How to make your own Snuffle Mat
A snuffle mat is an enrichment toy that encourages your dog to sniff and search out hidden treats amongst the strands of the mat.
Our coaches at Dogs Trust Dog School recommend using these tactile creations to keep dogs content and occupied. Dogs are social, intelligent and active animals so it is important to provide them with safe and suitable opportunities to exercise their bodies and minds. Enrichment games, like a snuffle mat, are a great way to do this – and the best part is, you can make it yourself.
Our simple DIY Snuffle Mat is easy and cost-friendly to make. The snuffle mat is portable for days out and machine washable too – what’s not to love?!
Simply bury tiny bits of food into the mat’s fronds, and watch your dog enjoy rooting them out using their nose and brain.
You will need:
- A fleecy throw, jumper or some felt
- Sharp scissors
- A rubber shower mat or outdoor rubber mat with holes
Four simple steps to make a snuffle mat
| 1. Cut the fleece into long strips, about 5 cm wide. |
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2. Knot the strips through each hole of the garden mat,
so that the knot is on the underside and the strands
protrude on the top side. The longer the pile, the longer
it will take for your dog to find the treats! |
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| 3. Keep going to fill all the holes – it takes a little while! |
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4. When the strands are completed, bury tiny morsels
of food into the strands, and then watch your dog having
a good time getting them all out. |
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Want more ideas?
Take a look at our Muffin Tin Hide & Seek enrichment toy. All you need are some tennis balls, a muffin tin and some treats. Let us know how you (and your dog) get on!
How to make Muffin Tin Hide and Seek >
Download our Enrichment guide for more budget-friendly ideas:
Enrichment Guide PDF 821 KB
Download
If you aren't feeling crafty and would prefer to purchase a snuffle mat, you can find them on our Dogs Trust Amazon Store