Snuffling

[Dana]

This weeks empower hour on breathing brought to mind Dr. Jeff's love of the "snuffle mat".
Do we need a mat covered in treats to get our dogs snuffling? Can you have too much snuffling?
View attachment snuffling - SD 480p.mov

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Thanks for sharing this wonderful video Dana.

Nope, you do not need a mat covered with (or hiding) treats. No, you can not overdo the snuffling. Sometimes these sessions are such a great joy that some dog's with severe pathology live to snuffle (search on the forum for Koby's heart failure and his snuffling).

Here's a dueling video of Archie loving his new snuffle ball made by @JackieP.

 

[Dr. Sara]

There is no such thing as too much snuffling! I have some old, quite creaky patients who are not up for long walks through the park. They love it when their people take them to new parks so that they can snuffle through the leaves and debris just like Murphy is doing. They are exercising their noses and minds, and preventing cognitive dysfunction, with minimal stress on the old joints.
Stay well and breathe lots!
Sara

 

[MelisseS]

Can i get instrucions on how to start with the snuffle matt? When to use? How many treats? Which treats? I'm searching for a post on this but not finding it.

 

[Dana]

Can i get instrucions on how to start with the snuffle matt? When to use? How many treats? Which treats? I'm searching for a post on this but not finding it.

I use the crumbs from the bottom of the treat bag.... just sprinkle them on the mat

 

[ChristineL]

Can i get instrucions on how to start with the snuffle matt? When to use? How many treats? Which treats? I'm searching for a post on this but not finding it.

I use freeze dried treats

 

[tsharlo1]

I used freeze dried treats or Ziwi Peak air dried food In his snuffle mat. Buxton uses his snuffle mat twice a day but it doesn’t take him long to get about 15 small treats. I also hide treats around the house that he has to find. I started easy until he learned the game. Now I can hide them in more difficult places and have put it on cue “find your treats”. He gets much more sniffing time doing that as well as more mental stimulation. We also go on walks where he does a lot of sniffing.

 

[ChristineL]

Hi @tsharlo1 Do you leave the snuffle mat out for Buxton to sniffle whenever he wants to or take them out only at a dedicated "snuffle mat" time?

 

[tsharlo1]

Hi Christine,
I leave mine out but he knows when the treats are gone and only goes to it for his dedicated mat time. If he is outside I just tell him ‘mat time’ and he comes in. Sometimes that is a way to get him in when he would prefer to stay out in 15 degree weather!

 

[ChristineL]

Hi Christine,
I leave mine out but he knows when the treats are gone and only goes to it for his dedicated mat time. If he is outside I just tell him ‘mat time’ and he comes in. Sometimes that is a way to get him in when he would prefer to stay out in 15 degree weather!

Thanks Debbie !

 

[ChristineL]

Double the challenge, double the fun -> snuffle mats + snuffle balls

45-minute session (from the usual 10-15 minutes) but less treats given!