Ok, gang.... I'm going to be experimenting with video and pictures here with training ideas and time fillers. I'm pretty challenged technically, so be patient and excuse my goof ups. If nothing else it may be amusing.
We'll start with Cooper and just a plain old snuffle mat. It's likely many of you won't have one of these, nor have the supplies for making one but I'll see what I can pull together for you as ideas.
The mat is made of fleece strips that are about 12 x 2 inches. The back is made of that fatigue mat material. I've also seen them made with a mat that you might use in your sink - it's got uniform holes that you would pull the strips through. If you are stuck at home and not wandering out to shop, I've heard of someone taking a piece of cardboard and punching holes in it. That seems a bit desperate and time consuming, but perhaps you are reaching that point! I made one using strips of an old flannel sheet, which tore pretty nicely. I've seen these mats on Amazon, too which may come faster than you can make one of these!
Cooper's mats have tiny pieces of dry kibble in it. He had to sit and wait for me to put it on the floor, then was given his release cue - which is the word "OK." When he's pretty much done, the mats get taken away. I give them a shake to get the last bit out - which I hope it sends the message of my being safe to help him finish the puzzle. Cooper has a bit of a resource guarding problem, so it's important that he sees I am here to help, not take away something he's working on. Shaking the mats out releases the last of the kibble so he can clean them up off the floor while I put the mats safely away. These do not sit out for the dogs to play with because they could be torn up a bit.
Let me know how all this looks, folks. It's a simple start and I'll scrounge around the house to figure out more puzzle ideas so you don't need to go out shopping! Take care!
