How to Keep Your Dog Entertained While Working From Home (Without Losing Your Mind)
How to Keep Your Dog Entertained While Working From Home
"Can you mute? We can hear your dog barking."
Sound familiar? Working from home with a dog is amazing—until they're barking at squirrels during your important Zoom call.
Here's how to keep your furry coworker entertained so you can actually get work done.
The Secret: Tire Them Out BEFORE Work
A tired dog is a good dog. The #1 mistake remote workers make? Starting work with an energetic pup.
Morning routine (before you log on):
Now they're ready to nap while you work.
12 Ways to Keep Dogs Busy During Work Hours
1. Frozen Kong 🧊
The MVP of dog entertainment.
Fill a Kong with:
Freeze overnight. Gives you 30-60 minutes of quiet.
Pro tip: Make 5 on Sunday, use throughout the week.
2. Snuffle Mat
Hide treats in the fabric folds. Dogs use their nose to find them. 15-20 minutes of focused sniffing.
3. Lick Mat
Spread peanut butter, pumpkin, or wet food. The licking releases calming endorphins.
Perfect for: Zoom calls when you need guaranteed quiet.
4. Puzzle Feeders
Stop feeding from a bowl! Make every meal a game:
5. Window Perch
Set up a comfy spot by the window. Dogs love watching the world. It's basically their Netflix.
Warning: May increase squirrel-barking. Know your dog.
6. Background Noise
Leave on:
7. Rotating Toy Box
Don't leave all toys out. Rotate 3-4 toys weekly. "New" toys are more exciting.
8. Midday Break
Schedule a 15-minute break to:
You need the break too. Win-win.
9. Chew Time
Safe, long-lasting chews:
Avoid: Rawhide, cooked bones, anything that splinters.
10. Hide and Seek Treats
Before a meeting, hide treats around the room. Tell them "find it!" Keeps them busy searching.
11. Doggy Daycare (1-2x/week)
If budget allows, even once a week helps. They come home exhausted and happy.
12. Playdate Swap
Find a neighbor or friend with a dog. Trade "dog sitting" days. Free and effective.
Create a "Work Mode" Routine
Dogs thrive on routine. Create signals that mean "work time":
1. Designated spot - Bed or mat near your desk
2. Settle command - Train them to relax on cue
3. Special work-time chew - Only given during work hours
4. Consistent schedule - Same walk times, break times
After a few weeks, they'll know the drill.
When Nothing Works: The Nuclear Options
Sample Work-From-Home Dog Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|------|----------|
| 7:00 AM | Morning walk (30 min) |
| 7:30 AM | Breakfast in puzzle feeder |
| 8:00 AM | You start work, dog naps |
| 10:00 AM | Frozen Kong |
| 12:00 PM | Midday walk + play (20 min) |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch in snuffle mat |
| 3:00 PM | Lick mat during your meeting |
| 5:00 PM | Work ends, evening walk |
Ready to Set Up Your Dog's WFH Station?
Browse our collection of enrichment toys and puzzle feeders - everything you need to keep your pup entertained.
🚚 Free shipping on orders $50+ | 🐕 Happiness guaranteed
What's your secret to working from home with a dog? Share your tips below!
