Working from home can be a great opportunity to spend more time with your furry friend, but it can also be a challenge to keep them occupied while you focus on work.
Fortunately, there are many ways to keep your dog entertained and happy while you work from home.
From puzzle toys to virtual playdates, this guide has everything you need to keep your pup busy and content.
Issues Dog Parents Run Into When Working At Home
Remote professionals who own dogs often encounter a common set of challenges. Here are the most frequent issues they face:
Dogs creating noise during important calls: Dogs may react to stimuli they hear, see, or smell by barking, which can be frustrating when trying to maintain a professional image.
Dog-related distractions leading to trouble: When engrossed in work, the dog might engage in destructive behavior, such as chewing or ingesting inappropriate objects, posing potential hazards. This is one reason why obtaining pet insurance is advisable, as some plans cover behavioral training, assisting in addressing other work-from-home concerns.
Disruption of schedule due to the dog's needs: Even a well-behaved pet will demand walks, drinks, or food, and they might not understand if you're occupied with work.
Potential damage to the workspace: Dogs may enter your home office area out of a need for attention, boredom, or excess energy, resulting in accidentally knocking over or disconnecting objects.
By implementing effective planning strategies, many, if not all, of these issues can be mitigated or entirely avoided.
To keep your dog occupied and prevent them from causing chaos, try giving them interactive toys or puzzles to play with. You can also take short breaks throughout the day to give them some exercise and attention, such as going for a walk or playing a game of fetch. With a little bit of effort, you can keep your dog happy and your workspace intact while working from home.
Create a designated workspace for your dog.
One way to keep your dog occupied while you work from home is to create a designated workspace for them. This can be a comfortable bed or crate in your office or a nearby room. Make sure to provide your dog with plenty of toys, water, and a comfortable place to rest.
This will help them feel secure and relaxed while you work, and they will be less likely to interrupt you or become bored and restless.
You can also consider playing calming music or leaving the TV on for background noise to help your dog feel more at ease.
Provide interactive toys and puzzles.
Interactive toys and puzzles are a great way to keep your dog mentally stimulated and entertained while you work. These toys can range from treat-dispensing balls to puzzle games that require your dog to figure out how to get to the hidden treats. You can also try hiding treats around the house for your dog to find, or setting up an obstacle course for them to navigate. Just make sure to supervise your dog while they play with these toys to ensure their safety.
Our Top 4 Puzzle Toys For Dogs When Working from Home:
1.The Classic KONG
You can also try taking breaks throughout the day to play with your pup or go for a quick walk to get some fresh air and exercise. With a little creativity and some fun toys, you can keep your dog entertained while you focus on work.
2. Nina Ottosson's Dog Brick Puzzle Toy
This puzzle toy features three easily fillable compartments where you can hide your dog's favorite treats and snacks. The compartments have flip lip covers that open to reveal the first compartment, and they can also slide to uncover a hidden second compartment underneath. Additionally, the puzzle includes white, hollow brick-style bones that conceal the third compartment, allowing you to place delicious treats inside. This puzzle is perfect for dogs who have already mastered level 1 of the Nina Ottosson puzzle line and are ready to elevate the challenge.
The Dog Brick Level 2 is crafted from durable, removable plastic parts and food-safe materials. It is free from BPA, PVC, and phthalates, ensuring the safety of your furry friend during playtime.
3. Interactive Snuffle Mat: Garden - by Nina Ottosson
As your dog discovers the hidden treats, their brain releases oxytocin, also known as the "happy hormone" or neuropeptide synthesized by the hypothalamus in mammals. Oxytocin is responsible for promoting positive social behaviors in dogs towards us, fostering a stronger bond and creating a sense of well-being.
4. Lickimat range of Feeders
Puzzle feeders provide dogs with an interactive way to obtain their food by solving puzzles or manipulating objects to access their meals.
Maze bowls are designed with ridges and obstacles that slow down eating, encouraging dogs to eat at a more moderate pace. Spiral feeders, on the other hand, feature a spiral design that promotes slow and methodical eating.
In addition to bowls, feeding mats like the Lickimat range offer an extra advantage by reducing stress in dogs. The act of licking releases feel-good endorphins, helping to create a calming and enjoyable feeding experience.
When selecting a slow feeding bowl, it is crucial to choose one that suits your dog's size and eating habits. This ensures that your dog can derive the maximum benefits from the feeding tool.
Incorporate training and obedience exercises.
In addition to providing mental stimulation, incorporating training and obedience exercises into your dog's daily routine can also help keep them busy while you work from home. Simple commands like sit, stay, and come can be practiced throughout the day, and you can also work on more advanced tricks like roll over or play dead.
Not only will this keep your dog occupied, but it will also strengthen your bond and improve their behaviour overall. Just be sure to keep training sessions short and positive to avoid frustration or boredom.
Schedule regular play and exercise breaks.
It's important to remember that dogs need physical activity to stay healthy and 
happy.
Schedule regular play and exercise breaks throughout the day to keep your pup busy and burn off excess energy. This can include a game of fetch in the backyard, a walk around the block, or even a quick game of tug-of-war.
Not only will this help keep your dog occupied while you work, but it will also benefit their overall health and well-being.
Create Routine
Establishing a routine is beneficial for both you and your dog when working remotely. Even if your schedule is not rigid, providing structure throughout the day can prevent your dog from experiencing stress, missing meals, or becoming bored due to inactivity.
When it comes to feeding, puppies typically require three to four meals a day, while older dogs eat twice, with a gap of eight to 10 hours between meals. It's generally advisable to allow them to relieve themselves outside approximately 15 minutes after eating. You can design the rest of your day's routine around these crucial meal and bathroom times.
It is possible to align your dog's activities with your work schedule. For instance, you can plan a walk during your coffee or lunch break. Dogs typically need between 30 to 120 minutes of physical activity per day, depending on their breed and age. Breaking this time into shorter sessions and incorporating them into your regular work breaks can help keep your dog active and engaged, minimising the chances of them becoming bored and interrupting your work.
Consider hiring a dog walker or pet sitter for additional stimulation.
If you find that your work schedule is too demanding to provide your dog with enough exercise and stimulation, consider hiring a dog walker or pet sitter. These professionals can take your dog for a walk or play with them while you work, providing additional mental and physical stimulation. This can also be a great option if you have a high-energy breed that requires more exercise than you can provide on your own.
Look for reputable dog walking or pet sitting services in your area to ensure your pup is in good hands.
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