Join me on the BARK SIDE!!
Well, 2025 has certainly gotten off to an interesting beginning. We started off the year with snow and ice everywhere immediately followed by “what am I going to do with the dogs now?” followed by our recent tornado outbreak! I try to walk them regularly but as I have gotten older, I have become less willing to brave the various weather! What else can I do to tire them out? As it turns out there are plenty of activities you can do at home in the comfort of your kitchen or living room! Many of these can drain your dog’s energy even more effectively than a walk. I still enjoy walking them, when possible, as it provides an environment filled with new smells. With our typical St. Louis summer on its way, having alternatives when it is truly stifling outside will be nice!
Training is one option, but if you are low on energy or motivation yourself, it is nice to have options! I highly recommend a snuffle or activity mat. I can also use this on competition days, as usually only 1 or 2 dogs have gone to an event, and they and I are tired! I can use a mat to bring down the others while resting myself and the competitors!
These mats have raised pieces of fleece or fabric that visually block the food, so your dogs cannot see where the food is. There are many types available, and I have favorites. I have even made my own using a dish strainer and fabric strips. The key factor is whether I can wash it. I feed a variety of high-quality foods and treats, but eventually, the mats start to smell. It is convenient to just toss them in the washer to refresh them! And trust me, you will know when it is time…There are a few washable ones on sale for about $11 right now on Amazon. I just ordered, because I really like the idea of presetting with food, and being able to then sinch them closed until ready to feed/use. My favorite ones are about $25, they are 17” x 21” and have an edge. Just search snuffle mat for dogs, or something similar, and you will have more choices than you know what to do with! I love all the activity mats too.
For the snuffle mat, regardless of how you secure one, just scatter their kibble or treats across the surface and then work it into the mat with your fingers to hide it well. The dogs use their noses and sense of smell to find the food and gobble it up. Sniffing enriches their lives, as it is what they are designed to do! Additionally, it is a very soothing activity. You get a two-for-one benefit! When they use their noses, they engage their brains too, which helps lower their energy levels and settle them in for a nice quiet evening!
I have had dogs for quite a while now. I love training them and watching them learn. I find it truly fascinating. They constantly amaze me even if they can be irritating at times! Some nights I get home from work, and I just really do not have the energy to deal with anything. On those nights, I am especially grateful for the snuffle mats or the other food toys or puzzles I have around! I can take care of them and still give myself a break!
This initial post is just the beginning. I envision this blog as a space for us to share about dogs, but more importantly, I want it to be for you and your dogs. If you have ideas or topics you would like to explore, please let me know, and I can add them to the list!
Some upcoming topics I plan to blog about include reviews of some puzzle toys I mentioned, with a closer look at the pros and cons for each. Other ideas? What tricks are you interested in training? Do you want to earn titles? You can do that you know! What dog sports would you like to learn more about? Dog Agility? FASTCAT? Scent work? I am open to all suggestions! I want this to be our blog, so I sincerely want to hear from you on topics you would like to learn about!
I think that will just about do it for this first post! Happy summer 2025 to you and your dogs! Until next time, see you around the park!
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