How to Keep Your Dog Entertained While Working From Home

"Can you mute? We can hear your dog barking."

If you've heard this on a Zoom call, welcome to the club. We have jackets. They're covered in dog hair.

Working from home with a dog sounds amazing in theory. Built-in cuddle buddy! Lunch break walks! No more guilt about leaving them alone!

In reality? It's your dog barking at the mailman during your presentation. It's a wet nose on your keyboard during a deadline. It's trying to look professional while a golden retriever photobombs your video call.

I've been working from home with dogs for three years. Here's everything I've learned about keeping them entertained so you can actually get stuff done.

The Most Important Thing (Read This First)

A tired dog is a quiet dog.

The #1 mistake work-from-home dog parents make is starting work with an energetic pup. Of COURSE they're going to be annoying—they have energy to burn!

Before you log on:

Now they're ready to nap while you work. This single change transformed my work days.

The Secret Weapons (12 Things That Actually Work)

1. The Frozen Kong (MVP Status) 🧊

This is the single best dog entertainment invention ever created.

Fill a Kong with:

Freeze it overnight. Hand it over when you need 30-60 minutes of peace.

I make five on Sunday and use them throughout the week. Game changer.

2. Snuffle Mat

Hide treats in the fabric folds. Dog uses nose to find them. 15-20 minutes of focused sniffing.

It's like a treasure hunt for dogs. They LOVE it. And sniffing is mentally exhausting for them—way more than you'd think.

3. Lick Mat

Spread peanut butter, pumpkin puree, or wet food on a textured mat. The repetitive licking releases calming endorphins.

This is my Zoom call secret weapon. Dog gets a lick mat, I get a quiet meeting. Everyone wins.

4. Puzzle Feeders

Hot take: stop feeding your dog from a bowl.

Make every meal a game. Slow feeder bowls, treat-dispensing balls, puzzle boards. It takes them 20 minutes to eat instead of 30 seconds, and they're mentally tired afterward.

My dog used to inhale his food and then stare at me for entertainment. Now breakfast takes 25 minutes and he naps after.

5. Window Perch

Set up a comfy spot by the window. Dogs love watching the world go by. It's basically their Netflix.

Fair warning: This may increase squirrel-barking. Know your dog. Mine is banned from the front window during work hours.

6. Background Noise

This sounds silly, but it works. Leave on:

The ambient noise helps them relax and masks outside sounds that trigger barking.

7. Toy Rotation

Don't leave all toys out at once. They get bored.

Instead: 3-4 toys available at a time. Rotate weekly. Suddenly everything is "new" again.

I have a toy box in the closet. Every Sunday I swap them out. My dog acts like Christmas came early.

8. Midday Break (For Both of You)

Schedule a 15-minute break to:

You need the break too. Your eyes need a screen rest. Your body needs movement. Your dog needs attention. Win-win-win.

9. Long-Lasting Chews

Safe options:

Avoid: Rawhide (choking hazard), cooked bones (splinter), anything that breaks into chunks.

I save the "special" chews for important meetings. Dog gets a bully stick, I get an uninterrupted hour.

10. Hide and Seek Treats

Before a meeting, hide treats around the room. Tell them "find it!" and watch them search.

This keeps them busy for 10-15 minutes AND it's great mental exercise. Plus it's adorable to watch.

11. Doggy Daycare (Even Once a Week)

If budget allows, even one day a week at daycare is amazing. They come home exhausted and happy. You get a full day of uninterrupted work.

My dog goes on Wednesdays. I schedule all my important meetings for Wednesdays.

12. Playdate Swap

Find a neighbor or friend with a compatible dog. Trade "dog sitting" days.

Monday: their dog comes to your house (chaos, but your friend gets peace)
Tuesday: your dog goes to their house (peace for you)

Free, effective, and the dogs love it.

Create a "Work Mode" Routine

Dogs thrive on routine. Create signals that mean "work time":

1. Designated spot - A bed or mat near your desk that's THEIR spot
2. Settle command - Train them to relax on cue (this takes practice)
3. Special work-time chew - Something they ONLY get during work hours
4. Consistent schedule - Same walk times, same break times, same everything

After a few weeks, they'll know the drill. My dog now goes to his bed automatically when I sit at my desk.

When Nothing Works

Some dogs are just... a lot. If you've tried everything:

There's no shame in any of these. Some dogs need more than others.

My Actual Schedule (Steal It)

| Time | What Happens |
|------|--------------|
| 7:00 AM | Morning walk (30 min) |
| 7:30 AM | Breakfast in puzzle feeder |
| 8:00 AM | I start work, dog naps |
| 10:00 AM | Frozen Kong time |
| 12:00 PM | Midday walk + play (20 min) |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch in snuffle mat |
| 3:00 PM | Lick mat during my afternoon meeting |
| 5:00 PM | Work ends, evening walk |

This schedule took months to perfect. Adjust for your dog and your work.

Ready to Set Up Your Dog's WFH Station?

We've got puzzle feeders, enrichment toys, and everything else you need to keep your pup entertained while you work.

🐕 Tested by real WFH dogs | 🚚 Free shipping on $50+

What's YOUR secret to working from home with a dog? Tag us on social media—we're always looking for new ideas!

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