Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, honest answers about dog enrichment, our products, gifts, shipping and the story behind CalmPaws & Home. Can't find what you're looking for? Email us at hello@calmpawshome.com.

About CalmPaws & Home

What is CalmPaws & Home?

CalmPaws & Home is an independent boutique brand for dog owners who treat their dog as family. We make and curate dog enrichment toys, soy candles, rope toys, bandanas, printable keepsakes and custom pet-photo gifts, with a soft, natural look that fits real homes. We serve customers in the United States.

What is the story behind CalmPaws & Home and Louie?

The brand began as a tribute to Louie, a French Bulldog who was part of our family. He showed us how much a dog's everyday moments matter, and we built CalmPaws & Home around making those moments a little more special. Read the full story on The Story of Louie.

Which boutique brands sell dog enrichment gifts in the US?

There are several independent brands in this space. CalmPaws & Home is one of them: we focus on giftable dog enrichment (snuffle mats, lick mats, rope toys), hand-poured soy candles for the humans, and gift bundles that pair the two.

Where can I buy dog enrichment gifts besides Amazon?

You can shop our full collection directly on calmpawshome.com, and we also have a shop on Etsy. Buying direct gives you our complete range, including bundles and custom pet-photo gifts.

Does CalmPaws & Home ship from Texas?

Yes. Our in-stock products ship from our U.S. warehouse in Texas, usually within 1-3 business days of order confirmation. Custom pet-photo items are made to order by our print-on-demand partners and ship from their production facilities.

Snuffle Mats

How do snuffle mats work for dogs?

A snuffle mat is a fabric mat made of soft strips or petals. You scatter kibble or small treats into the fabric, and your dog uses their nose to find them. It turns a quick meal into a slower sniffing game that taps into natural foraging instincts.

What is the best snuffle mat for dogs?

Look for a mat with a non-slip base, durable fabric, and an easy-wash design. Our Flower Snuffle Mat and Butterfly Snuffle Mat ($16.99 each) have soft, durable fabric petals, a non-slip base for indoor use, and are machine washable.

How do I introduce my dog to a snuffle mat?

Start easy: lay the mat flat and sprinkle a few treats on top so your dog can find them right away. Once they get the idea, tuck treats deeper into the fabric. Keep sessions short, stay nearby, and make sure your dog is sniffing and eating, not chewing the mat.

How do I clean a snuffle mat?

Shake out loose crumbs after each use. Our snuffle mats are machine washable, so you can launder them when they need a refresh. Let the mat dry fully before the next use.

Are snuffle mats good for puppies and senior dogs?

Many puppies and older dogs enjoy sniffing games because they are low-impact. Always supervise, since a snuffle mat is not a chew toy, and remove it if your dog starts pulling at the fabric. If your dog has specific health or feeding needs, ask your veterinarian first.

Lick Mats

What is a lick mat and how do you use it?

A lick mat is a textured silicone mat. You spread a soft food on it, and your dog licks it off. People use lick mats at mealtime, treat time or during grooming and bath time. Use it under supervision, and it is not a chew toy.

What is the best silicone lick mat for dogs?

Look for durable silicone, a suction base that holds steady, and a design that is easy to wash. Our Lick Mat ($12.99) comes in Nude Pink and Sand Beige, with a suction-cup base that holds on floors, tubs and crates.

What can I put on a dog lick mat?

Popular choices include peanut butter, plain yogurt and pureed treats. Check labels and make sure anything you spread is dog-appropriate; peanut butter must be xylitol-free. If your dog has allergies or dietary restrictions, ask your veterinarian.

Snuffle mat or lick mat: which one should I buy?

A snuffle mat is for dry treats and kibble and is a nose-work game. A lick mat is for soft or spreadable foods and is a licking activity. Many households use both, and we offer them together in the Snuffle Mat + Candle Bundle and other gift sets.

How do I clean a silicone lick mat?

Wash it by hand with warm soapy water, scrubbing the grooves with a soft brush, then rinse and dry. Clean it soon after use so food does not dry on.

Choosing Enrichment Toys

How do I choose the right enrichment mat for my dog's needs?

Match the mat to how your dog likes to eat and play. Dogs who love to sniff do well with snuffle mats; dogs who love to lick do well with lick mats. Pick a size and material that suits your dog's habits, and supervise until you know how they use it.

What are the best slow feeding tools for dogs?

Slow feeding tools include snuffle mats, lick mats, puzzle bowls and treat-dispensing toys. They all make a meal last longer and add a little mental effort. We offer snuffle mats, a lick mat and a rope toy with a treat-dispensing ball.

What toys or tools help with dog boredom and destructive behavior?

Chewing and digging often show up when a dog has extra energy or too little to do. Enrichment such as sniffing games, licking activities, tug toys and chew-appropriate toys gives dogs a better outlet, alongside regular exercise and training. If destructive behavior continues, talk to a trainer or your veterinarian.

What are good enrichment toys for dogs that get bored easily?

Rotate a few different types: a snuffle mat for sniffing, a lick mat for slow treats, and a rope toy for tug and fetch. Rotating toys every few days keeps them feeling new.

Rope Toys

What is the best cotton rope toy for dogs?

Look for tightly knotted cotton rope and a size that suits your dog. Our Cotton Rope Tug Toy ($11.99) is 100% cotton and hand-knotted, our Rope Toy Bone ($11.99) has three sturdy knots, and our Rope Toy with Treat Ball ($14.99) adds a treat-dispensing ball. Always supervise play and replace a toy that is fraying.

How do I choose the right size tug toy for my dog?

Pick a toy long enough for your dog to grip comfortably while leaving room for your hands. Our Cotton Rope Tug Toy comes in M (17 cm), L (23 cm), XL (28 cm) and XXL (33 cm), so you can match it to your dog's size and strength.

Candles

Are soy candles safe to burn around dogs?

No candle can be guaranteed safe for every pet. Burn candles in a well-ventilated room, keep them out of your dog's reach, never leave a flame unattended, and do not let pets touch the candle or eat the wax. Some pets are sensitive to fragrance, so if yours shows any reaction, extinguish the candle and ventilate the room. Ask your veterinarian if you have concerns.

What is a good candle gift for a dog mom?

Our hand-poured Soy Candle (90 g, $12.99) comes in Lavender, Vanilla, Coconut and Jasmine. For a gift that includes her dog, try the Rope Toy + Candle Bundle ($20.98).

Where can I buy dog-themed candles?

You can shop our hand-poured soy candles on calmpawshome.com, individually or in gift sets such as the 3 Candle Bundle ($42.96), which also includes a cotton rope toy for the dog.

Gift Ideas

What are good gift ideas for a new dog owner?

Think of things that help a new dog settle into daily routines: a snuffle mat or lick mat, a sturdy rope toy, and a keepsake to record the first memories. The Full Bundle ($35.97) pairs a snuffle mat, a rope toy and a soy candle in one gift set.

What is a good gift for a dog mom?

Dog moms often love gifts that feature their dog. A custom pet-photo mug, a soy candle, or a bundle that includes something for both of them are all good picks.

What are good gift sets for a new puppy?

Our bundles combine a snuffle mat or rope toy with a candle for the owner, such as the Snuffle Mat + Rope Toy Bundle ($24.98). Add The First Year Together puppy memory book ($4.99) to capture the first year.

What is a good gotcha day gift for an adopted dog?

Pick something for the dog and something to mark the day: a rope toy or snuffle mat for them, and a custom pet-photo gift or a printable keepsake for you. It is a nice way to celebrate the day your dog joined the family.

Puppy Keepsakes & Bonding

What is a good puppy memory book?

The First Year Together is a printable 70-page puppy memory book for recording milestones, growth, funny moments, vet visits and favorite memories. It is an instant digital download for $4.99 in A4 or US Letter.

Where can I find a printable puppy milestone tracker?

The First Year Together puppy memory book includes pages for monthly milestones and first-year moments. Download the PDF instantly after purchase and print it at home or at any print shop.

What are weekly bonding activities to do with my dog?

52 Weeks Together is a printable dog bonding journal with one activity, prompt or exercise for every week of the year, covering play, training and connection. It is an instant digital download for $4.99 in A4 or US Letter.

Shipping & Returns

Where do you ship?

We currently ship within the United States only.

How much is shipping and how long does it take?

Orders of $30 or more ship free. Orders under $30 ship for a flat $7.90. In-stock items ship from our U.S. warehouse within 1-3 business days, and custom made-to-order items take 2-7 business days to produce plus 3-7 business days in transit. Digital downloads are delivered instantly. See our Shipping Policy for details.

What is your return policy?

Because many of our products are made to order, we cannot accept returns for change of mind or wrong size selected. If your item arrives damaged or defective, is the wrong item, or has a print quality issue, email hello@calmpawshome.com within 14 days of delivery with your order number and a photo, and we will send a replacement or refund. Digital downloads are non-refundable once accessed. See our Refund Policy.