Crafting a Snuffle Mat

Treat Your Pooch to a Homemade Puzzle Feeder

The lengthy winters in Minnesota can curtail the joys of outdoor adventures. Confined indoors, snuffle mats emerge as a beacon of mental and physical activity, propelling your beloved canine into a world of scent-driven discovery. These captivating puzzle feeders coax your dog to tap into their primal instincts, employing their keenest asset — their nose!

Creating a snuffle mat is a simple and enjoyable home project. Set aside up to 4 hours — the perfect opportunity to indulge in a Netflix binge and snuggle up! (Think of it as the dog-training equivalent of knitting; it’s easy to pause and resume based on your schedule.)

Important: Always supervise your dog with this toy and avoid leaving them unattended.

What You’ll Need:

-A rubber anti-fatigue mat with holes, trimmed to your preferred size (We found ours at Menards, sizing it down to 11.8″ x 11.8″).

-Sharp scissors

-A yard of fleece fabric (Opting for two or more colors adds a fun twist.)

Step-by-Step Guide to Your Dog’s Snuffle Mat:

1. Slice the fleece into seven-inch strips. Ensure you have enough to match the number of holes in your mat.

2. Start with one hue of fleece for the outer rim.

3. Securely double knot the strips around the mat’s perimeter, threading each one through the holes to cover the center.

4. For a splash of color, select a second fleece shade and turn the mat over.

5. Knot the new strips inversely to your initial color setup. Push all the fleece through first, then flip the mat back to knot the ends — a time-saving trick to keep the project smooth.

6. Conceal your pup’s favorite nibbles within the snuffle mat’s folds and watch them joyfully sniff them out!

This project not only forges a deeper bond between you and your dog but also enriches their daily life with stimulating play right at home.