How to introduce a lick mat to a dog who has never used one
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A dog who's never worked on a lick mat doesn't know what to do with it at first. Load it with crumbled freeze-dried treats and the trick is showing them it's rewarding without making it feel like training.
Choose the right mat
Start with a mat that's easy to use. Modern Dog mats like the It's a Birthday Pawty, Disco Cowgirl, and Ball is Life have gentle textures that don't intimidate. SodaPup eMats with medium difficulty, like the Sky and Zombie, work too. Skip hard-difficulty mats for the first introduction.
Set it on the floor at nose level
Don't use suction cups yet. Place the mat flat on the kitchen floor or a designated spot where your dog already hangs out. Your dog needs to approach it on their own terms. If the mat is at nose height or below, they'll naturally investigate.
Start with soft spread
Load the mat with something your dog already knows and likes: peanut butter, plain yogurt, or wet food. Nothing frozen yet. A thick peanut butter layer is easiest for a beginner. Spread it evenly so every part of the mat has flavor.
Let them discover it
Don't force your dog onto the mat. Place it with the spread already loaded, then step back. Most dogs will sniff it, then start licking. If they ignore it for 30 seconds, hold the mat at their nose and let them taste the spread. Once they taste it, they'll usually commit.
Keep the first session short
Five minutes is plenty for the first time. Your dog will get confused about what the mat is for, wander away, or finish the spread before they expected to. Don't extend it just because they're still interested. End on a good note so they want to come back to it.
Timing matters
Introduce a mat when your dog is unfocused but not desperate. Not during a mealtime (they might get frustrated by something that isn't a full meal), and not when they're full and uninterested. Mid-afternoon on a regular day is ideal.
Try a few times before freezing
Give your dog three to five regular (unfrozen) sessions before freezing. They'll learn the mat is about licking, not chewing or stealing. Once they understand the game, introduce a frozen mat.
Progression
Session one: flat mat on the floor, soft spread, 5 minutes. Session three: add a small amount of crumbled freeze-dried treats. Session five: try freezing for a longer challenge. Session ten: add suction cups to a wall if you plan to use it during baths or grooming.
Pivot if they chew
Some dogs try to chew the mat instead of licking. If yours does, redirect: say "lick" and encourage licking with a quiet voice. Reward the first lick with praise. Supervise the first few sessions and interrupt chewing gently before it becomes a habit.
In the Toys aisle
It's a Birthday Pawty Lick Mat, Modern Dog Company, $20.00. Disco Cowgirl Lick Mat, Modern Dog Company, $20.00. Ball is Life Lick Mat, Modern Dog Company, $20.00. Sky eMat, SodaPup, light blue, $16.99. Zombie eMat, SodaPup, black or orange, $15.99 each. Citrus Design eMat, SodaPup, lime green, orange or pink, $15.99 each.
How it ships
Sold through Shopify Collective and shipped to you directly by The Modern Dog Company in Nashville, Tennessee, usually within five business days, with its own tracking. Not made or shipped by Sniff and Shift. SodaPup products are sold through Shopify Collective and shipped to you directly by SodaPup in Longmont, Colorado, usually within one business day, with their own tracking. Not made or shipped by Sniff and Shift. Our freeze-dried treats are made in Malvern, Pennsylvania and ship separately from us.
Questions
What if my dog ignores the mat completely?
Some dogs don't engage with lick mats. Try a different spread flavor or a softer texture mat. If they ignore it after three attempts, they may just not be interested in mats. That's fine; they're one enrichment option among many.
My dog wants to grab it and run away. What do I do?
Keep the first mats on the floor, not handheld. If your dog picks it up and runs, let them; the spread will come off in their mouth and you've won. Once they understand mats are floor-based, they'll be less likely to grab and carry.
How often should I offer a mat?
After the introduction phase, once a day is good. Some dogs enjoy mats every day; others once a week is enough. Let your dog's interest guide you. If they always engage, offer daily. If they sometimes ignore it, pull back to once or twice a week.
Do I need to teach my dog to use a mat, or will they figure it out?
Most dogs figure it out by licking the spread. Some need gentle redirection from chewing to licking. You're not training a formal command; you're just steering them toward the licking behavior they want to repeat anyway.
Can a very old dog learn to use a lick mat?
Yes. Older dogs often love lick mats because they're low-key enrichment. Use soft spreads and shorter first sessions, and give them time to approach the mat. The gentler introduction suits seniors well.
Load mats with crumbled freeze-dried treats once your dog understands the game. Explore mats and treats together on our Explore page.
