How to make a snuffle ball？Dog Puzzle Toy

This time, we created a nose work ball (snuffle ball), an enrichment toy for dogs where they can search for food or treats hidden in the felt gaps, similar to a snuffle mat. It appears to be good for both physical and mental well-being, especially during the cold season when dogs are mostly indoors.

Feel free to experiment with different sizes and colors of felt to make a version that’s just right for your dog.

• Before You Start: Benefits of Playing with a Nose Work Ball (Snuffle Ball)
• Materials and Tools: Make a Snuffle Ball for Your Dog with Just Felt! Super Easy DIY
• How to Make 1/2: Cutting Circles from Felt – Creating a Nose Work Ball (Snuffle Ball) for Your Dog
• How to Make 2/2: Assembling Felt Circles into a Ball – Making a Snuffle Ball for Your Dog

Before You Start: Benefits of Playing with a Nose Work Ball (Snuffle Ball)

Nose work is a type of play that utilizes a dog’s sense of smell. It’s said that a dog’s sense of smell remains effective from puppyhood to old age.

This activity satisfies their instinctive desire to “hunt,” regardless of their age. It helps alleviate daily stress, provides exercise, prevents cognitive decline, and stimulates the brain.

It’s a great activity that both owners and dogs can enjoy together, whether indoors or outdoors, so it comes highly recommended!

Materials and Tools: Make a Snuffle Ball for Your Dog with Just Felt! Super Easy DIY

Right: Approximately 6 cm in diameter (made using a kitchen cloth)
Left: Approximately 9 cm in diameter

Materials:

• Felt

Tools:

• Needle
• Thread
• Scissors

How to Make 1/2: Cut Circles from Felt – Creating a Nose Work Ball (Snuffle Ball) for Your Dog

First, cut out 16 circles from the felt. Decide on the desired size of the finished ball, and cut out circles with a diameter corresponding to that size.

This time, we used a plate to create a template with a diameter of approximately 9 cm on cardstock and then cut out the circles

Using your preferred color combinations, create 16 circles as shown in the photo above

How to Make 2/2: Assemble the Felt Circles into a Ball – Making a Snuffle Ball for Your Dog

Fold the felt into quarters, thread the needle, and sew the pieces together to form a round shape

Fold each circle in half, and then fold it in half again to create a fan shape

Thread the needle slightly inward from the center of the fan shape

Fold the next circle in the same way and align it with the previous fan shape. When stitching, make sure the open sides of the fans alternate direction.

For a more polished look, try to avoid having adjacent felt colors overlap.

Once you’ve threaded all 16 felt pieces, return to the first felt piece and thread the needle around it again.

If you pull the first round too tightly, it will make it difficult to thread the needle for the second round, so leave a bit of slack

Once you’ve completed threading the second round, wrap the thread around the first felt piece, pull it tight, and tie a knot.

Finally, adjust the shape, and your snuffle ball is complete!

I immediately hid some treats in the felt gaps and gave the ball to my dog!

He’s been eagerly searching and playing with it

It’s quick to make, so definitely give it a try for your dog!

To prevent any risk of choking, be sure to play with your dog under your supervision