Air Kong Squeaker Ball

July 24, 2010 6:44 pm | By Zootoo Editor Meredith B.

The Kong Ball is a deceptively simple toy ball made for games of fetch, and the product is also appropriate for mild chewing. The Kong has a circular hole in the middle that makes it look like a red, rubber apple with the core removed. The ball is about the size and weight of a tennis ball, it's easy to throw and it is extremely bouncy.

When I brought the Kong Ball along with me to the park for testing with my pet in tow, I was anticipating a long afternoon of fetch. However, the ball’s bounciness got in the way of our plans. The first time I threw the ball for him, I had no idea how far it would bounce. It landed where I intended but it bounced so high and far that my dog completely lost track of it. Half an hour later I found it buried in a bush, and prepared to throw it for him again, this time I made sure to throw it for him on a sand play ground so it couldn’t bounce — but my dog quickly became more interested in the children on the playground.

Back at home, I tried to get my dog interested in the Kong Ball indoors, and had much more success. Its bounce-ability is much more appropriate for a hardwood floor than the concrete and grass of a park. Inside, it kept bouncing and bouncing and my dog loved trying to track it down. He also enjoyed chewing it extensively, in part because of the hole bored through the center of the ball made the surface more satisfying for his teeth.

Bottom line: The Kong Ball is too bouncy for outdoor use. It will get lost — and you and your dog will waste your afternoon looking for it. But this quality shouldn’t take away from its excellent indoor aptitude.

Pros: Your dog will love the squeaks and the bouncing — indoors.

Cons: Easily lost in the great outdoors.