Traditionally, most people feed their dog food using a dog bowl. Still, it's a dog's nature to work for their food and successfully doing so is not only stimulating, but highly rewarding for them. Incorporating a meal with a snuffle mat can provide these benefits while maintaining much of the convenience that comes with using a bowl. Thus, even food time doesn't have to inhibit brain time.
SNUFFLE MATS are all about exerting mental energy! Other than meal time, use snuffles mats during inclement weather, to help get a puppy/dog used to a car ride, as a crate game, to help alleviate anxiety, or any stressful situation for focusing on something constructive versus destructive. Options are endless!
For first time snufflers; take a handful of your dog's favorite treats, kibble, etc., and sprinkle throughout the snuffle mat. Start simple by placing the treats right at the top of the mat. Then as the dog becomes familiar with how to use the mat, make it more difficult by burying the treats deeper in. Remember, it's important not to make it too hard at the beginning. The goal is to build confidence and stimulate brain time, not to stump them. You may even want to bring out a high reward treat, something nice and smelly, to get them use to using a snuffle mat.
Unlike most work-to-eat toys, a snuffle mat is more likely to “stay put” versus rolling away. This makes it an especially great solution for blind dogs, senior dogs, and dogs with mobility challenges. These dogs can get frustrated when they have trouble keeping up with a toy that moves around too much. Likewise for dogs recovering from an illness or surgery and restricted from exercise or physical activity; a snuffle mat makes it easier for dogs to stay in a smaller area, while still exerting mental energy!
Caring for a snuffle mat is easy. Simply hand wash with cold water using mild soap and them air dry.
Making snuffle mats are easy too. Make it yourself with a fabric of your choice (Pet Pal Keli chooses fleece) and mat of your choice. A mat with holes in it makes for easier work, but one without can always have holes drilled in. Simply cut up steps of fabric and tie them into the mat. The more layers or more sense the fabric, the more challenging it will be.
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Watch Pet Pal Kadian and Rinzen use their snuffle mat!
