The modern human world is stressful for many dogs. Strong instincts, the need to act and always do something are incompatible with city life, where most of the day is spent napping and for an hour a day - aimless play with other dogs.

It is quite common to see working dog breeds living in cramped apartments and receiving insufficient or the wrong physical and mental stimulation. Most dogs are not put in conditions that stimulate them to work for their food, but on the contrary, they get it ready-made in a bowl. We are not judging anyone, this is quite normal in the modern world and there is a way in which we can live with a German Shepherd in a small home and be able to meet his needs with quality.

The snuffle mat or shaggy rug is one of the most useful tools for raising a dog properly. But what exactly is it?

It is a puzzle specifically provided for dry food feeding. Most often with fringes of fabric that mimic grass. No prior training is needed, as the shaggy rug stimulates the dog's instinct to sniff and find its food alone.

Using a snuffle mat is very easy - just scatter food or treats around the mat and let the dog sniff and eat. Be sure to put the mat away the moment the dog is finished eating, lest it become a toy and be destroyed.

Here are some of the benefits seen when using it:

Often people report that their dogs eat their food in seconds, settle down at the table with a sad look and beg for more. Through the rug, the dog is busy checking every single fold, which prolongs the process and duration of the meal, and for the hungriest breeds who generally gobble their food, even incorporates chewing the kibble into the equation.

After playtime or walks, many dogs find it difficult to calm down and transition to a tamer mode. It is our job to show them how to efficiently transition from overexcitement to calm. This is where the snuffle mat comes in again. 

Physical activity is straightforward. Especially if you have an energetic dog, regardless of breed, it is extremely important to satisfy his need to run, whether it be with his friends or playing fetch with you. However, has it ever happened that no matter how much you play, the dog doesn't get tired and even after you go home or have paid attention to him, he continues to run wild? The shag carpet encourages the dog to use his sense of smell and focuses it into a mental activity. This is often the missing ingredient in the recipe for a truly content and tired dog.

Dogs offer a variety of behaviors, many of which are not well received by humans and fit into the negative category - barking, digging, chewing furniture. We have to keep in mind that these are largely instinctive behaviors that are better redirected to something less devastating. Choking is just such a behavior - it allows them to use their instincts without it being destructive to the environment.

We're aware that it's not every day we can offer our dog a long workout or walk. This is exactly why we personally rely heavily on puzzles like this to break up a dog's routine and offer them a fun way to eat.

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