Dealing With a Hyper Puppy? This Corgi Owner Has the Perfect Solution
Every puppy owner knows too well the next-level kind of chaos that these adorable fur babies come with. We all love our sweet little pups for sure. Sometimes, though, their boundless energy can be a lot to deal with.
Raising a puppy pretty much means constantly pleading with them to calm down, even if it’s just for a few minutes, so you can enjoy some peace and quiet. It’s even worse if your puppy doesn’t get enough mental stimulation every day, because that means they’ll likely turn into a playful troublemaker due to excessive boredom and pent-up energy. (Watch the video below)
@balancingkatie Lick mats have saved my sanity with this puppy 👏🏼 Licking = endorphins = a more regulated, less chaotic little gremlin. I use them before crate time, when he’s overstimulated, or honestly… when I just need 10 minutes to breathe! Fav lick mat additions 🥜 peanut butter 🍌 smashed banana 🥣 greek yogurt 🍎 apple sauce #lickmat #puppyenrichment #enrichment #enrichmentfordogs #puppylife #puppytraining #corgisoftiktok #corgipuppy ♬ Don't Worry Be Happy (Originally Performed by Bobby Mcferrin) [Karaoke Instrumental Version] – Hit The Button Karaoke
If this sounds like your struggle right now, you’re not alone. TikTok user @balancingkatie, a Corgi puppy owner, recently shared her experience with her beautifully chaotic pup, and it’s no surprise that several other puppy owner users can relate to this in the video’s comments section.
The Good News…
Thankfully, Katie has found the perfect solution to tackle her Corgi’s energy chaos, and we have a feeling it might interest you: a lick mat.
“Lick mats have saved my sanity with this puppy…I use them before crate time, when he’s overstimulated, or honestly, when I just need 10 minutes to breathe. Fav lick mat additions: peanut butter, smashed banana, Greek yoghurt, apple sauce,” Kate captioned in the video.
According to Katie, lick mats help keep her Corgi calm and mentally engaged when he’d otherwise be causing trouble. And going by the video, we have to admit that this adorable Corgi seems to be enjoying every bit of his lick mat.
“Lick mats are a MUST for puppies,” Katie emphasized.
What Are Lick Mats for Dogs?
Lick mats are dog enrichment toys designed to keep your pup entertained and mentally stimulated. While they come in different sizes, shapes, and textures, all lick mats have one thing in common: they’re all gentle on dogs’ tongues. These mats often feature soft, maze-like patterns and ridges to hold dog-friendly treats and toppings. The idea behind lick mats is simple: to make it harder for your dog to quickly snack on the treats and toppings you’ve smeared on the mat.
In other words, lick mats are designed to ensure your dog spends a lot of time trying to lick up all delicious foods and treats trapped in the grooves and ridges.
These mats transform a simple snacking session into a mentally stimulating game, as your dog’s mind will be engaged throughout as they try to figure out how to lick clean the entire mat. It’s for this reason that lick mats are often considered among the most effective mental enrichment tools for dogs.
It’s worth mentioning that, just as with any other enrichment tool or toy for dogs, it’s important for you to supervise your pup when they’re using a lick mat. Some dogs can turn a lick mat into a chew toy, putting them at risk of choking on the mat’s material.
5 Key Benefits of Lick Mats for Dogs
- Promotes Calmness & Relaxation
According to pet health experts from the Integrative Veterinary Services of Missouri, lick mats have a soothing effect on dogs. The repetitive licking triggers the release of endorphins, feel-good hormones that make your dog feel calmer.
- Provides Mental Stimulation
In dogs, mental stimulation is equally important as physical activity. Lick mats are great for mental stimulation as they keep a dog’s brain active throughout the licking session. This mental enrichment goes a long way in curbing undesirable behaviour caused by pent-up energy.
- A Boredom Buster
If you’re looking for exciting ways to keep your bored dog entertained indoors, a lick mat will get the job perfectly done. “Lick mats are a great indoor activity when the weather keeps dogs inside,” says Dr. Heather Napolitano, DVM, of MobiPetCare.
- A Great Distraction Tool
Lick mats come in handy when you want to keep your dog distracted from activities that they don’t particularly enjoy. For example, during bath time or when trimming their nails. Plus, according to Dr. Matt Bradley, DVM, of ModernVet, lick mats are also a fantastic distraction tool when administering injections to dogs.
- Promotes Dental Health
According to Jill Trullinger of Ask a Vet Tech, the repetitive licking increases saliva production in your dog’s mouth, which in turn, cleans their teeth, tongue, and gums. Ultimately, this contributes to better oral hygiene.
Best Lick Mats to Keep Your Dog Busy & Happy for Hours
If you’re thinking of introducing a lick mat to your dog’s routine, here are four top-rated options to try:
1. Mighty Paw Dog Lick Pad
The Mighty Paw Dog Lick Pad is partitioned into four quadrants, each with a different texture to give your dog a wholesome, prolonged licking experience. Plus, the quadrant design means you can smear each section with a different treat that your dog loves.
Users praise the Mighty Paw Dog Lick Pad for its sturdiness, thanks to the heavy suction cups on the bottom that enable it to stay intact even when aggressively licked. Moreover, this lick mat is made from food-grade silicone material and is dishwasher safe.
2. LickiMat Tuff
Made of durable, chew-resistant rubber that’s gentle on your dog’s tongue, the LickiMat Tuff is suitable for dogs of all ages. Its durable material makes it ideal for dogs who are aggressive chewers. The LickiMat Tuff comes in three different patterns and has a non-slip base to ensure it stays in place as your dog licks it.
3. Hyper Pet IQ Treat Lick Mat
The Hyper Pet IQ Treat Lick Mat comes partitioned into four quadrants to help with portion control as you spread different treats and toppings on it. The quadrant design, which features different textures & patterns, makes the licking experience more fun and challenging for your dog. The Hyper Pet IQ Treat Lick Mat is dishwasher safe.
4. Aquapaw Premium Licking Mat
The Aquapaw premium licking mat is a fantastic choice for dogs who struggle with bath time or grooming and therefore need something to keep them distracted. This triangle-shaped lick mat is portable enough to carry anywhere and has suction cups to allow you to stick it on any smooth surface, including bathroom tiles. Though smaller in size compared to other lick mats, the Aquapaw premium licking mat also caters to large dogs.
