Kong Toy Enrichment Program
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Your donation to the Gulf Coast Humane Society Kong Toy Enrichment Program will provide the funds to purchase Kong Toys at a discount to be used for our shelter dogs.
KONGs, used in shelters everywhere, provide endless entertainment and comfort for dogs. They can be used to dispense treats for chewing or for fetching, since their playful shape gives them an unpredictable, stimulating bounce. When animals are enjoying KONG toys, they are less likely to bark, so noise levels drop, which reduces the stress in these environments. Less stress results in happier, more adoptable animals. Enrichment is what we strive for daily for all our animals. Kinds of enrichment vary but we specifically look for the kind that: • Relieves boredom • Improves quality of life • Decreases destructive behavior and frustration. |
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Below are some fabulous reasons for we want and use Kongs specifically;
•KONG toys are commonly considered key tools to help keep dogs safely entertained and challenged in a shelter environment. They can provide a productive distraction for dogs suffering from separation anxiety or boredom.
•Due to KONG toys’ durability, most dogs can be safely left alone with an appropriately-sized KONG and they will last through substantial chew sessions, especially when stuffed and frozen.
•KONGs can be easily cleaned for use with multiple dogs; most dogs lick them clean anyway!
•KONGs provide hours of chewing satisfaction and stimulation to help reduce stress and anxiety, which can be common in a shelter environment.
•It has been said you can hear a pin drop in even the loudest kennels right after stuffed KONGs have been distributed. KONGs can cut down on barking by keeping dogs calm and occupied.
•KONGs can help reduce post-adoption return rates; a familiar KONG can be a source of comfort for a pet acclimating to a new adoptive home.
•KONG toys are commonly considered key tools to help keep dogs safely entertained and challenged in a shelter environment. They can provide a productive distraction for dogs suffering from separation anxiety or boredom.
•Due to KONG toys’ durability, most dogs can be safely left alone with an appropriately-sized KONG and they will last through substantial chew sessions, especially when stuffed and frozen.
•KONGs can be easily cleaned for use with multiple dogs; most dogs lick them clean anyway!
•KONGs provide hours of chewing satisfaction and stimulation to help reduce stress and anxiety, which can be common in a shelter environment.
•It has been said you can hear a pin drop in even the loudest kennels right after stuffed KONGs have been distributed. KONGs can cut down on barking by keeping dogs calm and occupied.
•KONGs can help reduce post-adoption return rates; a familiar KONG can be a source of comfort for a pet acclimating to a new adoptive home.
