DIY Dog Sniffing Mat
A sniffing mat is an educational and entertaining toy that improves a dog's sense of smell and intelligence. You can order one online, but it's easier and quicker to make your own. All you need is some fleece and about three hours to create a uniquely designed item that will truly captivate your pet.
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How to make a sniffing mat
This entertaining toy was first introduced to the world by dog breeders from the Netherlands. The new product quickly became popular and is now available in pet stores in Moscow and St. Petersburg, as well as online at cat and dog stores. Depending on the quality and size, the price ranges from 600 to 1,200 rubles.
But it's much easier, cheaper, and faster to sew the item yourself using materials you have on hand. You'll need:
- a mesh sink or a thick rubberized fabric base (dirt-resistant mat for the hallway);
- fleece blanket;
- scissors, strong thread, needle.
Fleece is best because it doesn't fray along the cut line. The fabric is easy to wash, dries quickly, and is lightweight.
The photos online show two common models. The first, in the form of a haystack, requires no tools or effort. The second is a bit more difficult to make—you'll need a needle.
How to make a haystack
The sink mesh is simply tied with long strips. For a small dog, a single-strap toy is sufficient; for a larger dog, it's better to attach two or three meshes or use a bath mat.
Operating algorithm:
- An old fleece blanket or new fabric is cut into oblong strips.
- The size of each piece: width about 2 cm, length 20-25 cm.
- The scraps are threaded through the mesh, brought to one side, and tied in the middle. Tie two knots for strength.
The more patches you tie to the base, the more voluminous the haystack will be. Ideally, you should use at least 100-200 pieces. By purchasing new fabric in different colors, you can create an original design reminiscent of a blossoming bud.
Rug with pockets
The toy is made according to a pre-designed pattern. Pocket areas are marked on a rubber or silicone base. It's easier to sew the pieces on with a sewing machine, but you can use a regular needle, it just takes more time.
How to make pockets:
- The fleece is cut into strips: each strip is approximately 2-5 cm wide and 20-25 cm long. These dimensions are approximate, as the dog's paws and nose should be able to easily fit into each piece. Therefore, when cutting, it's important to consider the breed.
- The tape is folded in half, forming a convenient and fairly spacious pocket.
- The pockets are sewn to the base in several rows, one above the other.
- Each row should overlap the previous one by half.
You can get creative and create a combination piece that combines haystacks and pockets, ribbon fringe, and small squares sewn onto a base with a cross-cut center. An example of this engaging toy with detailed instructions is shown in the video.
How to use a sniffing mat
This toy helps dogs maintain their natural scent-searching instincts while having fun. Dry food, 1-3 pieces at a time, is placed between the fabric flaps and in the pockets. The dog searches for the treat by turning the fabric over with its nose and paws. You can introduce specific rules to the game for a trained pet, which will not only encourage activity but also develop their ingenuity:
- prohibit tearing the fabric with teeth or shaking out treats;
- allow the child to hold the toy with his paws.
Dogs are typically fed twice a day. The entire process takes no longer than 5 minutes, as the animal quickly devours the food from the bowl. Playing makes feeding time longer, with the search for food taking up to 15-20 minutes. This not only ensures the dog gets full, but also enjoys finding treats along the way.
Increasing the time spent eating has a beneficial effect on the body; food is absorbed gradually and digested better. A sniffing mat also has a calming effect on overly active animals, as searching for food requires expending pent-up energy.
Not all pets show interest in the toy right away. To pique their curiosity, place 2-3 pieces of food on top the first time and hide another 2-3 between the petals or in the pockets. Once the dog has found all the treats, praise it and remove the mat. At the next feeding, hide more treats, distributing them evenly. Avoid placing too many treats in one place—the dog will quickly find them and lose interest.
A sniffing mat can transform ordinary feeding into a fun game that will help your pet develop intelligence, focus, and scent awareness. This toy is especially recommended for pets accustomed to quickly gobbling up dry food, deriving little or no pleasure from the experience.
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