| How to Use a Kong Posted: 18 Jul 2020 01:00 AM PDT Kong is a brand that makes super sturdy dog toys that can withstand even the sharpest of teeth. Kong toys are hollow in the middle, so you can fill them up with the treats and food items that your dog likes the most. Make sure you're giving your dog food that's safe for them to eat, and always wash your Kong out after each use. [Edit]Filling the Kong - Mix together kibble and wet dog food to create a thick mixture. Pour about 1/2 cup (64 g) of dry dog food into a bowl and combine it with a little bit of wet dog food. Mix your ingredients together to combine them so they stick together and are easier to spoon into the toy. You can try different mixtures of food depending on what your dog likes. Just be sure to mix solid foods with softer foods to bind the mixture together.[1]
- For example, try combining pureed pumpkin, spinach, and apple sauce for a fall flavor, or mix together turkey, carrots, and cream cheese for a summer picnic. Fruit, vegetables, and purees are healthy choices.
- If your dog is on a restricted diet, talk to your vet before choosing ingredients to put in the Kong.
- Double-check that foods are safe for dogs before including them. For instance, onions, garlic, grapes, and chicken bones are harmful to dogs and can make them sick.[2]
- Spoon the mixture into your Kong until it's 2/3 full. The opening of the Kong is pretty wide, so you should be able to use a normal tablespoon to transfer your mixture. Fill up the toy until it's almost, but not quite, full.[3]
- If you're filling up a small Kong, you may need to use a popsicle stick instead of a spoon.
- Spread peanut butter on top of the Kong to seal it. To seal the Kong to make sure the mixture doesn't fall out, use a knife to gently spread some peanut butter into the top 1/3 of the Kong. Or, if your dog doesn't like peanut butter, take a can of spray cheese and spray it into the very top of the Kong.[4]
- Freeze the Kong for an extra challenge for your dog. If your dog is super good at destroying toys or you want to entertain them for a few hours, put your full Kong into the freezer for about 1 hour to let the ingredients freeze together. Your dog will have to work harder to reach their treats since they're all stuck together.[5]
- This is a great way to give your dog a chilly treat on a hot summer day.
[Edit]Giving the Kong to Your Dog - Introduce the Kong to your dog as a special treat. If your dog has never used a Kong before, they might not be too sure about it at first. Use a kind, sweet voice and tell your dog that you have a treat for them. Drop it on the floor and let your dog inspect it to smell the goodies inside.[6]
- Treat your dog with a Kong as a reward for good behavior. Since the Kong is filled with treats, it makes a great prize at the end of a long walk or a great day at the dog park. If your dog has been super good, you give them a Kong for some treats and a fun toy.[7]
- Kongs hold a lot of treats, so try to use them as a reward in moderation. Talk to your vet about the specific amount of treats your dog should have per week.
- Use the Kong to manage your dog's anxiety or high energy. If your dog doesn't like to be alone or they have a ton of energy all day long, give them a Kong to keep them distracted and entertained for a little while. Since they have to use their brains to get to a treat, it can tire them out and make them feel good about themselves once they've finished.[8]
- If your dog barks a lot when you leave, a Kong can keep them distracted and quiet.
- Prevent your dog from chewing or digging by giving them a Kong. If your dog loves to chew on the furniture or dig holes in the yard, they might need a distraction. Give them a full Kong to keep them occupied and less likely to destroy areas of your home.[9]
- Play fetch with an empty Kong toy. Kongs can be used in the place of a tennis ball if you want to give your dog some exercise. Try throwing an empty Kong toy around the yard as a fun way to expend some energy. At the end, you can fill up the Kong with treats and give it to your dog.[10]
- Kong also makes toys that float in water so you can play fetch on the beach.
[Edit]Cleaning the Kong - Soak the Kong in warm water and dish soap for 15 minutes. Fill a small bowl or bucket with of warm water and 2 to 3 drops of dish soap. Submerge the Kong fully into the water and leave it there for about 15 minutes to get rid of any treat residue.[11]
- Your dog probably cleaned out the inside of the Kong pretty well with their tongue, so you won't have to worry about getting large pieces out.
- Scrub the inside with a bottle brush or a toothbrush. Dip your brush into the soapy water and then wash out the inside of the Kong. Make sure you reach all the way inside of the toy until you reach the bottom.[12]
- Rinse the inside out with warm water or put it in your dishwasher. You can either finish washing your Kong in the sink by rinsing it out, or you can put it on the top rack of your dishwasher and run it through a wash cycle. Kongs are dishwasher safe, so they won't warp or shrink in the hot water.[13]
- Leave the Kong out to dry before you store it. Set your Kong out on a towel with the hole facing outwards so the water can evaporate. Store your Kong in a pantry or a cabinet once it's fully dry so your dog can enjoy their toy again and again.[14]
- Kongs are made to be sturdy and last a long time, even for dogs who like to chew a lot.
- If your dog has never played with a Kong before, they may need a few minutes to sniff it before they start playing with it.
[Edit]Warnings - Always double check that you are filling your Kong with dog-safe food.
- Grapes, walnuts, onions, and animal bones are all harmful to your dog.[15]
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Filling the Kong [Edit]Cleaning the Kong [Edit]References |
| How to Improve Your Hiking Technique Posted: 17 Jul 2020 05:00 PM PDT Hiking is a great way to spend time and exercise in the great outdoors. But it can also be difficult and physically demanding, especially if you're new to hiking. Using good technique will make your hiking experience more fun and enjoyable, and with practice and the right gear, you can improve your technique to become a better hiker and take on more challenging trails. [Edit]Using the Right Gear - Invest in a good pair of hiking boots. A sturdy, comfortable pair of hiking boots will help you hike longer and further. Wearing sneakers or boots that aren't durable will make your hikes harder and may hurt your feet after a long day out on the trail. Choose a pair of well-fitting hiking boots to improve your overall hiking ability.[1]
- Look for high-quality hiking boots at outdoor supply stores, boot stores, or by ordering them online.
- Wear the socks you plan to wear on your hikes when you try the boots on so you choose a pair that isn't too tight.
- A good pair of hiking boots often take some time to be broken in so they're really comfortable.
- Pack small, nutrient-dense snacks in a lightweight backpack. Choose a well-fitting and sturdy backpack designed for outdoor use to store your snacks and gear. Pack small, lightweight snacks that are super-rich such as protein bars and trail mix so you're able to satisfy your hunger cravings and keep your energy levels up while you're out on the trail.[2]
- Fresh fruit such as apples or bananas are tasty, lightweight, and will provide a healthy supply of energy.
- Nuts are always a nice, tasty snack to have that will keep you going and stave off major hunger cravings.
- Store your water container in an easy-to-access location. Fill a canteen or a reusable water bottle with fresh water before you hit the trail so you're able to stay hydrated. Keep it somewhere on your backpack or slung over your shoulder so you can access it easily without having to stop to take a sip.[3]
- Hiking is a rigorous physical activity, which means you need to stay hydrated in order to keep going and replace any fluids you lose in your sweat.
- Store your water somewhere like on the side of your backpack so you can reach it while you're on the go.
- Wear lightweight clothing made out of moisture-wicking material. Put on comfortable pants and a shirt made out of moisture-wicking material such as a polyester blend that allows your skin to breathe while also protecting against moisture and rain. If it's cold where you're hiking, add layers of clothing such as a nice, warm fleece jacket. Pack a raincoat in your backpack, just in case you get caught in a sudden downpour.[4]
- Pack a waterproof shell for your backpack so you can cover all of your gear to protect it as well.
- Look for clothing designed for hiking at outdoor supply stores or by ordering them online.
- Adjust your pack's harness so it's comfortable. Before you get out on the trail, put on your backpack and adjust the straps and components so it fits securely and comfortably on your back. As you're hiking, the straps may loosen, or they may rub and become painful in certain areas. Make regular adjustments so the pack isn't loose, but it feels comfortable so you're able to keep going and enjoy your hike.[5]
- Put your pack on before you go hiking to make sure it isn't too heavy. If it is, take out any unnecessary items to make it more manageable.
- Bring a smartphone with a compass and hiking apps. Download apps to your smartphone that map out the trail you're hiking so you won't get lost, even if you don't have cell phone service or access to the internet. Your smartphone also has a compass app so you're always able to find your direction. Charge your smartphone and pack it with your gear in case you need to use it.[6]
- You can also download weather apps to keep track of any storms heading your way.
- Popular hiking apps include Topo Maps and Peak Finder.
- Use trekking poles to allow your arm muscles to help you hike. Trekking poles, also called hiking poles or hiking sticks, are 2 rods that you hold to help you hike. They allow you to incorporate your arms to make the trail more manageable. They also add extra stability. Choose a pair of trekking poles and adjust them so they're a comfortable height for you to improve your ability to hike.[7]
- Trekking poles are great to use on rocky or uphill terrain.
- You can find trekking poles at outdoor supply stores or by ordering them online.
[Edit]Developing Good Technique - Hike a local hill 2-3 times a day to find your natural cadence. Experienced hikers set a good cadence or pace while they're out hiking a trail so their steps are the same length and happen in the same amount of time. To find your own natural cadence, find a hill around your area that has a consistent slope. Walk up and down it a few times a day and focus on settling into a consistent rhythm with your steps. In time, you'll build muscle memory that will help you out on the trail.[8]
- The hill can be paved and doesn't need to be super steep.
- You'll also build up your hiking muscles with regular trips up and down a hill.
- Set and maintain a steady pace to avoid getting fatigued. Whenever you're out hiking, settle into your natural cadence so you're able to make steady progress without breaking down or wearing yourself out. Keep the same pace for both uphill, downhill, and flat terrain. You'll use less effort and will hike more efficiently by keeping a steady pace.[9]
- Use a zigzagging pattern when you're hiking uphill to make it easier. Breaking up the terrain on steep ascents or when you're hiking uphill by zigzagging decreases the gradient and makes the climb easier. Zigzagging also uses different muscles with each step, which helps prevent your legs from getting tired out.[10]
- Try to keep the same pace, even as you're hiking in a zigzagging pattern.
- Be careful when you're hiking up rocky terrain so you don't step on a loose stone and slip.
- Take smaller steps when you're hiking downhill to keep your balance. Hiking downhill may feel easier, but it's really important that focus on maintaining your footing and balancing so you don't fall and potentially tumble down the trail. Take steps that are about half the length of your normal stride so you're more stable and less likely to trip and fall.[11]
- Focus on your foot placement as well so you don't slip.
- Smaller steps help keep your center of gravity over your feet so you're not leaning forward.
- Choose the path of least resistance on cross country hikes. If you're hiking without a trail or on a trail with lots of different types of terrain, take your time and look around whenever you approach an obstacle or a change in terrain. Look for the safest and easiest way to hike through the terrain and use that route to manage it more efficiently.[12]
- Avoid burning yourself out by choosing the most difficult route possible, especially on long hikes.
- Cross country or terrain without trails are often more remote and are less likely to have people on them, so it's important that you're as safe as possible when you're hiking them.
- Take short, consistent breaks to stay fresh on the trail. Stopping to take a short, 5-minute rest every 2-3 hours will actually keep you moving faster on the trail because you'll feel refreshed and ready to keep going. Find a nice place to take a short break, take off your backpack, and stretch out your muscles before you get back on the trail.[13]
- Adjust your backpack when you put it back on so it's more comfortable.
- Take a sip of water and have a small snack to get your energy levels back up.
[Edit]Training to Improve Strength and Stamina - Take shorter hikes to build up your hiking endurance. The best way to improve your hiking ability is to get out there and hike! Start with shorter, less difficult trails to get your body used to hiking. As your ability improves, keep challenging yourself with more and more difficult trails. Over time, your technique, endurance, and ability will increase.[14]
- Look online for hiking trails in your area that you can check out.
- Many parks and hiking trails will indicate the difficulty of the trail. Start with the easier trails first and work your way up to the more difficult ones.
- Climb stairs to improve your hiking stamina. Hiking is a strenuous activity that requires lots of endurance to keep going. Climbing stairs will challenge your muscles and increase your cardiovascular conditioning while roughly simulating the movements of hiking. Visit a local park or stadium with stairs you can use to build up your stamina.[15]
- Some gyms have stair climber machines that you can use as well.
- Try to take the stairs instead of an elevator or escalator any chance you get!
- Use cardiovascular exercises to improve your physical conditioning. Building up your cardio will improve your ability to go on longer, more demanding hikes. You won't break down or get too fatigued while you're out on a trail if your physical conditioning is on point. Try to do some cardiovascular exercise at least 2-3 times a week to stay in shape and increase your conditioning.[16]
- Even if you don't plan to hike in the near future, keeping your conditioning up will make sure you're always ready for a hike.
- Running, cycling, swimming, skipping rope, and even machines like an elliptical trainer and rowing machines are all great examples of cardiovascular exercise.
- Do strength training to build stronger muscles. Hiking also demands a lot from your muscles, so adding some weight lifting to your fitness regimen will help build up your muscles so they're strong enough to handle anything the trail throws at you. Add at least 1-2 weight lifting workouts a week to increase your strength and improve your ability to hike tougher, more demanding trails.[17]
- If you're new to weight lifting, work with a trainer or an experienced partner to make sure you're using good form and won't injure yourself.
- Use weights that are appropriate for you. Trying to lift weights that are too heavy can cause you to injure yourself, which could keep you from hiking!
- Stretch regularly to improve flexibility and lung capacity. Stretching your muscles at least once a day will increase your flexibility and mobility, which will allow you to handle the ever-changing demands of a hike. Stretching also helps to expand the muscles of your rib cage and diaphragm, which will help develop a greater lung capacity for hiking.[18]
- Stretching also helps release tightness in your muscles after a long hike or a challenging workout.
- Try training with your backpacking gear so you can get more used to it. Go for walks or hike up nearby hills while you wear it so your body adapts to the extra weight.
- The more fit you are in general, the better hiker you'll be. Even if you can't make it out on the trail, exercise regularly to keep up your fitness.
- Go for regular walks when you get a new pair of hiking boots to help break them in so they're more comfortable.
[Edit]Warnings - Avoid lifting weights that are too heavy or performing exercises you're unfamiliar with so you don't hurt yourself.
[Edit]Related wikiHows
[Edit]References |
| How to Drink Red Wine with Food Posted: 17 Jul 2020 09:00 AM PDT Red wine has been a popular mealtime drink for centuries, but with so many varieties, choosing the right wine may seem challenging or overwhelming. Fortunately, by recognizing the basic flavor profiles of different types of red wine, you can pair the right wine with the right food for an even more enjoyable dining experience. There are also a few tricks and strategies you can use to help enhance the flavor of the red wine even further. [Edit]Pairing Wine with Food - Choose a rich red Bordeaux for heavier, fatty dishes. Rich, bold-flavored red wines such as red Bordeaux go well with hearty dishes such as beef stew, a bacon cheeseburger, or pasta with a meaty sauce. The strong flavors correspond well together and the red wine may even help aid the digestion of fatty foods.[1]
- A dry Shiraz or a Cabernet Sauvignon blend would also pair well with a rich, hearty dish.
- Go with a Cabernet Franc or Xinomavro for spicy food. Well-seasoned, spicy dishes, like Mexican or Thai food, are best served with a glass of a light, acidic red wine. The acidity in the wine will balance out the heat and wash the strong flavors down to cleanse your palate.[2]
- A red Zinfandel would also work well to balance the heat of spicy food.
- A light red wine would also pair well with some spicy chicken or even a spicy soup.
- Put Barbera together with a tomato-based dish. Barbera is an Old World wine from Italy that goes really well with tomato-based dishes such as pasta or lasagna with a red sauce or even a tasty pizza. It also goes well with classic Northern Italian dishes, such as polenta and risotto.[3]
- The balanced flavors of Barbera aren't overpowering, so they don't compete with either the bold or the subtle flavors of Italian dishes.
- Match a Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec with juicy red meat. A well-cooked steak like a ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon is best paired with a deep, rich wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or a glass of Malbec, which will enhance the richness of the hearty meat. The rich notes and aromatics of these reds also go well with other savory meats such as lamb, venison, or even goat.[4]
- Cabernet Sauvignon comes in a variety of blends but is always rich in flavor.
- If you're having grilled veggies as a main course or as a side dish to your red meat, a nice, full-bodied Syrah would add an extra layer of depth to your meal.
- Pick a Pinot Noir for cheese plates and dishes with earthy flavors. Pinot Noir is a dark red wine with a magical balance between a light body and rich, savory flavors, making it a perfect companion for dishes with earthy ingredients such as mushrooms or truffles. It won't overpower the delicate flavors but will add another layer of depth and richness to the meal. It also brings out the umami flavors of a variety of cheeses, making it a great choice to pair with a cheeseboard.[5]
- Pinot Noir also features light fruit notes and a smooth finish, making it ideal for cheeseboards.
- The earthy flavors of many vegetarian dishes are also well served by a Pinot Noir.
- Select Merlot for lighter meats such as turkey or chicken. Merlot is a red wine with a dark color, but a light body and flavor, so it won't weigh down or overpower meals with lighter proteins such as chicken, turkey, and even fish. If your main dish isn't red meat, Merlot is a great wine to accompany the meal.[6]
- Merlot would go great with a classic Thanksgiving or holiday turkey.
- Because of its light body, Merlot is usually a safe wine choice for most meals.
[Edit]Enhancing the Flavor of Red Wine - Use a wine glass with a large, rounded bowl and a stem. Red wine needs lots of room to breathe and open up, so choose a glass with a large bowl that's rounded so you're able to swirl the wine around inside of it. Go with a glass that has a stem so you're able to hold it without the heat from your hand warming the wine, which can make it taste more bitter.[7]
- Though red wine isn't meant to be chilled, if it's warmer than room temperature, it can affect the flavor of the wine.
- Fill your glass about 1/2 of the way full. Pour less than half of a glass of red wine whenever you serve it so the extra space inside the glass will help the wine breathe and make it easier for you to sniff the subtle aromatics released by the wine. Pouring less than half a glass also makes it easier to swirl the wine around.[8]
- Sniff and swirl the wine around your glass to take in the aromatics. The aromatics released by the wine are an integral part of the richness of the wine, and sniffing the glass to take them in will enhance your wine drinking experience. To help the wine release its aromatics, gently swirl it around the inside of the glass before you sniff and take a sip.[9]
- Swirling the wine increases the oxygen present in it, which opens up the flavors and helps to release the aromas.
- Avoid drinking more than 3 glasses during a meal. Always drink wine in moderation so you're better able to pick up on the subtle flavors and aromas, and so you're able to get home safely. Even with a meal, try not to drink more than 3 glasses of wine so you can avoid drinking to excess.[10]
- Well drinking red wine in moderation has been linked to many health benefits,[11] heavy drinking can lead to serious medical issues such as cardiovascular disease.[12]
- If you plan to drink wine at your meal, always have a designated driver.
- If you're in doubt, a Merlot is generally a safe choice of red wine for many meals.
- If you're serving wine at a large dinner party or event, go with cheap plastic cups instead of expensive stemware.
[Edit]Warnings - Drink responsibly and avoid driving if you've been drinking red wine.
[Edit]References |
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