Lick mat for a puppy: introduction and progression
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Puppies don't have the focus for long sessions yet. Start with freeze-dried treat crumbles on a small mat with shallow grooves to give them a manageable task and build the habit of working on the mat instead of jumping on you.
Size for puppies
The Turtle eMat Mini measures 4 by 4 inches, sized for puppies and toy breeds. It has suction cups to stick to tile or a tub wall. SodaPup describes it as easy to medium difficulty, which suits a puppy's licking strength. The Love eMat comes in Small, also 4 by 4 inches, with a heart pattern.
Modern Dog mats for puppies
Modern Dog Company makes one size for all ages. Their mats, including the It's a Birthday Pawty, Disco Cowgirl, and Ball is Life designs, come with suction cups and a spatula. Puppies can manage the texture from the start. All are 100% food-grade silicone, dishwasher and microwave capable.
Start with thin spreads
Puppies work at a mat for a few minutes before getting distracted. Spread a thin layer of peanut butter or yogurt so the session doesn't feel too long. Crumble a pinch of freeze-dried treats into the grooves. A 5-minute session is enough for a young pup.
Suction cups keep focus
Stick the mat to the floor, a tile wall, or the tub during bath time. Puppies get distracted if the mat slides across the room. The suction cups stay put while your pup learns what the mat is for.
Build session time gradually
Week one, aim for 3 to 5 minutes once a day. By week four, your puppy may work on a mat for 10 to 15 minutes. As they grow, move to a larger mat if they finish the small one too quickly.
In the Toys aisle
It's a Birthday Pawty Lick Mat, Modern Dog Company, silicone, $20.00. Disco Cowgirl Lick Mat, Modern Dog Company, silicone, $20.00. Ball is Life Lick Mat, Modern Dog Company, silicone, $20.00. Turtle eMat Mini, blue, 4 by 4 inches, $15.99. Love eMat Small, 4 by 4 inches, $13.99.
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
Can a puppy play with a lick mat unsupervised?
Supervise all play during early sessions. Your puppy should learn to lick rather than chew or scratch the mat. Puppies can puncture a mat if they gnaw, so stay present during the first weeks and redirect to licking if they try to chew.
How often should a puppy use a lick mat?
Once a day is plenty to start. Add a second session once your puppy shows interest. Too much can overload a young dog who still needs regular play and training time.
My puppy is more interested in chewing than licking. What do I do?
Choose an easier texture like the Modern Dog mats, which have gentler grooves. Keep spreads thin and sessions short. Chewing is normal for puppies; redirect to licking with encouragement and a reward once they engage.
Can I freeze a puppy mat?
Yes, but keep the spread thin. A frozen mat is harder to lick, which is fine for a puppy who has learned the game. Start with unfrozen spreads first.
When can my puppy graduate to a larger mat?
Once your puppy finishes a small mat in under 5 minutes and shows sustained focus, move to a large mat. Most puppies are ready by 4 to 6 months.
Load mats with crumbled freeze-dried treats to make early sessions engaging. Browse puppies' toys and treats on our Explore page.
