Puppies are rambunctious, energetic, and often have a lot of pent-up energy. But what if you need to work from home? It may be a great challenge for you to keep your dog busy and occupied while working from home.
Dogs get bored easily, so it’s important to find ways to keep them entertained. You can try giving them a few new toys to play with, taking them for walks, or teaching them some new tricks. If you’re not able to be home with your dog all day, you can also hire a pet sitter to come over and keep them company.
There are many ways to keep your dog busy while working from home! Here are some ideas:
Tips to Keep Your Dog Busy While Working From Home
1. Go for walks
One way to keep your dog busy while you work from home is to go for walks. Taking your dog for a walk is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air, and it also gives your dog a chance to explore and smell new things. If your dog is a big runner, a walk might not be enough exercise. In that case, you can bring out the leash and play some games with your dogs, such as fetch or tug-of-war.
2. Doggie daycare
Another way to keep your dog occupied while you work from home is to enroll them in doggie daycare. This is especially a good idea if you have a very active dog or a dog that doesn’t do well being home alone. Usually, dogs will play with each other during the day and they will receive lots of exercises as well as some socialization time.
3. Crate training
If your dog is at its most hyper and destructive when you work from home, then crate training might be a good solution. By teaching your dog to stay in their crate when you’re away, they won’t be able to do much damage. You can let them out of the crate whenever it is time for them to eat or go outside.
4. DIY dog toys
One way to keep a dog quiet and entertained while working from home is to provide them with plenty of toys and chews to keep the dog occupied while working from home. You can also give them occasional treats throughout the day to keep them happy. Additionally, make sure you take your dog for a walk or play with them outside regularly to keep them active. If you’re going to be away from home, it’s a good idea to hire a pet sitter or dog walker in your area. That way, an individual can keep your dog company while you’re out of the house.
5. Dog Treat Maze
Another way to keep your dog busy when you work from home is to give them a treat maze. This will challenge your dog’s brain and can help to reduce boredom. You can make the maze yourself or you can buy one at the store. Some treat mazes have different designs on each side, so it’s fun for dogs to try them out.
6. Try store-bought or DIY puzzles
Store-bought puzzles are a great way to keep your dog occupied while working from home. There are all sorts of puzzles available in stores these days, from classic jigsaw puzzles to more complex brainteasers. If you’re looking for a challenge, try making your own puzzles. It can be fun to come up with your own designs and see how difficult you can make them.
Wooden jigsaw puzzles:
It’s never too early to start teaching and introducing your puppy to the concept of a puzzle. With large and small pieces, you can make them more or less challenging depending on your pup’s skill level.
Toys with compartments:
Clear containers come in various shapes and sizes that offer great opportunities for DIY puzzles. Just fill each container with treats or kibble, then hide one or two empty containers somewhere else in the house.
Challenging feeding dishes:
Speaking of food, this is a time-old classic! Dogs have been eating from bowls since before we had store-bought dog food so give it a try if you haven’t already! Turn out all but one of their daily meals in a bowl with one compartment, then let them enjoy dinner!
Balls or other toys that dispense food:
Ever since I discovered the Kong Wobbler at Petsmart, my pup has been obsessed with dispensing toys. These can be especially great for dogs who eat too fast (a common issue) because it keeps them busy longer.
Treat puzzle toys:
Kongs come in both interactive and treat varieties, but another similar brand that you can find at Petsmart is Outward Hound’s, Snuffle Matz. One of the great things about this product is that it features a replaceable squeaker, so when your pup eventually chews through it, just buy a replacement!
Treat mazes:
These toys are especially great for pups who enjoy chewing because they provide an added challenge. You can either buy some or make your own by following this video.
Food dispensing “dump” toys:
The concept is pretty self-explanatory but check out these examples on Amazon and Pinterest for some DIY instructions.
Finally, Take a break and then get right back to it!
Sometimes the best way to get past a bad mood is to take a short break from what you were doing. Let yourself chill out for a while, and when you come back, you’ll be refreshed and ready to get back to whatever you were doing.
Create A Routine For Your Dog
How to create a routine for your dog when you work from home? When you work from home, it can be difficult to balance time between work and taking care of your pet. Pets need exercise and stimulation, and it’s important to make time for them even when you’re busy. Here are a few tips for creating a routine for your dog when you work from home:
1. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercises.
Dogs need exercise just like humans do, and it’s up to you to make sure they get enough. A good rule of thumb is to walk your dog for at least 30 minutes a day. You can also play with your dog in the backyard or take them to the park for a game of fetch.
A tired dog is a good dog, and a walk or trip to the park is a great way to get them some exercise.
2. Set aside time each day for your dog to eat and use the bathroom.
This will help them learn to associate these activities with certain times of the day, and they’ll be less likely to have accidents in the house.
3. Teach your dog to relax on its own.
This is a good skill for them to have, especially if you work long hours without time for play or walks.
4. Make sure the house is safe for your pet when you’re not home.
Keep any medications or trash out of reach, and block off stairs that they could fall down.
5. Pick a command for your pet to use when you leave the house or go to work.
A dog will be less likely to get into trouble if they’re used to having certain routines and commands, such as “Go lie down.” For more tips like these, contact your local veterinary hospital.
Conclusion
Working from home with a dog can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. By following those tips, you can create a routine for your pet that will make both of your lives easier. Make sure to give your dog plenty of exercises, set aside specific times for them to eat and use the bathroom, and teach them how to relax on their own. Additionally, make sure your house is safe for them when you’re not home and pick a command they can respond to when you leave. With a little bit of effort, you and your pup can happily work together!
