Foraging for something delicious to eat has always been a favourite pastime of dogs.
Dogs possess the unique ability to detect scent and determine its source, which is why they’ve been trained to work in a number of specialised fields. So when you’re looking for an entertaining, interactive game for your dog, consider one that gives his remarkable nose a good workout, as well as being mentally stimulating.
Your dog’s nose and brain were made to sniff, track, burrow and snort. Offering your dog the opportunity to do nose work or snuffling capitalises on this natural desire and there’s no better time to do this, than during meal time!
Whether you call it nose work, foraging, hunting or snuffling, it’s all really the same thing – it’s your dog’s way of using his nose to sniff out good things to eat. The Snuffle Mat is a great enrichment activity, designed to mimic the grass your dog forages in outside. Made from strands of fabric attached to a strong backing, you can hide kibble and treats throughout the mat to create a scavenger hunt for your dog.
Benefits of Snuffle Mats
Snuffle Mats are an interactive enrichment puzzle, used to help refine search and find skills along with many positive results including;
- Encouraging attentive play
- Mentally stimulating and boredom-busting
- Ideal for pets on restricted exercise
- Can be used for behaviour modification training
- May help reduce stress and reduce anxiety
- A calming activity for your dog, after high intensity training or when your pup is unable to settle
- Regular practice greatly benefits dogs lacking in confidence
- Great for puppies who are just learning about mental enrichment
- Use with older dogs who can’t physically manage playing with other food dispensing toys.
- Great for dogs on restricted exercise as a result of surgery or recovery from injury.
Snuffle Mats are suitable for all breed types, ages and capabilities
Small - 40 x 40cm White/ Green Snuffle Mat
Fleece length approx 14.5cm
Medium - 50 x 50cm Green Snuffle Mat
Fleece length approx 9cm