A dog that is bored while you work from home will find its own entertainment: barking at the window, nudging your elbow, or chewing something it should not. The fix is to give your dog a job that is more interesting than you are. This guide covers six ways to keep a dog busy at your desk, from free ideas to a few toys that are made for the job.
Why a bored dog gets noisy
Dogs need something to do with their noses, mouths and brains. A short walk before your first meeting helps, but after that the day is long. A dog that has nothing to do will usually invent a game, and it is rarely one you like. Food-based activities work well because they use the same effort your dog would spend hunting, and they are easy to set up between calls.
1. Walk first, then settle
Start the day with a walk or a game of fetch. A dog that has had a chance to sniff, run and use the toilet is much more ready to settle than a dog that has been indoors all morning. After the walk, set up one of the activities below and go to your desk.
2. Hide treats in a snuffle mat
A snuffle mat is a mat with folds and fabric strips. You push treats or kibble deep into the folds, and your dog sniffs them out. It keeps a dog busy because sniffing out hidden food takes time.
The Dog Snuffle Mat is made for hiding treats and small toys. It comes in brown, green, orange or pink. Supervise play, and replace the mat if it gets chewed.
3. Give a puzzle at breakfast
Instead of putting breakfast in a bowl, serve it in a puzzle. The Puzzle Feeder Brain Game has a rotating top with holes, and the food slides down as the box turns. A slow-feeding column in the middle makes the meal last longer. It has four non-slip rubber pads to help keep it from being knocked over while your dog works at it.
4. Roll the kibble out
A treat-dispensing ball gives your dog a reason to move. The food only comes out when the ball rolls, so your dog has to push it around the room. That makes it a good choice for a dog with plenty of energy.
The Treat-Dispensing Ball dispenses kibble while your dog plays. It is made of ABS and comes in blue and orange. As with any toy, supervise play and replace it if it gets damaged.
5. Offer a cool chew
Puppies and teething dogs often need something to chew on. The Freezable Teething Ring is filled with sponge and pure water, so there is nothing to add. Freeze it in the refrigerator before giving it to your dog. It comes in four styles: ball, barbell, butterfly or frisbee.
It is designed to help relieve teething discomfort. Keep an eye on your dog while it chews, and replace the ring if it gets damaged.
6. Rotate what you use
Dogs get bored of the same toy. If you have a few activities, use one a day and put the others away. A toy that has been out of sight for a few days feels new again. A simple week might look like this:
| Day | Morning activity |
|---|---|
| Monday | Snuffle mat |
| Tuesday | Puzzle feeder |
| Wednesday | Treat-dispensing ball |
| Thursday | Frozen teething ring |
| Friday | Scatter kibble on the lawn |
Tips that make it work
- Set up the activity before you sit down, not after your dog starts to whine.
- Use part of your dog's normal meal rather than extra food, and ask your vet how much to feed.
- Take the toy away when it is finished, and give your dog a break outside.
- Never leave a dog alone with a toy it could chew into pieces.
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop my dog from barking during calls?
Give your dog an activity before the call starts, not after the barking begins. A snuffle mat or puzzle feeder gives your dog something to do with its mouth and nose while you talk. If barking is a big problem, ask a trainer for help.
Can these replace walks?
No. Dogs still need exercise and time outside. These activities fill the gaps between walks.
More to explore
See the whole Play & Calm collection for more toys and feeders. Delivery times depend on where you live, so read the delivery questions on our FAQ first. Use code LAUNCH15 for 15% off at checkout.
Related guide: How to stop a dog eating too fast.