Stuffing a KONG or enrichment toy is one of the best ways to keep dogs mentally stimulated but let’s be honest, it’s often messy, time-consuming and frustrating.

If you’ve ever tried to fill a KONG with a spoon, piping bag or makeshift tool, you’ll know how quickly food ends up on your hands, worktop and floor. For dog owners feeding wet or raw food, it can feel like more hassle than it’s worth.

So what is the easiest way to stuff a KONG?

Harvey and I were kindly invited by Joe Nutkins to visit her training facility on the Essex & Suffolk border for a trial session of Canine Hoopers  and despite the grey skies and grim paddock weather outside, what waited for us inside was anything but dull.

January might be cold, dark, and often a little muddy… but it’s also National Walk Your Dog Month,  a perfect reminder that getting outside together still matters, even in winter.

Dog walks aren’t just about exercise. They’re routine, enrichment, connection, and mental wellbeing for both ends of the lead. And while winter can make things feel harder, a little preparation goes a very long way.