How do you train your dog to use a snuffle mat? Scroll on!
Start by letting your dog explore the mat with treats placed on top —this taps into their natural foraging instincts. Swiftly, they'll get snuggly and hide their treats.
A study from Sci Rep shows that dogs prefer working for food rather than having it freely available—it keeps them engaged...(This means, rather than simply feeding from a bowl, use a snuffle mat enriches both their mental and physical activity! [1])
In this guide, I’ll walk you through 6 easy steps for successful snuffle mat training, and how to get the best out of your match..each time!
Ready? Let’s dive in!
Must-Read: How to Choose the Best Snuffle Mat for Your Dog
Key Takeaways
- The snuffle mat engages your dog’s natural instincts and provides valuable mental stimulation, making it perfect for enrichment and daily use.
- Using the snuffle mat to hide an entire meal encourages slower eating, helping to prevent digestive issues and boredom at mealtime.
- The snuffle mat is machine washable, so you can easily keep it fresh and hygienic by using a gentle cycle and air drying after each use.
Snuffle Mat Training: Foolproof Guide!
Introducing a snuffle mat to your dog is simple and rewarding. Here's how to get started:
First, scatter 3-5 of your dog's favorite treats loosely on the top of the snuffle mat. Stay with your dog while they begin sniffing out the treats.
If your dog starts to lift or tug at the mat, calmly use the "Sit" or "Leave it" command. Then, encourage them to continue sniffing by pointing out the treats.
This process teaches your dog to focus on sniffing for rewards rather than shaking or digging at the mat. Once all the treats are found, put the snuffle mat away.
Repeat this twice a day for the first few days to help your dog associate the mat with the fun of finding treats.
After a few sessions, you can make it more challenging by hiding treats deeper in the fleece and mixing in kibble.
Over time, your dog will become an expert sniffer, calmly searching the mat for their rewards. Stick with these exercises to build focus and excitement around the snuffle mat.
P.S, your cat can use those snuffle mat too. Check this cute cat snuffle mat
Training & Self-Control with the Snuffle Mat
Not only does the snuffle mat provide mental stimulation, but it can also help improve your dog’s self-control. Start by asking your dog to "sit" while you prepare the mat in front of them.
Once the mat is ready, use a release command like "Okay" to allow your dog to start sniffing. This simple step helps reinforce patience and discipline in your dog.
You can also use the "Leave it" command before giving the release cue, teaching them to wait before diving in. Incorporating the snuffle mat into training sessions makes the reward more engaging.
Stick with this routine, and your dog will learn self-control while enjoying a satisfying challenge. The mat is a great tool to boost focus while keeping your dog entertained.
Using the Snuffle Mat as a Reward Tool
The snuffle mat isn't just for sniffing out treats—it can also be used as a reward during training. If your dog successfully follows a command, give them the snuffle mat as a reward.
This makes the reward even more fun and engaging, reinforcing good behavior. Rather than using the usual treats alone, the snuffle mat adds an interactive element to reward time.
Distraction Tool for Calming
The snuffle mat can be a fantastic distraction for your dog in high-stress environments. Whether you're at the groomer, in the car, or at a restaurant, the mat helps keep your dog occupied.
It's perfect for encouraging your dog to sit quietly under the table while they focus on finding treats. This is particularly useful for keeping dogs calm in public places.
Stick with the snuffle mat during moments when your dog needs a little extra focus or quiet time. It’s a calming aid for dogs of all ages and energy levels.
Slowing Down Fast Eaters
Mealtime can often be boring or rushed for dogs who eat from a bowl. The snuffle mat changes that by slowing down your dog’s eating and engaging them mentally.
Rather than gulping down food, your dog has to sniff and forage for each bite, extending mealtime. If your dog tends to rush through meals or ignore food, the snuffle mat is a great solution.
You can transition their entire meal onto the mat by gradually adding kibble to replace treats. Split meals into two or more sessions to further extend the activity and keep them entertained.
Energy Zapper for Active Dogs
Did you know that 15 minutes of sniffing burns as many calories as an hour’s walk? The snuffle mat provides an energy-zapping activity that can tire out even the most energetic dogs.
Sniffing directs excess energy into a calming, focused activity that mentally stimulates your dog. It’s perfect for active dogs or puppies who still have plenty of energy after a walk.
The snuffle mat helps balance physical and mental exercise, ensuring your dog stays healthy and happy. Stick with it for a fun way to channel their energy into something constructive.
Washing and Caring for Your Snuffle Mat
Keeping your snuffle mat clean is easy with regular washing. The mat is machine washable at 30 degrees—just toss it in with a couple of towels for balance.
Use a gentle spin cycle to remove excess water, and air-dry your mat for best results. Avoid the tumble dryer, as it can damage the fleece and reduce its lifespan.
This simple care routine will keep your snuffle mat fresh and ready for use. Stick with regular washing to maintain hygiene and extend the life of your mat.
Supervision and Safety
As with any pet product, it’s important to supervise your dog during snuffle mat use. If the mat becomes damaged, remove it immediately to prevent any risks.
Always ensure your dog is using the mat as intended and not chewing or tearing it apart. Proper supervision ensures that your dog safely enjoys the benefits of the snuffle mat.
FAQs
1. How do I clean my snuffle mat?
The snuffle mat is machine washable. Use a gentle cycle with cold water and air-dry the mat to keep it in top condition. Avoid using the dryer to protect the fleece pieces.
2. Can I use raw food in a snuffle mat?
It's best to use dry treats or kibble in your snuffle mat. Raw food can create a mess and is harder to clean, which may reduce the mat's lifespan.
3. How often should I let my dog use the snuffle mat?
You can use the snuffle mat daily as part of mealtime or for enrichment games.
Just 15 minutes of sniffing can burn as many calories as an hour’s walk, making it a great activity for both mental and physical exercise.
Conclusion
The snuffle mat training is an excellent tool for boosting your dog’s mental stimulation and providing an outlet for their excess energy.
Whether you’re using it for slow feeding, enrichment games, or simply as a fun way to engage your pet’s natural instincts, the snuffle mat offers a powerful range of benefits.
Its versatility allows you to hide your dog's entire meal or mix in a few extra treats to keep things exciting.
Not only does it offer great mental challenges, but it also helps balance their physical exercise needs—15 minutes of sniffing can be as exhausting as an hour of walking!
Stick with a Ruffle Snuffle mat to keep your dog healthy, happy, and mentally enriched!
Resources
1. Rothkoff L, Feng L, Sarah-Elizabeth Byosiere. Domestic pet dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) do not show a preference to contrafreeload, but are willing. Scientific Reports [Internet]. 2024;14. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10789754/