If your dog struggles with anxiety, restlessness, or excess energy indoors, a lick mat can be a powerful solution. These simple silicone or textured mats, designed to hold spreadable food, offer more than just a snack — they calm, engage, and mentally satisfy dogs of all ages.
In this article, you’ll learn how to train your dog to use a lick mat properly, what to put on it, and how to incorporate it into a daily routine for behavioral balance and relaxation.
Why Lick Mats Work
Licking is a naturally calming activity for dogs. It releases endorphins and serotonin, which helps lower stress and promote focus. A lick mat channels this instinct into a productive, non-destructive activity.
Benefits of regular lick mat use:
- Reduces anxiety and overstimulation
- Slows down fast eaters
- Encourages calm behavior during stressful events
- Prevents boredom during alone time
- Helps with crate training or grooming tolerance
For indoor dogs with limited stimulation, lick mats provide structured mental enrichment.
Choosing the Right Lick Mat
There are several styles of lick mats, and choosing the right one depends on your dog’s size, chewing habits, and experience.
Key features to consider:
- Texture: Raised patterns add challenge and slow licking
- Material: Silicone and rubber are durable and easy to clean
- Size: Large enough for your dog’s tongue to roam, but not swallowable
- Suction backing: Helps the mat stick to the floor, crate, or wall
- Chew resistance: For aggressive chewers, choose thick mats without edges
Brands like Lickimat™, Hyper Pet™, and Kong™ offer multiple styles.
Step-by-Step: Teaching Your Dog to Use a Lick Mat
Step 1: Introduce It as a Game
Let your dog sniff the mat first without food. Praise calm interaction and curiosity. Then spread a very thin layer of something tasty like peanut butter or plain yogurt across the surface.
Place it on the floor and say a clear cue like “lick” or “mat.”
Reward your dog for licking or calmly engaging.
Step 2: Reinforce Calm Use
Don’t interrupt licking with praise or too much excitement. The goal is calm, focused interaction.
If your dog tries to chew, gently redirect and use a less chewy texture next time. If they move the mat, try sticking it to tile or a crate surface with built-in suction.
Step 3: Build Time and Value
Start with short 5-minute sessions and gradually increase the time. Use slightly more filling or more challenging patterns as your dog gains experience.
Eventually, your dog will associate the mat with self-soothing and begin to seek it out during stressful times.
What to Put on a Lick Mat
Base spreads:
- Peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- Plain yogurt
- Mashed banana
- Wet dog food
- Cottage cheese
- Pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
Toppings for variety:
- Crushed treats
- Soft berries (blueberries, strawberries)
- Cooked sweet potato
- Ground flaxseed
- Chia seeds (hydrated)
- Tiny pieces of cooked meat or boiled egg
Pro tip: Freeze the mat after preparing to make licking last longer — great for crate time or grooming.
When to Use a Lick Mat
Lick mats are flexible tools that fit into multiple parts of your dog’s day:
- Before or during crate time
- During thunderstorms or fireworks
- When guests visit (reduces barking/guarding)
- While trimming nails or brushing
- As a calm-down after play or a walk
- While working from home or making calls
Make it a regular part of your indoor enrichment strategy.
How Often Should You Use It?
You can safely use a lick mat:
- Once daily for enrichment
- 2–3 times per week for special occasions
- As needed for anxiety or redirection
Avoid overfeeding by adjusting portions or using low-calorie spreads. Always supervise if your dog is new to it.
Lick Mat Safety and Maintenance
- Wash after each use with warm water and soap
- Discard if torn or heavily chewed
- Don’t leave unsupervised with strong chewers
- Clean corners thoroughly to avoid buildup
- Avoid sugary, salty, or artificial ingredients
Store in the freezer for longer-lasting use and freshness.
Lick Mat vs. Kong vs. Puzzle Toys
Each of these has its place in indoor enrichment.
| Tool | Purpose | Use Time | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lick Mat | Calm focus and soothing | Short to Medium | Easy to Medium |
| Kong | Mental challenge and chewing | Medium to Long | Medium to Hard |
| Puzzle Toy | Problem-solving and feeding | Medium | Medium |
Use all three across your dog’s weekly routine for variety.
Training Tip: Use the Mat as a Reinforcement Tool
Instead of using the lick mat randomly, you can reward desired behaviors like:
- Calm greeting at the door
- Quiet “place” during dinner
- Accepting grooming or brushing
- Coming into crate on command
This creates a direct connection between self-control and reward.
A Small Tool With Big Benefits
A lick mat might seem like a simple toy — but in the world of indoor enrichment, it’s one of the most powerful tools for helping dogs decompress, self-regulate, and stay mentally satisfied.
Whether you’re introducing your puppy to solo time or supporting an anxious senior, adding a lick mat to your routine can bring peace and focus to your home — one slow lick at a time.
