Keeping your dog stimulated and engaged is a vital part of ensuring they’re happy and healthy, whether they are a family pet or a life-changing canine partner. Enrichment activities are a wonderful way to provide mental stimulation, and one of our favourites is a snuffle mat.

Daisie, our Dog Ambassador and best friend to our Partnership Trainer, Ellie loves enrichment. Here she shares an easy and fun guide to making a snuffle mat at home – the perfect festive gift for your four-legged friend.

What is a snuffle mat?

A snuffle mat is a simple and effective enrichment toy that encourages your dog to use their natural sniffing and foraging instincts. By hiding kibble or dry treats among soft fabric strips, you create a fun puzzle that keeps your dog’s mind active. This is a brilliant way to prevent boredom and provide a calming, rewarding activity.

What you will need

You can create a snuffle mat with just a few simple items.

• A base mat: A rubber sink mat or any flexible mat with holes is ideal.
• Scissors: A sharp pair will make cutting the fabric much easier.
• Fabric strips: You will need strips approximately 4cm wide and 25cm long.
  • Recommended fabric: Fleece works best as it is soft and does not fray easily. You can also use old, soft t-shirts.
  • Fabrics to avoid: Please avoid using thick, stiff, or easily frayed fabrics. Ensure any recycled material is free from buttons, zips, or other embellishments.

Step 1: Thread and tie the first row

To begin, take a single strip of fabric. Thread it down through one hole on your mat and then bring it back up through the adjacent hole. Pull both ends until they are roughly even, then secure the strip by tying a tight double knot. Continue this process until the entire row is full of fabric knots.

Step 2: Flip the mat and repeat

Once the first row is complete, turn the mat over. You will now begin on the next row, weaving and tying the fabric in the opposite direction. This crisscross technique helps to create a full, dense mat that is perfect for hiding treats. Fill this second row completely, just as you did with the first.

Step 3: Fill the mat

Continue working strip by strip and row by row until all the holes in the mat are filled. Your mat should now look like a shaggy rug.

Step 4: Trim

Finally, flip it over to check the back. If there are long or messy ends, please trim them so the back looks neat. This will help the mat lie flat and stay secure during use.

Step 5: Snuffle time!

Sprinkle some of your dog’s favourite dry treats or kibble across the mat. To begin with, leave a few on top so they understand the game. As they get the hang of it, hide treats deeper within the fabric for a greater challenge.

Daisie’s top tips

• Try to cut your fabric strips to a similar width and length for a uniform mat.
• A tight double knot on each strip is important to ensure the fabric stays in place.
• Snuffle mats can be hand-washed or put on a gentle cycle in the washing machine. Allow it to air-dry completely before use.

We hope you and your dog enjoy making (and using!) your new snuffle mat. We’d love to see your creations – share your photos on social media and tag @CaninePartners so Daisie can see them too!