Snuffle & Feel Activity Guide

Simple enrichment with big benefits for dogs and children

At first glance, a snuffle mat may look like nothing more than strips of fabric tied onto a mat—but for a dog, it’s a treasure hunt. Hiding small treats or pieces of dry food between the strips turns the mat into an exciting puzzle that encourages natural foraging.

Snuffle mats offer valuable enrichment, giving dogs the chance to use their instincts while creating calm, joyful moments that children can safely be part of. They are enriching, calming, and—best of all—invite shared experiences without pressure or performance.

Why Dogs Love It

Snuffling is one of the most important natural behaviours for dogs. It’s a low-energy activity with high mental value—and dogs love it! Using a snuffle mat encourages:

Working for food – stimulating the brain and providing a sense of accomplishment
Calm focus – the slow, focused act of snuffling has a natural calming effect on the nervous system
Instinct satisfaction – meeting a dog’s natural foraging needs indoors
Daily variety – offering meaningful activity even on rainy days or in small spaces

Snuffling isn’t just about finding food—it’s about giving dogs a safe, satisfying activity that supports their well-being.

Why It’s Great for Children

Watching a dog solve the “snuffle puzzle” is both fun and meaningful for children. They can:

Hide the food or treats
Help choose the colours of the mat
Simply sit nearby and watch the dog work

This activity helps:

Build connection and empathy – as children see the dog’s joy and focus
Encourage gentle interaction – especially for children who may be shy or unsure around dogs
Offer a calm, shared experience – without touching the dog or giving commands

It’s a gentle way to be together—just being side by side, enjoying the moment.

How to Do a Snuffle Session

Prepare the Mat: Invite children to hide dry food or small treats between the fabric strips.
Start the Snuffle: Let the dog explore freely—no rushing, no commands.
Enjoy Together: Watch quietly and be present with the dog.

Tips for Using a Snuffle Mat with Dogs and Children

Choose food the dog enjoys, but avoid anything overly high-energy
Let the dog work at its own pace—this is not a race
Keep the child’s role calm and supportive: observer, helper, or food-hider
Use after energetic play as a “wind-down” activity
Keep involvement low-pressure—participation should feel like an invitation, not an expectation

Extend the Experience

Make Your Own: Crafting snuffle mats can be a creative, hands-on project
In the Classroom: Use during story time or emotion-focused lessons
Observe & Reflect: Invite children to share what they notice about the dog while snuffling
At Home: Encourage children to prepare a daily snuffle mat for their dog—a simple way to enrich the dog’s life and enjoy quiet time together

Educational Use: Linking Snuffling with Emotions

Snuffle mats can also become part of calm group sessions in educational settings. Using mats in different colours, you can invite children to explore their own feelings—or reflect on how watching the dog makes them feel. This can be a powerful way to start reflective conversations about emotions in a gentle, grounded way, supported by the calming presence of a dog. (Learn more about this in our upcoming course.)

The little Snuffle & Feel Guide