Classic Kong Toy Worth Every Penny By JPnMO on Jan 02, 2010 - Updated Oct 15, 2011

Since adopting our Lab 1 1/2 years ago, we've gone through countless toys. She destroys most within a few hours, if not minutes. She's a heavy chewer and there just isn't much that we have found that can withstand her destructive ways.

While searching online for more toy ideas, I discovered the Kong brand. I had never heard of it before and it's claims of being nearly indestructible sounded far too good to be true. I did more online research and found numerous happy customers and decided to try it.

After arriving at Petsmart, we looked over the vast selection of toys. So many had looked promising in the past, yet we knew they weren't as strong as we had thought. We found the Kong section and began investigating. We agreed that the Classic Kong was the right toy to put to the test.

Because our dog gets bored quickly, part of the attraction is that this toy can be used many ways. It can be thrown and it bounces around in unpredictable ways, which gives our dog exercise and keeps her guessing. It has an opening for treats and at times, we play Tug of War with it. Other times, she will lay and hold it between her paws and chew on it. Or, she'll toss it into the air and entertain herself that way.

Occasionally, I'll fill it with various types of treats, including peanut butter, pieces of dog biscuits and even vegetables. She loves carrots and celery and they work great in this toy. She'll work at getting the treats out and once she can't reach the rest, she tosses the toy into the air, knowing that it will bounce and then a treat may fly out. She's gotten quite good at this and it's fun to watch.

When I get up in the morning, I often sit with my legs stretched out and eat breakfast while watching the news. Most days, she will bring this toy to me and nudge my legs and feet repeatedly, trying to get me to play. I'll use my foot and playfully knock it out of her mouth and it will bounce away, only to be retrieved and brought back for another game. She loves to hold it out of the side of her mouth, which makes it look like she's holding a fat cigar.

After about a year of daily wear and tear, this toy is still totally intact. Our dog has not been able to destroy it in any way. Kong actually makes a stronger version of this which we must have overlooked at the time we purchased this one.

I am a big fan of Kong toys. I've learned my lesson about buying toys before I investigate their durability. My only complaint with the Kong company is that they don't make more varieties of toys.