Snuffle Mat

[Labradorks]

I just used a snuffle mat for the first time and I (rather, my dogs) love it!

If you don't know what they are, Google it, but basically it's an interactive dog toy.

I really bought them as a fundraiser, paid quite a bit for them (good cause) and figured I'd end up giving them away for Christmas. I thought a few things would happen. I thought they'd slide all over the floor and make a mess. Turns out, if they have a rubber backing and are on tile, they stick well and stay in place. I also thought my dogs would pick them up and make a mess. That also did not happen. Finally, I feed Fromm, which are tiny, and I didn't think the dogs would be able to find them. Again, I was wrong. When I shook them out, two kibble fell out.

The snuffle mats were great for being able to do things while the dogs ate. I was able to take a shower without an audience while they snuffled for food. YMMV, of course! You might need to supervise. I personally would not leave them out while I'm at work. It also calmed them down, so after eating they were pretty mellow, even though I got home from work later than usual. People I know have been using the mats at trials and matches to help their dogs relieve stress.

I don't think the person I bought them from sells them publicly, but they are pretty easy to make and I have seen some high-quality ones on Etsy.

[Java]

My beagle would've loved one! Might make one for Boomer. Thanks!

[Tanya]

i had just bought the fleece to make one for pen and rock the week before she passed, i haven't gotten back into it (still need to buy the "frame" aka mat) They look pretty fun

Easy to make but those I talked to said it is time consuming.

[Jeff]

We made them last year as part of the crafts at dog scout camp. Hemi loves his. However he does pick the mat up and shake it once in a while when they just aren't coming out fast enough. The funny thing is I leave it sitting out in the living room back in a corner when not in use. Occasional when he is not looking I drop in just a couple zukes treats or some kibble wait to see how long he notices. He might come out to the living room lay down a bit, just sitting there, sometimes up on the couch by me. Pretty soon you see his nose working. Then he gets down to investigate. Then he is drawn to it. Love watching his nose work.

[Labradorks]

Easy to make but those I talked to said it is time consuming.

I feel like it's something you could do over time while watching a movie or television on the weekends when the weather is gross.

[Tanya]

I feel like it's something you could do over time while watching a movie or television on the weekends when the weather is gross.

yeah Once I get the "frame" I'll start cutting the fleece. Rocky would enjoy it

[smartrock]

So, you just sprinkle some of their kibble over it and they snuffle around to find it and get it out? I probably have enough fleece left from other stuff that I could make one today if I had the holey mat. Hmmm, I could make one of Packers fleece for my daughter's dog! I wonder if Lark would rip the fleece things off? Only one way to find out, I guess! The things I've never thought or heard of! Thanks!

[Jeff]

BTW you can buy the holey mat at Lowes. It is in the flooring section back where they keep the like rubber flooring for like working on concrete. Thats the same rubber mat I used to make Hemi's pool steps.

Bit expensive and you only need 1 square, so make more for other dogs you know.

Shop Blue Hawk Black Rectangular Door Mat (Common: 36-in x 36-in; Actual: 36-in x 36-in) at Lowes.com

[Labradorks]

They also call them anti-fatique mats, I think.

A dog might chew off the pieces, but you probably wouldn't leave it out if the dog was a chewer and you probably wouldn't use it if your dog was more interested in chewing than finding food (in that case you might want to get your dog DNA tested to make sure it's a Lab j/k!).

For me, about a half cup fit on the mat, but I could make more fit if I wanted to push it down with your hands and get them in there really good. I just added half cup and waited, then added the other half once they got the easy ones off the top. I'll probably make it harder next time and shake the pieces down a bit. I have to make sure the dogs are in a stay because Linus tried to cheat and eat the food right out of the cup!

Another benefit is slowing them down. It easily extended their eating time from 3.5 seconds to about 15 minutes or more.

[Snowshoe]

But how do you wash it?