We originally got the idea and instructions for the Snuffle Mat from All Pet’s Education and Training, you can see the instructions by following their link. In summary, you will need a rubber mat with holes in it from Bunnings and LOTS (3-4m of 150cm wide fabric) of strips of polar fleece (i made mine about 30cm x 3cm). You will also need a whole afternoon, tying all those strips takes a whole lot of time (4-5 hours here).
Once you’ve tied your polar fleece through every hole in every direction you have a truly spectacular example of an enrichment toy! The Snuffle Mat provides soft, dense substrate for your dog to sniff and snuffle into as he looks for treats.
As always here at Treat. Play. Love., Wilbur was our trusty test puppy. He spent a good 15 minutes searching for a measly 1/8c of dry food last night while we ate our dinner. Then he laid down on it for a snooze. Can’t go wrong.
Below is a short video of Wilbur using the Snuffle Mat earlier today, he loves it!
Love this!!!!
I have a question. I am making these mats for Craft fairs in the Wausau area and everyone loves them. They think it is a really good idea, but think their dog will shred it to pieces. Can you give me some ideas on what to tell them to reassure them? I have told them my dog is fine with them.
Thank you for your time.
Jane
Hi Jane,
We have found the same thing. I just explain it’s a food toy and that if they are worried they ahould put it away when not in use, just like any other puzzle toy. Also that it should be used under supervision until they know how their dog uses its.
Cheers, Belinda
Thank you Belinda. Now the question of washing it from the hair. I don’t know. You?
I imagine you could vacuum it to get some hair out. I put it away between uses, which keeps my dog from laying on it and making it too hairy.
Cheers, Belinda
Hi Belinda – can these mats be washed? Will the fleece not come apart? We have one and are concerned that leftover smells could be confusing without washing them away now and again.
Thanks
Hi Fay,
Thanks for your question. The fleece should survive the wash. I’ve never seen a dog look confused about the mat smelling “foody”, they just get to work snuffling out the treat. I usually give the mat a shake outside when my pup is finished, and if it got too dirty i would hose it off and hang it upside down on the line.
Cheers, Belinda
Do you just tie each piece thru the holes??
Yep, that’s all you need to do.