Puppy lick mat schedule: when and how long
Share
Puppies learn best with short lick mat sessions using our freeze-dried treats. A young dog starts at 5 to 10 minutes, done once or twice a day, building focus without overstimulation. The goal is to teach her that the mat is a good place, and that crumbled treats hold her attention.
Starting small: the first week
Load the mat lightly the first time. A small smear of yogurt or a few crumbles of freeze-dried treat pressed into the grooves is enough. Present it on the floor, not attached to anything, so she can step away when she wants. Stay nearby but let her work at her own pace. Stop at 5 minutes, whether she finishes or not.
Session length by age
An 8 to 12 week puppy works best with 5 to 10 minute sessions. By 4 to 6 months, a puppy can handle 10 to 15 minutes. A 6 to 12 month pup benefits from 15 to 20 minute sessions. These are guidelines only; watch your pup and stop if she loses interest or gets frustrated.
Choosing the right mat for her size
The Modern Dog Company lick mats suit puppies because the texture is shallow and the grooves don't demand hard work. The It's a Birthday Pawty Lick Mat and Disco Cowgirl Lick Mat are both sized for puppies and small dogs. SodaPup's Sky eMat comes in larger sizes if she's a bigger breed, but the small Zombie eMat works too. The Citrus eMat with suction cups sticks to the tub wall, useful if you want to introduce it during a bath.
What to load on the mat
Stick to plain spreads and single ingredient treats. Plain yogurt is a classic first. A bit of water mixed with a few crumbles of our freeze-dried treats makes a thin paste that fills the grooves without being sticky. Freeze-dried treats are ideal because puppies can chew them into manageable bits. Freeze the loaded mat for 30 to 45 minutes to make the session last longer and keep her cool on warm days.
Frequency and timing
Once a day is enough at first. Morning is a good time if it fits your schedule. As the pup grows and the mat becomes routine, twice daily works well, perhaps before crate time or when you need her occupied during a meal. Never use the mat as punishment or as a way to get distance; frame it as play, not isolation.
Spot cleaning after each use
Rinse the mat right after use while the food is soft. The dishwasher, top rack, works once a week. A bit of soap and warm water under the tap takes 30 seconds if you're quick.
In the Toys aisle
The It's a Birthday Pawty Lick Mat from The Modern Dog Company, 17.00 dollars, has a shallow texture that suits puppies learning to lick. The Disco Cowgirl Lick Mat, also 17.00 dollars, is another favorite for pups. The Sky eMat by SodaPup, 16.99 dollars, comes in light blue or yellow, about 8 inches square, and suits larger puppies. The Zombie eMat, 15.99 dollars, is the small version for toy and small breed puppies. The Citrus eMat with suction cups, 15.99 dollars, sticks to tile or tub walls.
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. Pair your mat with our freeze-dried treats for the best results.
Questions
Can I freeze a mat with the treat already on it?
Yes. Load the mat, freeze it for 30 to 45 minutes, then present it. The cold makes the session longer and helps a teething puppy. Supervise the frozen mat so she doesn't chip a tooth.
What if my puppy ignores the mat?
Some puppies need a few tries. Make the first load very inviting, like our freeze-dried beef liver crumbles mixed with warm water to soften them just a bit. Keep sessions short so she doesn't get bored. Try it at a different time of day, maybe when she's naturally winding down.
How often can I use a lick mat with my puppy?
Once or twice daily is fine. More than that can become excessive. Space them out so the mat stays new and exciting.
Is a lick mat good for crate training?
Yes. Present the loaded mat just as you close the crate door. She learns to settle quickly. This works best when you start with very short crate times of just a few minutes.
When can my puppy graduate to a full-sized mat?
Around 6 months, most pups can move to a standard mat like the Sky eMat or Ball is Life. Let her size and interest guide you. Check explore to filter by life stage and find the right mat as she grows.
