The snuffle ball for dogs is gaining popularity as an enriching and fun activity for our furry friends. But what exactly is a snuffle ball, and how can it enhance your dog’s daily life? To answer that, we need to start with their incredible nose.
A dog’s nose is truly extraordinary—far more powerful than a human’s, by a factor of 10,000 to 100,000! While you might catch the delicious aroma of a freshly baked pizza, your pup can detect every single ingredient.
When you take your dog on a walk, you may be busy admiring the scenery, but your dog is likely focused on the ground, sniffing out all the fascinating scents around them. Sniffing is how dogs explore their world, gather information, and even read messages left by other dogs (known as “pee-mail”). Plus, it’s just plain enjoyable for them!
This is where a snuffle ball comes in—it’s designed to stimulate your dog’s powerful sense of smell. Why is that important? Sniffing isn’t just fun for dogs; it’s also mentally engaging. It activates their nose and a significant part of their brain, helping to burn off energy and promote relaxation. Enrichment activities like using a snuffle ball can transform sniffing into a rewarding and calming experience for your dog.
WHAT IS A SNUFFLE BALL FOR DOGS?
Still wondering, “What exactly is a snuffle ball?” Think of it as a puzzle for your pup! A snuffle ball is a toy made of fabric, with treats hidden inside the folds. Your dog uses their powerful sense of smell to sniff out the treats and figure out how to access them. It’s an excellent enrichment tool that keeps your dog engaged and entertained, offering both mental stimulation and physical activity, which can help tire them out over time.
HOW TO USE A SNUFFLE BALL FOR DOGS
Using a snuffle ball is simple and fun for both you and your dog! First, grab some of your dog’s regular food or their favorite treats. Hide them inside the folds of the fabric in the snuffle ball. Once it’s filled, hand the ball over to your dog and let them use their nose to sniff out the hidden snacks. It’s a great way to provide mental stimulation and keep your pup entertained as they work to uncover their treats!
HOW TO MAKE SNUFFLE BALL FOR DOGS
SNUFFLE BALL MATERIALS
To make your own DIY snuffle ball for dogs, you’ll need the following materials:
- 1.5 yards of fabric (fleece is a great choice)
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Piece of cardboard
- Zip ties or string (4 pieces, each 8 inches long)
- Sandpaper or hot glue gun (if you’re using zip ties)
- Xacto knife (optional, for precise cuts)
INSTRUCTION
Ready to create your own DIY snuffle ball for dogs? Follow these 10 easy steps:
Step 1: Start by cutting the fleece into 32 circles, each with an 8-inch diameter. To make this easier, use a piece of cardboard as a template for cutting. If you prefer a bigger or smaller snuffle ball, feel free to adjust the diameter of the circles accordingly to fit your desired size for the finished ball.
Step 2: Take each of the fleece circles and fold them in half, then fold them in half again to form a cone shape. This will create a layered, compact fold that will help conceal the treats inside once the ball is assembled.
Step 3: Take the end of your scissors or an Xacto knife and carefully cut a small hole, about ¾ inch from the bottom of each cone shape. Make sure to cut through all four layers of the fabric to ensure the hole is big enough for the zip ties or string to pass through later.
Step 4: Take 8 of your folded fleece circles and slide them onto the string or zip tie. Once they’re all on, tie the string or zip tie loosely, leaving some extra room for the fabric to move freely. This will allow the fabric to form a ball shape as you continue building the snuffle ball.
Step 5: Add 8 more of the folded fleece pieces onto your second string or zip tie. Before you close the zip tie or tie a knot in the string, make sure to slip it through the first string or zip tie so that the two are linked together. This will help connect the layers and form the base of your snuffle ball.
Step 6: Repeat step 5 for the remaining two sets of folded fleece circles, adding 8 more pieces to each string or zip tie and linking them together as you go.
Step 7: Once all the layers are linked and positioned, tighten the zip ties or re-knot the strings to secure everything in place, shaping the fabric into a ball.
Step 8: Trim any excess ends of the string or zip ties to give the snuffle ball a neat, finished look.
Step 9: If you used zip ties, gently soften the sharp ends with sandpaper, or apply a small amount of hot glue over the ends to ensure they are smooth and safe for your dog to play with. This will prevent any potential injuries while they enjoy their new snuffle ball.
Step 10: Now that your snuffle ball is complete, fill it with your pup’s favorite treats or their kibble. Once it’s all packed, let your dog sniff out and enjoy the treats hidden inside—watching them have fun and engage their sense of smell!
