8 Ways to Keep Your Dog Entertained While You Work From Home
Written by Tim de Jong
To keep your dog entertained while you work from home, tire it out with a walk before you start, give it a comfy spot near your desk, and hand over a puzzle toy or long-lasting chew when you need to focus. Schedule short play or walk breaks during the day, and use calm background sound or a dog walker on your busiest days.
If you’re like most dog owners, your furry friend is always by your side – even when you’re working from home. Here are 8 ways to keep your dog busy, so both of you can be happy and productive.
8 Ways How to Keep Your Dog Entertained While You Work
1Give them a comfy place to lay near you
One of the easiest ways to keep your dog entertained while you’re working from home is to give them a comfy place to lay down near your workspace.
This way, they can be close to you while you’re working and won’t feel left out or bored. You can use a dog bed, a pillow, or even just a blanket. Just make sure it’s in a spot where they won’t be in the way or too disruptive.
Dogs feel more comfortable when they are around you, so this is a great way to keep them happy and content while you’re working.
2Take breaks for playtime and walks
It’s important to take breaks from work to spend time with your dog, even if you’re working from home. Set aside some time for playtime, so your dog can get out their energy and stay exercised. This will help them stay entertained and prevent them from getting bored or restless.
If possible, try to take your dog for a walk during your lunch break. This will give them some time to stretch their legs and get some fresh air.
3Take them on a walk before you start working
If you have the time, take your dog on a walk before you start working for the day. This will help them get their energy out and they’ll be more likely to stay calm and relaxed while you’re working.
Plus, it’s a great way to start your day and get some fresh air yourself. You and your dog will both be in a better mood and more productive as a result.
Invest in some interactive toys
Interactive toys are a great way to keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated. Some of our favorites include the
Give them some tasty treats
Another way to keep your dog entertained while you’re working from home is to give them some tasty treats. A long-lasting chew or a stuffed, frozen Kong can keep many dogs busy through a meeting.
You can also serve part of their regular food in a puzzle feeder or scatter it in a snuffle mat, so mealtime becomes a sniffing game. Just count those treats as part of your dog’s daily food, as too many extras can lead to weight gain.
Hire a dog walker for extra playtime
If you’re really busy or have a lot of work to do, you may want to consider hiring a dog walker. This way, your dog will get the exercise and playtime they need, and you can focus on work without worry.
There are many reputable dog walking companies out there, such as Rover and Wag! Or, you can ask your friends or family if they know anyone who could help out.
Classical music
A study has shown that classical music can help calm dogs and make them feel more relaxed. So, if you’re finding that your dog is restless or agitated while you’re working from home, try playing some classical music.
This can help them relax and feel more comfortable, so they’re less likely to bark or pace around. Plus, it can be a nice break for you as well.
Other research has found that heavy metal music can make dogs more agitated. So you might want to save that for your headphones!
Leave the television or radio on
Another way to keep your dog entertained while you’re working from home is to leave the television or radio on. This will provide them with some background noise and help them feel less alone.
Just make sure you don’t have it too loud, as this can actually be disruptive for both you and your dog.
Final Thoughts
Overall, there are a number of ways you can keep your dog entertained while you’re working from home. From taking breaks for playtime and walks to investing in some interactive toys, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Two more tips make a big difference in the long run. First, teach your dog to settle on its bed (a “place” or “settle” cue) and reward it calmly for lying there, while ignoring nudges and barks for attention during calls – otherwise your dog learns that pestering you works. Second, give your dog some regular alone time, even when you’re home, by leaving the room or the house for short periods. Dogs that are never alone can struggle with separation anxiety once you go back to the office.
The most important thing is to find what works best for you and your dog. With a little trial and error, you’ll be sure to find the perfect solution for keeping your pup entertained while you’re working. For days when you have to head into the office, see where to leave your dog when you go to work.
