Gretchen ShephardAnother day stuck working from home? Or do you have a lot of projects to do around the house interruption-free? It can be difficult to get things done when your dog is asking for constant attention. And if they’re an aggressive chewer, a simple dog chew toy just isn’t going to cut it. Treat your dog to an interactive dog toy or treat dispenser to keep them happily occupied while you get your work done.
Mixing it up and introducing new toys and activities to your pup will keep them motivated, busy, and eventually … tuckered out! Just 15 minutes of brain games will tire out your pup as much as a 30 minute walk, tug-of-war session, or game of fetch with a ball launcher.
Treat dispensing balls, puzzle toys, and hide-and-seek games with a plush dog toy will give them the mental stimulation they need every day. Take a look at four of the best strategies to keep your dog entertained and boredom-free while you get your work done at home.
1. Slow Down Speedy Eaters
Start off the day by feeding your dog breakfast in a Fun Feeder Slo-Bowl. Fun feeders will help your pup eat at a healthier pace to promote good digestion and prevent bloat.
Mealtime should be fun and your pup’s bowl should fit their needs. Slow feeders are veterinarian recommended to reduce canine obesity and promote healthier digestion. Plus, eating dog food from a slow feeder keeps pups engaged for up to 10x longer during mealtimes.
Fun feeders come in a variety of colors and maze shapes. They also come in different sizes so dog breeds from small dogs to large dogs can enjoy the challenge!
2. Combine Snack Time With Playtime Using a Treat-Dispensing Dog Puzzle Toy
Can your squeaky plush dog toys motivate your dog to stay in one place as much as mouthwatering food can? We didn’t think so. That’s why it important to have a treat dispensing toy in your dog’s toy arsenal.
Us humans love a mid-day snack. So do your pups! Treat dispensing dog toys are perfect for entertaining busy, food-motivated pups. The Planet Dog Snoop is a treat stuffer designed to keep any dog’s attention while having fun. It’s tennis ball shape is made of a squishy material with a deep crevice that pops out to load the treats. Pop the crevice back in and your doggie won’t give up on getting the deliciousness out of this wobble toy.
Nudging, tossing, pouncing, and shaking this interactive treat ball are just a few ways clever pups will figure out how to get the treats out. Stuff the Snoop with limited-ingredient sweet potato chews, kibble, peanut butter, carrots, or whatever your pup’s favorite dog treats are.
3. The Best Interactive Dog Toy for Indoor Agility Practice
When you need a break from the computer screen and your pup is ready for some exercise, try an obstacle course! The Outward Hound Zip & Zoom Indoor Agility Kit is just the challenge you both need.
To use, put the jump and weave poles together, pop up the tunnel and you’re ready to both benefit from exercise. Obstacles provide mental stimulation for your pooch as they work through the circuit.
Your teaching, encouragement, and praise will strengthen your bond, therefore building trust. It’s portable and easy to set up so you can pack it for doggie road trips!
4. Level up Your Dog’s Interactive Play Abilities With Puzzle Toys
Snack time, dinner time, or just time for more treats! Has your pup ever tried a dog game? Nina Ottosson Puzzles were created with bored pets in mind. Similar to a snuffle mat, these games stimulate your pup’s brain with nose work. Various levels of difficulty will make your pup have to work smarter, not harder, to get your dog’s favorite treats out of the puzzle.
When dog owners are working at home and need some peace and quiet, a puzzle toy is a great substitute for loud toys with squeakers. And with a variety of puzzles designed at four different difficulty levels, there’s a game for every dog at any age.
Every day at home can be fun for your busy buddy!
There’s a chance that you’ve tried, but your dog just isn’t into interactive dog toys or is even fearful of something like agility equipment. Not all hope is lost: another great way to keep them busy is with a plush dog toy like the Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel.
Fill the tree trunk with stuffed squeaky squirrels, toss it, and let your dog’s natural hunting instincts kick in! Just remember that there is no such thing as indestructible dog toys. Sometimes our pets can be aggressive chewers; be sure to play it safe and supervise when introducing them to a new toy.
If you’re looking for even more ways to keep your dog entertained while you work from home, check out: The 6 Best Dog Toys For Mental Stimulation
The interactive dog toys featured in this post can be found on our website, Chewy, Amazon, or your local pet store!
