LICK ENRICHMENT MAT: Teal (with silicone spatula)

Introducing the BIG & LITTLE DOGS "TEAL" LICK ENRICHMENT MAT:

The perfect mat to keep your dog busy, entertained and enriched. 

FEATURES:

• Perfect for Raw food, Treats, Yogurt and Peanut Butter  
  
• Helps to calm and sooth
• Comes with a silicone Spatula for easy application of food to the mat
• Made from human food grade silicone

SIZE

• 21cm x 21cm
  

CLEANING:

• Hand wash with warm soapy water 

HOW TO INTRODUCE YOUR DOG TO A LICK MAT:

Use a known, high value food/treat your dog loves. Make sure the food you start with is safe for dogs and something your dog really likes.

EXAMPLES:

Greek Yoghurt works for most dogs.

Peanut butter works with most but not all dogs.

Tuna, sardines, salmon, Baby Food, vegetable puree, cream cheese, cheese, mushy dog food and wet or liquid dog food can also work well.

Be sure to take into consideration your dog's diet and any allergies

HOW TO USE:

1. Make it easy for them to use

• To start with, load a small circle in the middle of the mat. Press the food in with the spatula or the back of a spoon and then load the area above (to say 1cm) - so that they will get maximum reward for minimal effort at the start.
• As your dog learns to lick (instead of chew), widen the circle but steer away from the edges of the mat for the first week or two to avoid tempting your dog to chew until the training has kicked in.

2. Start slow & supervice

• Sit on the ground with your dog and place the loaded mat on the floor in front of them. This ensures that you can help your dog interact with the mat correctly, licking at it and not attempting to chew the mat.
• Having the food/treat in the middle of the mat when you are first starting should make this easier. If your dog attempts to chew, use your stop command, remove the mat and try again in 5-10 minutes. Repeat until your dog's training kicks in.

3. Progress

• Introduce lick mats gradually to ensure your dog enjoys the experience and monitor their behaviour to make sure they're benefiting from it.
• As your dog becomes more familiar with using the mat and is comfortable to use it, you can start to include a wider range of foods, make it more challenging by spreading the food out thinly over the lick mat or using stickier foods so they really need to invest in licking to get it all.

4. Ensure that you always supervise

• Even with training, we suggest always supervising your dog when they use a lick mat. This is to ensure that they do not chew any part of the mat and you can monitor how they are using the mat as well.
• If left unsupervised they may become destructive and chew the mat instead of licking it. If there is any damage to the mat, we advise disposing of it immediately.
• Remember, lick mats should be used as a supplemental activity and not a substitute for a balanced diet or other forms of mental and physical stimulation.

5. Always clean after use

• Ensure that your mat is cleaned after each use, especially when using raw food.
• To make life a bit easier before attempting to clean your mat, lay it in the sink and run warm water over it with a few drops of washing up liquid. Leave it to soak for about 15 minutes.
• Then use a brush with soft to middle bristles to scrub the surface of any food or treats that need removing.
• Ensure to rinse with clean water and then lay flat to dry.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Only use if your dog is comfortable & enjoying the mat.

If your dog has any issues using the mat (e.g. choking, coughing, struggling with it) discontinue use immediately.

Any concerns about the grooves on the mat causing a dog's tongue to become sore, it is unlikely to be an issue as long as the mat is used correctly. Repeated licking may cause minor irritation, but it is not likely to cause any severe damage or discomfort. However, it is essential to supervise your dog while using the mat and ensure they do not spend too much time licking it unnecessarily, as excessive licking can cause digestive issues or overstimulation. Using the mat in small, supervised doses is recommended.

If you have any concerns about your dog's use of a lick mat, it is always a good idea to consult with your vet to ensure it is safe for your particular dog and its individual needs.

ARE THEY SUITABLE FOR YOUR PUP?

Dog lick mats might not be the best enrichment choice for some puppers, including:

• Super chewers and dogs prone to destruction
• Dogs easily frustrated by food puzzles
• Puppies and their shark-like teeth
• Dogs who aren’t food motivated or don’t enjoy licking their meals/treats

As with any toy, treat or enrichment product, always consider your dogs individual circumstances and discontinue use if the lick mat is not suited to them.