Lick mat in the crate: making the crate the good place
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A lick mat loaded with our freeze-dried treats works beautifully for crate training because it gives a dog something to do the instant she enters, and the focused licking builds positive feelings about the space. The key is timing: present the loaded mat just as she goes in, so she associates the crate with immediate reward.
Timing the mat presentation
Load the mat lightly and have it ready on the floor of the crate before you cue your dog to enter. The moment she walks in, she sees the mat and starts licking. She's busy while you close the door, which keeps the moment peaceful and positive. This works much better than crating her, then offering the mat afterward.
Session length in the crate
Keep early crate sessions short, just 5 to 15 minutes. The goal is for her to finish the mat, lick the last crumbs, then rest in the quiet space. When the session is done, open the door and let her out. She'll start to anticipate crate time because good things happen there.
Which mats work best for crate training
Modern Dog Company mats like the It's a Birthday Pawty Lick Mat, 17.00 dollars, and Disco Cowgirl Lick Mat, 17.00 dollars, are excellent for this purpose because their shallow texture is forgiving for learning dogs. The Ball is Life Lick Mat, 17.00 dollars, is another strong choice. For larger dogs, SodaPup's Sky eMat, 16.99 dollars, and Zombie eMat, 15.99 dollars, both work, though they're larger and take up more crate space.
Loading the mat for crate training
Use something she loves and that holds her interest without being messy. Our freeze-dried beef liver crumbles mixed with a bit of yogurt work well. Freeze the mat for 20 to 30 minutes so it lasts a bit longer and stays cold while she works on it.
Building the routine
Do this several times a week, not daily. The novelty and excitement of the mat plus the quiet time in the crate builds a strong positive connection. If you do it every single day, she may eventually ignore it or the crate, so spacing it out keeps the mat special and engaging.
In the Toys aisle
The Modern Dog Company's It's a Birthday Pawty Lick Mat, 17.00 dollars, Disco Cowgirl Lick Mat, 17.00 dollars, and Ball is Life Lick Mat, 17.00 dollars, are all excellent for crate training. For larger dogs, the Sky eMat in light blue or yellow, 16.99 dollars, and Zombie eMat in black or orange, 15.99 dollars, are options, though they may leave less space in the crate.
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. Load your crate mat with our freeze-dried treats.
Questions
What if my dog won't go into the crate even with a mat?
Start without closing the door. Put the loaded mat inside and let her enter on her own. Celebrate her choice with praise, let her lick, then let her leave. Don't close the door yet. Do this several times until the crate feels rewarding, then close the door for 30 seconds while she's busy licking.
Can I use a frozen mat in a small crate?
Yes, as long as there's room for her to move around. The frozen mat can help her stay cool. Just make sure she's not too cold and that the mat fits in your specific crate.
How often should I use the crate with a mat?
Start with 2 to 3 times a week for the first month. As she builds positive feelings about the crate, you can increase frequency. Some dogs do well with daily short crate sessions; others respond better to every other day work.
What if she finishes the mat in two minutes?
Load more next time, or freeze it longer. Add more freeze-dried treats or use a thicker layer of yogurt. If she's just very fast, that's okay too; a 2 minute focused sit in the crate is still positive progress.
When can I stop using the mat in the crate?
Once she's comfortable and willing to enter the crate without coaxing, you can phase it out or use it occasionally. Some dogs love the routine so much they always expect it, so you might keep it going indefinitely.
Learn more about crate training and enrichment at explore.
