Training and Lick Mats: How to Introduce and Use Them in Your Training Routine

Training your dog is one of the most rewarding activities for any pet owner. It builds a stronger bond between you and your furry friend, reinforces good behaviour, and provides mental stimulation. But what if you could enhance your training sessions using a simple yet effective tool? Enter the lick mat — a versatile product that helps with training and supports your dog’s overall well-being.

In this article, we’ll explore how to introduce a lick mat into your dog’s training routine and how you can use it to encourage better behaviour, reduce anxiety, and keep your dog engaged during training.

What Is a Lick Mat and Why Use It for Training?

A lick mat is a flat, textured mat designed to be spread with soft dog-safe foods like peanut butter, yogurt, or wet dog food. Dogs love the repetitive motion of licking, which releases endorphins and helps them feel calm. Licking is also a natural activity that engages their mind and promotes relaxation.

When used during training, lick mats offer several benefits:

• Calm Focus: The licking activity helps reduce anxiety and keeps your dog focused during training.
• Reward System: The mat serves as a rewarding treat when your dog successfully follows commands.
• Positive Reinforcement: Using a lick mat during training creates positive associations with good behaviour.
• Mental Stimulation: Lick mats challenge your dog’s problem-solving abilities and keep them mentally engaged.

How to Introduce a Lick Mat to Your Dog

Before integrating a lick mat into your training routine, it’s important to introduce it properly so your dog associates it with positive experiences.

1. Start with Simple Treats

Begin by spreading a small amount of your dog’s favourite soft treat on the mat, such as peanut butter or yoghurt. Place the mat on the ground and allow your dog to explore it on its own. Let them lick the mat without any commands to build a natural interest.

2. Supervised Usage

Keep an eye on your dog during the first few uses to ensure they don’t try to chew or bite the mat. Most dogs will naturally lick it, but supervision will help reinforce the correct behaviour.

3. Short and Sweet

Keep the first few sessions short—just five to ten minutes. This allows your dog to enjoy the lick mat without losing interest. Gradually increase the duration as your dog becomes more familiar with it.

4. Incorporate the Mat into Calm Moments

Use the lick mat during quiet times or after walks so your dog can associate it with calmness. This will help your dog learn that the lick mat is not just for snacks but also for moments of relaxation.

Using a Lick Mat in Your Training Routine

Once your dog is comfortable with the lick mat, it’s time to integrate it into your training routine. Here are some ways to use the lick mat as an effective training tool:

1. As a Reward for Good Behavior

During training, the lick mat can serve as a high-value reward for positive behavior. If your dog completes a command successfully, offer them a few minutes with the lick mat as a treat. For example, after a successful “sit” or “stay” command, bring out the mat and let them lick for a short period.

Pro Tip: Use the lick mat for more challenging commands like “leave it” or “stay.” The anticipation of getting to lick the mat at the end of the task will motivate your dog to focus and follow through.

2. To Keep Your Dog Calm During Lengthy Training

If your training session involves tasks that require patience or long waits, such as teaching your dog to remain calm in a crate or during grooming, the lick mat can help. Spread some soft food on the mat and give it to your dog during the wait. This keeps your dog calm and reduces anxiety, especially during crate training or nail clipping.

3. Training for Impulse Control

Lick mats are an excellent tool for teaching impulse control. You can use the lick mat as a reward for waiting or practicing self-control. For example, place the lick mat on the floor and use the “wait” command. Once your dog stays still and calm for a few seconds, release them to enjoy the lick mat.

This teaches your dog that patience leads to rewards, and over time, they will develop better impulse control.

4. Incorporating the Lick Mat into “Place” Training

“Place” training is when your dog learns to stay in a designated spot, such as a mat or bed. You can enhance this training by using the lick mat as an added incentive. Once your dog goes to their “place,” reward them with the lick mat. This positive reinforcement encourages them to remain in their designated spot.

5. Use as a Distraction During Desensitization

If your dog struggles with anxiety or fear in certain situations (e.g., when hearing the vacuum cleaner or seeing new people), you can use the lick mat as a distraction. For example, if you’re working on desensitizing your dog to the sound of household appliances, give them the lick mat while you run the vacuum. The licking activity will keep them calm and focused on the treat rather than the noise.

Additional Training Tips with Lick Mats

• Use High-Value Treats: For training, make sure to use high-value treats like peanut butter or pumpkin puree. The more your dog loves the treat, the more motivated they will be to engage with the mat and complete the tasks.
• Pair with Verbal Praise: Even though the lick mat is a reward in itself, don’t forget to praise your dog verbally while they use it. Positive reinforcement through words and tone will further strengthen the association between the behaviour and the reward.
• Consistency is Key: Like with any training tool, consistency is essential. Incorporate the lick mat regularly into your routine, and over time, your dog will begin to anticipate and look forward to training sessions.

Final Thoughts: Lick Mats as a Versatile Training Tool

Lick mats are more than just a fun treat for your dog—they are an effective training tool that can help reinforce good behaviour, promote relaxation, and keep your dog focused. Introducing the lick mat into your training routine creates a positive, low-stress environment that encourages your dog to learn and grow. Whether you’re training for impulse control, crate behaviour, or reducing anxiety, the PAWPUP Lick Mat is the perfect companion for a successful training session.

Looking for a high-quality lick mat for your dog’s training routine? Check out the PAWPUP Lick Mat, designed to be durable, easy to clean, and perfect for all training activities.