puppy not interested in kong

[pwoodward54]

So I've heard such wonderful things about the Kong. I got like 5 of them to feed my puppy some of her meals through them and to keep her busy while I am gone for a few hours. I also read that since it's part of their "instinct" to search for their food, it's better to feed them with the Kong than from a bowl.

However, my puppy doesn't seem interested in it at all. I make it so that the food easily comes out, and she will play for it for like 3 minutes and then give up and walk away. Maybe she's just too lazy to work for it haha. But it kind of bums me out!

[Emma & Kay]

How old is she?

Some dogs just aren't interested in that sort of toy. It could be that she hasn't learn yet that the only way she gets her food is from the Kong. It could take a few days for her to realise that.

[pwoodward54]

She's only 9 weeks old. I just don't want to leave it in her crate while I'm gone for her lunch and have her not eat it and miss a meal.

[kian]

That isn't the purpose of the Kong, it isn't a meal toy. 9 weeks is young, she will learn the Kong is a great help with teething and it's great for use as a pacifier after those night trips. Right now she will sleep alot, I think you are expecting way to much from her. She is a infant, the Kong is a tool not a meal replacer. Give her time, leave the TV or Radio on while your gone, don't leave her more than a couple of hours at a time.

Feed her as normal from a bowl or use some of her kibble for training time.

Also top the Kong off with a Ice cube with some Peanut Butter on it, that will entice her when using it as a tool inbetween her meals.

[Nileska]

First off,a puppy 9 weeks old does not need 5 Kongs...Second it is more essential to eat regular meals than to play with the Kong.
Really,the Kong is a toy that the pup may or may not enjoy later.My pups prefered to attack the cardboard cores from paper towels,empty plastic water bottles,carrots. potatoes,etc. Nylabones and Kongs,not so much.

Puppies that age have the attention span of a gnat and it is best to offer a few of their toys at a time.

[oldie moldy]

I sure agree with all that's posted before; some great advice and wisdom.

But I also see a owner who's busting his buttons trying to do the best for the little pup. True, you've overshot the mark just a tad on this one but nothing is hurt and you get full marks for good hearted effort! Maybe, a good use for your enthusiasm would be to read up on puppy development and work up a beginning training program for you and your dog.

Check with your vet about pup training and socialization classes. Those classes are bags of fun and it's helpful to talk to other owners about common problems.

Best Wishes, Rob

[Nileska]

Hey Rob..."You are a better man than I am Gunga Din"

[WilsonWaddlepants]

They make feeders that can be set to open at a certain time so your pup can get his or her meal at a specific time. As far as toys, mine prefer homemade versions of Kong toys. I take an empty parmesan cheese container and cut two holes in opposite sides that are big enough for a piece of kibble to fall through and then put a handful of kibble inside. My Corgi loves it !

[kurimusoda]

When Douglas was a wee pup he also was not interested in his Kong. I did everything I could, filled it with peanut butter, ice cubes, chicken broth, froze the Kong... he just would not chew on it. I think it was the shape that he didn't like, because he's loved his bone-shaped Nylabones since we first got him. Not every single puppy is going to like the same toys, no matter how popular they are. What's worked over the months is also rotating toys in and out--so that they can keep his interest.

[pwoodward54]

When I first got her I was only feeding her out of a bowl. But then I read Dr. Ian Dunbars book and he stresses to feed them only out of kongs for the first few months of their lives. I thought that was a little dramatic so I was only going to do it for one meal a day. Guess I wasted money on that book considering you all seem to be disagreeing with him haha. Thanks for the advice.

[Nileska]

Do read all you can then select what makes sense to you.It would be beneficial to find a local training club ,they have puppy classes for the little ones and regular obedience training starting at about 6 months...Go without your pup and observe .
I predict that you will want to sign up when you see how much fun everyone is haveing...You will be trained by experienced dog trainers,many of whom compete in sanctioned obedience trials.It helps to learn to do it right.and the cost is reasonable.

You will also make a lot of new friends,case in point,I met my OH of the last 30 years at an OB training club.One of our first trips together was to a weekend of trials in Canada,We came back with 5 trophys.