If you are not using this wonderful tool you are missing out and so is your pup!
These toys can help with a multitude of training and management challenges. What these tools can do for your dog:
- Stop boredom
- Eating too fast
- Too much pent up energy
- Building mental skills
- Counterconditioning
- Change inappropriate behavior
- And more
Once upon a time, there were Kong toys. These were pretty much all there was as far as food dispensing dog toys were concerned.
Today there are so many different types to choose from it can be a little confusing. Which should I buy to help my dog with — fill in the blank?
I’m starting with one of my favorites, snuffle mats!
Snuffle Mats
A snuffle mat is something that has been around for a little while now, but I admit, it was only recently that I discovered them. I LOVE snuffle mats, especially for my high-energy Remedy! They are great for puppies and very young Chihuahuas that still have a lot of pent up energy and need some extra stimulation. Very simple for you!
What they are is short pieces of fleece tied onto a flat plastic or rubber frame that creates a tufted surface. You scatter or hide kibble or treats and let your dog sniff them out. Thus the name “snuffle mat”.
You can easily create your own (I included a DIY below for making your own), but they have several types now on the market that you can buy and are sturdier and made with excellent materials.
These are ideal for the dog that scarfs his food down so fast he doesn’t even chew and is constantly choking on his food. The snuffle mat will slow him down for sure!
They are also good for keeping your dog from getting bored when left home alone. Just load the mat and you’re good to go. This is not recommended for aggressive chewers that might try to devour the whole mat! So, if you have an aggressive chewer, never leave them unsupervised while using the snuffle mat.
To begin with, sprinkle the kibble or treats on top and as your Chi gets the hang of it, gradually bury them deeper and deeper into the mat to make it a little more difficult for them to find.
Benefits:
- Stops boredom
- Slows down a fast eater
- Mental stimulating (he has to use his brain and senses to sniff out the treats)
My Favorite Snuffle Mats
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