Snuffle Mats & Balls
(11)Dog snuffle mats are enrichment toys that usually take the form of a mat or rug made from soft, fluffy material. A mat is designed for hiding treats or small toys among the fringes, folds, or pockets of the mat, which the dog must locate using its sense of smell and retrieve. “Scent balls” work on the same principle, but with an added challenge: the ball gently rolls as the dog searches. Both mats and balls are excellent tools for stimulating the dog’s mind and body, enhancing intelligence and problem-solving skills, while providing engaging entertainment and a calming activity.
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Snuffle mats for dogs have many benefits, both for the dog and for the owner. Here are some of them:
- Stimulation - playing with a scent mat provides sensory and mental stimulation essential for the dog’s development and wellbeing. It prevents boredom and frustration, which can lead to destructive or anxious behaviours.
- Learning - interacting with the scent mat teaches the dog new skills useful in everyday life. It improves memory, concentration, and logical thinking. Playing with a scent mat also strengthens the dog’s confidence and sense of security.
- Entertainment - scent mats and scent balls bring dogs lots of joy and satisfaction. Searching through the mat fulfils the dog’s natural instincts to seek and obtain food. It is a source of play and adventure.
- Reduction of stress and excessive arousal - scent mats promote calm, focused behaviour.
- Bonding - playing with a scent mat can be used to build a stronger bond between the dog and the owner, especially when the owner engages in the activity, praises, or rewards the dog for performing well.
To choose an appropriate scent mat for your dog, consider the following factors:
- Size - the scent mat should be suited to the size of the dog. A mat that is too large may be difficult to handle, while one that is too small may end up being carried around in the dog’s mouth.
- Material - the scent mat should be made from a material that is safe, durable, does not tear easily, and does not unravel. The mat should be soft and pleasant to the touch so it does not irritate the dog’s nose or mouth.
- Shape - a scent mat can have any shape that facilitates hiding treats or toys among its fringes or folds. It may also come in the form of a scent ball. It should always have appropriate thickness and density of fringes/folds/pockets to provide challenge and fun.
To play with a scent mat, follow these steps:
- Preparation - first lay the scent mat flat on a clean and even surface. Prepare treats that will be hidden in the mat. Treats should be small, dry, and appealing to the dog. Dog biscuits, training treats, or freeze-dried meat work well.
- Hiding - hide the treats by placing them between the fringes or folds of the mat. Hide them in various locations and at different depths to offer different difficulty levels. For beginners, simply scatter the treats on the surface.
- Searching - encourage the dog to search for treats or toys in the mat using a command such as “search” or “find it.” Praise and reward the dog for each treat or toy found.
- When your dog masters searching in a scent mat or scent ball, you can increase the difficulty and variety of play by changing the quantity and type of treats hidden inside. You can also vary the location and timing of sniffing sessions to provide new stimuli and challenges.










































