The Benefits of Dog Lick Mats, According to a Dog Trainer and Behaviorist

 

These handy little toys can give your puppy much-needed mental stimulation and relaxation.

Ever heard of a dog licking mat? Somewhat similar to a slow feeder, a licking mat is a flat mat for dogs, usually made of rubber or silicone with textured surfaces and grooves. Pet parents can spread the mats with softer treats like wet dog food, peanut butter, or pumpkin.

The act of licking is calming for dogs and can keep them busy while you're on a Zoom call or need to distract your dog for a few minutes. Plus, it's relatively mess-free - reward your pup with peanut butter without worrying about your rug or furniture in the process.

Licking rugs are used for a variety of reasons with many benefits for little ones. Sarah Hodgson, certified trainer and behavior consultant, shares her advice on the best times to implement a licking mat with your puppy.

1. To relieve anxiety

As it takes a little longer to eat all the treats, a licking mat can serve as entertainment for a bored or anxious dog. "The repetitive action of licking has been shown to release endorphins in the brain, which in turn produce a calming effect [in dogs and cats]," says Hodgson. Try implementing a licking mat to gradually change your dog's emotional responses to your triggers, such as traffic noises, delivery people, and even other dogs (this is known as counterconditioning and desensitization).

2. To channel energy

If your dog gets very excited when the family comes home or when visitors come to your house, try giving him a licking mat before people enter the house to channel that excitement and nervous energy into an activity instead of excessive barking and jumping.

3. To calm puppies

While socializing your puppy, try implementing a licking mat to help desensitize him to various stimuli in new environments. "During socializing outings, licking mats can be used to create positive associations with unfamiliar sounds or situations," says Hodgson.

4. To exercise during excursions

If you're trying to teach your dog to relax in public (perhaps so he can join you on a doggy patio one day), a licking mat can be a great tool to help him relax. “When teaching a dog to be calm during a meal or walk, I bring a mat for my dog ​​or the client’s dog to sit on and then provide a licking mat to help them focus and transition to being quiet.” says Hodgson.

What should I put on my dog's licking mat?

The carpet licking opportunities are endless - choose foods or treats that you know your dog likes. "You can spread individual spreads or mix several together," suggests Hodgson. You can even put the licking mat in the freezer, which can extend the enrichment time and provide a little extra challenge for little ones. Try some of them for inspiration:

• Canned dog food
• Nut butter
• Mashed potatoes
• Mashed bananas
• Sardines
• Yogurt

Can I leave my dog ​​alone with a licking mat?

As with most scenarios, you know your dog best. Do they tend to chew while you're out, or are they content to sleep on the couch? Hodgson suggests introducing licking mats when you're around to supervise to ensure they don't try to flip the mat over or use it as a chew toy. When they smell every last bit of peanut butter or dog food, put away the mat to prevent them from playing with it and accidentally damaging it.
With more practice, your puppy will begin to understand the correct use of the licking mat. "As long as they're not [chewing], a licking mat can even provide a soothing outlet to protect against the anxiety of being left behind," says Hodgson.