Product Review-KaChewkee Wrapper

June 25, 2009 by doggymom
Filed under Cathy's Product Reviews, Featured

So what is a KaChewkee Wrapper?

If you are like me, you are probably wondering what a KaChewkee Wrapper is and why would I want one for my dog.

Catherine from Fido's Functional Fashion makes these little gems. They are for dogs who tend to gobble their treats too fast. This little device is wrapped around the treat, and the dog has to work at getting it off to get to the treat. It teaches your pup a little patience.

The picture on the left shows a KaChewkee in the process of being wrapped around a dog treat. To the right is a sweet little dog (looks a little like our Joey, doesn't it?) getting ready to enjoy his KaChewkee.

These come in 4 colors and 3 sizes. They are machine washable and made of natural fibers.

I have 4 dogs who are relatively well behaved when it comes to snack time. I do make them all sit or roll over before they get a treat. Joey does get excited and finds it hard to sit but he will…to get his treat. When it comes to actually eating the treat, Buddy has a problem with gobbling the treat really quickly. But I think it may because he is so big and the treats I buy are relatively small (to fit the smaller dogs' mouths).

I tried it with Joey first and he loved playing with it. Joey is very smart (he does Monday's dog advice column after all) and he seemed to think this was a challenge for him to figure out.

Harley seemed confused by it at first but eventually figured it out and got the treat out in about 30 minutes.

Roxy quickly figured it out but then she's part Border Collie.

Buddy was the problem child. He tried to swallow the whole thing including the KaChewkee wrapper! I had to pull it out of his throat before it went too far down.

I contacted Catherine and asked her for some hints about the KaChewkee and this is what she said:

Hints – for those furry friends who chew "everything".
The KW allows you to have a ritual where you can work on some basic commands and concepts with your pal.

When giving the KW ask for a "sit" while tying it up.
This is a great exercise for helping them anticipate something fun without jumping and going crazy.
Don't get them all hyped up with excitement. Have a calm demeanor and voice.
Let them see it and say "mine".
Present it (bring it down to their level – don't encourage jumping with holding it up for them to "snatch")
when they clamp onto it hold on for just a second.
Have eye contact and say "yours" upon release.

Let them take to where ever they are going to enjoy it and have their couple of minutes of fun
Keep an eye on them. When the crunching stops it's time to check how things are going.
Like with children – when things are too quiet it's time to go see what's going on.
Take the empty wrapper. Using the "give" or "drop it" command.
If you have a " snapper" put your foot on it and say "mine". Ask for sit. Pick it up.

All these little steps help with establishing the pack order.
Knowing you are top dog and what behavior you expect lets them feel safe and calm.
And of course no toy is right for all dogs. But this "training-toy" is right for many dogs.

So, I agree that it's not for everyone. I'm a little afraid to trust Buddy with it. I don't think he realizes he's eating something he shouldn't be.

But it was great for Joey. He totally enjoyed it. It was a wonderful mind game for him.

I think this would be a great product for teaching your dog some "table manners" and giving them a puzzle to work out too.

You can click here to read more about the KaChewkee Wrapper and order one for your dog.