Family Dollar has started selling cheap knockoffs of the popular Kong toys, which is good news for dog owners who like to keep a few stuffed Kongs in the freezer but can’t afford to pay $15 for a chew toy.
Unfortunately, the toys — which cost about $5 — have a serious design flaw that needs to be addressed before dogs can play with them safely.
The problem with these toys is that they have a hole at one end so you can stuff them with treats, kibble, peanut butter, etc., but they don’t have a hole at the other end. This can create a suction effect that can cause the dog’s tongue to get stuck in the hole. Several years ago, another company recalled a similar toy over this problem. I can’t vouch for the accuracy of the stories, because the internet is full of people who like to exaggerate for social-media clout, but I’ve heard horror stories about dogs being seriously injured or even killed as a result of getting their tongues stuck in toys. (Actual fatalities seem unlikely, but I suppose a dog whose owner couldn’t afford a trip to the vet would be at risk.)
The good news is that you can address the problem in about two minutes by simply drilling about a 1/4-inch hole in the closed end of the toy to allow air to pass through.
As I note in the video, a frozen Kong full of peanut butter and treats is a good way to manage separation anxiety, and it makes an excellent “instead of” option for compulsive chewers; simply correct the dog when you catch him chewing on an inappropriate item, move him away from the item, and offer him the frozen Kong as a substitute, making sure to mark and reward when he shows interest in the toy.
Tucumcari Dog Training 
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