Making the snuffle mat.
How to make a snuffle mat without rubber mat.
Our coaches at dogs trust dog school recommend using these tactile creations to keep dogs content and occupied.
To make the snuffle mat you ll take one strip and push one end through a hole in the rubber mat and then take the other end of the strip and push it through the hole next to the first one.
These supplies are also inexpensive making it smarter to diy if you have the time but if you want to just buy one and be done with it a snuffle mat i based my design off of.
Then knotting in strips of fleece to make something like in this photo.
This can keep you busy and can be a fun and rewarding task to complete during the isolation period.
Flip the rubber mat over and tie the strips once.
Once they get the hang of it start making it more difficult.
A snuffle mat is pretty easy to make although it does take a fair amount of time approx.
You ll need the following.
Or make your own diy snuffle mat.
How do i make a snuffle mat.
The most common instructions for a snuffle mat involve using a plastic or rubber mat base that has holes throughout.
Start by placing your snuffle mat on the floor and letting your dog have a sniff and explore.
Image of a rubber mat with holes and piece of fleece beginning to be knotted throughout.
To fill this snuffle mat all you have to do is sprinkle kibble on top of it.
My preferred choice is the non toxic rubber with the honeycomb shaped holes as they are easier to weave the fleece through.
Some old clothes or a throw.
Rubber doormat or shower mat with holes.
Get your dog s favourite dry treats and place a couple on the top of the fabric letting your dog sniff and take them.
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.
For the mat i made i cut 262 strips.
No need to double knot it.
Non skid sink mat fleece fabric or fleece throw approximately 1 5 2 yards per mat rotary cutter straight edge self healing mat optional a non skid sink mat makes.
To make a snuffle mat you just need.
This homemade snuffle mat is machine washable and requires no sewing skills to make.
This snuffle mat is machine washable so if your pooch is known to slobber you can keep the toy looking fresh it s made out of sustainable non toxic fabric sourced by paw5 s partners in thailand and ghana.
I use a rubber doormat as its heavy to weight the toy down while it s being snuffled about.
Rubber mat with holes you can get a 40 x 60cm one from bunnings for 5 95 polar fleece approx.
2 5 meters of any colour combination you d like.