Do a search on this site as I got lots of good advice. I made the car crate a happy place. Always have a treat when he went in. (Still do), then really short trips frequently, building up to longer journeys. I put his favourite toy in with him too. He was slow to embrace the car but now he loves it - I think he was scared more than anything. Once you can associate the car with good things and eventually a walk you will find it gets easier. Sam
None of mine would have anything to do with regular kongs. Maybe those shown above would have worked, have never seen them before. Those look a bit like what I do use, a muffler hanger. But they do get the treats out pretty quickly.
I used rice bones when Maisie was very little and had no problem at all. I've just looked at the PAH rice bones and they do state 9 months (which I never knew!), but I would say that a 9 month old lab would demolish a rice bones in seconds!! I used to freeze the bones as well to make them last longer. The bones start to melt and the pup gnaws at them, so I can't imagine that they would ever cause damage to baby teeth.
