Dogs thrive on companionship, mental stimulation, and physical activity, but sometimes life gets hectic, and you can’t give them your full attention. If your dog gets bored while you’re working, running errands, or handling other responsibilities, they might resort to destructive behaviours like chewing furniture, excessive barking, or digging. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to keep them engaged and entertained, even when you’re busy. Here are five clever ways to ensure your dog stays happy and occupied when you don’t have time to play.
1. Interactive Puzzle Toys and Treat Dispensers
One of the best ways to keep your dog mentally stimulated while you’re busy is by using interactive puzzles or treat-dispensing toys. These toys challenge your dog to work for their treats, keeping them engaged for extended periods.
Different types of puzzle toys are available, ranging from simple treat balls that dispense kibble as they roll to more advanced puzzles that require your dog to lift flaps, slide panels, or spin compartments to uncover hidden treats. These toys provide an excellent way for your dog to stay entertained while giving them a mental workout.
For a budget-friendly option, you can make your puzzle by placing treats inside a muffin tin and covering each section with a tennis ball. Your dog must learn to remove the balls to get to the treats. Another simple DIY puzzle is wrapping treats inside an old towel and letting your dog unravel it to find the goodies.
2. Frozen Treats and Food-Stuffed Toys
If you need a longer-lasting distraction for your dog, frozen treats or food-stuffed toys can be a lifesaver. Fill a durable chew toy, such as a Kong, with peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free), plain yoghurt, mashed banana, or even wet dog food, and then freeze it overnight. The frozen filling makes the treat last much longer, keeping your dog occupied while you focus on work or other tasks.
You can also freeze broth-based ice cubes using low-sodium chicken or beef broth. Some dogs enjoy licking these on hot days, providing both hydration and entertainment. Stuffing and freezing food in toys keeps dogs engaged, soothes teething puppies and helps reduce anxiety in dogs that tend to get nervous when left alone.
3. Set Up a “Treasure Hunt” Around the House
Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, and a fun way to engage their natural sniffing instincts is by setting up a treasure hunt around the house. Hide small treats or pieces of kibble in different areas, such as under rugs, inside cardboard boxes, or behind furniture, and let your dog sniff them out.
For an added challenge, you can introduce scent training by teaching them to find a specific scent, like a piece of cloth scented with vanilla or a favourite toy. This mental exercise helps prevent boredom and provides enrichment that mimics their natural foraging instincts.
If you want to take it to the next level, consider using a snuffle mat—a fabric mat with hidden pockets where you can tuck treats or kibble. Dogs love rooting around in the mat to find their food, and it’s a great way to keep them entertained while slowing down fast eaters.
4. Dog TV, Music, or Audiobooks for Company
Some dogs enjoy background noise, and leaving the television, radio, or audiobook on can help reduce their stress and keep them entertained when you’re not available. There are even specific streaming channels and YouTube videos designed for dogs, featuring calming visuals, nature sounds, and soothing music to help reduce separation anxiety.
You can also leave on a podcast or audiobook with a calm, steady voice. Studies have shown that classical music and audiobooks featuring soft-spoken narrators can soothe anxious dogs. If your dog gets restless when left alone, experimenting with different sound options can help them feel more relaxed and engaged.
Another great option is a recorded message from you. Some pet cameras even allow you to talk to your dog while you’re away, providing reassurance and keeping them connected to you.
5. Give Them a Safe Space with Enrichment Activities
Setting up a dedicated space where your dog can relax and engage in independent activities can be incredibly helpful if you’re busy for long periods. A designated dog-friendly area with cosy bedding, a few toys, and safe chew items can make all the difference in keeping your dog entertained without constant supervision.
Rotating toys every few days will help maintain their interest. Instead of leaving out all their toys at once, introduce a few at a time and swap them out regularly. Some great options include:
- Chew toys to satisfy their natural urge to gnaw.
- Rope toys for light chewing and independent play.
- Soft plush toys for comfort, especially if your dog likes to snuggle.
- Busy boxes—a simple DIY trick where you take a cardboard box, fill it with crumpled paper and hidden treats and let your dog dig through it.
By creating an enriched space with engaging activities, you can ensure that your dog feels less lonely and more content while you focus on your tasks.
Bonus Tip: Schedule Short, Focused Play Sessions
Setting aside small pockets of time for quick play sessions or training exercises, even when you’re busy, can help prevent boredom and destructive behaviour. A five-minute game of tug-of-war, a short trick-training session, or a quick round of fetch in the hallway can do wonders in keeping your dog mentally stimulated throughout the day.
If you can’t always stop what you’re doing, consider interactive toys that allow you to play remotely. Some smart pet cameras come with treat dispensers and laser pointers that let you interact with your dog from anywhere using your phone.
Keeping Your Dog Happy and Engaged
Keeping your dog entertained while you’re busy doesn’t have to be complicated. With some planning and creativity, you can ensure that your dog stays mentally stimulated and content, reducing the likelihood of boredom-related behaviours like chewing, barking, or digging.
Whether through puzzle toys, frozen treats, treasure hunts, calming sounds, or creating a safe play space, the key is providing enriching activities that match your dog’s needs and personality. A happy, occupied dog is well-behaved, and by implementing these clever strategies, you can balance your responsibilities and your dog’s well-being!
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