Here at Pupford we are huge believers in the power of mental enrichment for dogs! It really can help keep your dog's pesky problem behaviors at a minimum.
We've noticed in our own dogs that when they have enough mental enrichment they are overall less likely to jump on guests, bark at the door, chew up furniture, and more.
Snuffle Mats are a super easy option for giving your dog some quick mental enrichment. Here are two powerful reasons why you should use a Snuffle Mat for your dog!
But before we talk about WHY you should be using a snuffle mat, let's talk about what a snuffle mat is. And be sure to watch/listen to the podcast here ⬇️
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WHAT IS A SNUFFLE MAT?
A snuffle mat is a mat with fabric grooves that you can hide treats and food in for your dog. It makes it so your dog needs to use their nose to get out the food in the mat.
HOW TO USE A SNUFFLE MAT?
To use a snuffle mat, simply sprinkle your dog's food or treats all throughout the mat.
You can make it easier or harder for your dog depending on how much you hide the treats. For a beginner you can sprinkle the treats over the top of the mat, and then once your dog gets the hang of that, increase the difficulty by burying the treats and food in the mat.
Be sure to use food or treats that aren't super messy. Dry dog food and treats, like our Freeze Dried Training Treats work great.
WHEN SHOULD YOU USE A SNUFFLE MAT?
You can use a snuffle mat any time you want to give your dog mental enrichment. We especially like to use snuffle mats at mealtime, for reasons we will talk about below.
OVERVIEW OF 2 REASONS YOU SHOULD BE USING A SNUFFLE MAT
#1- SLOW DOWN MEALTIME
My labs love to scarf down their food. Which in most cases isn't a huge deal... but it can be problematic. I've seen it cause stomach issues and noises and sometimes even throwing up (not often, but it has happened).
Giving your dog their meal in a Snuffle Mat can make the time they consume their meal MUCH longer. It's one of the best ways to slow down your dog's eating!
#2- MENTAL ENRICHMENT
Mental enrichment is powerful. And when you can knock out some mental enrichment during a daily task, it makes your life SO much easier!
Read more about mental stimulation for dogs here.
As your dog forages for their food or treats in the Snuffle Mat, it works their brain and nose to find the treats.
Get a snuffle mat for your dog to reduce boredom, slow down mealtime, and add some much needed mental enrichment into your dog's day!
Shop snuffle mats here, plus when you buy a Pupford Snuffle Mat you can get FREE shipping and a FREE 2oz bag of Training Treats (that's over 225 treats).
