Due to the Covid pandemic, there has been an increase in the number of people working from home for over a year now. Although the pandemic restrictions are easing, a significant number of individuals will still be working remotely in the foreseeable future. This situation, naturally, pleases our dogs greatly. However, it is crucial for them and us to realize that our presence at home does not imply constant entertainment. Hence, what measures can we take to manage their excessive energy while we attend our Zoom meetings? We have gathered a few suggestions that we find effective in stimulating their minds while working from home.
Top Toys to Keep Your Dog Busy While You Work
Kongs are popular for a reason – they are the ultimate dog toy that dogs love. These toys are made of thick rubber and have a hole in the center where you can stuff various tasty treats, such as peanut butter, dog EZ cheese, yogurt, or other recipes found online. Freezing the Kongs can make them last even longer. Dogs usually enjoy licking and chewing on these toys for up to an hour or more, making them an excellent choice for keeping them occupied. It’s important to choose the correct color Kong based on your dog’s chewing level.
The iFetch may become the new best friend for dogs who spend hours bringing a toy and then staring at it or barking until it is thrown. It is an interactive toy that allows dogs to play fetch on their own. It is particularly useful for keeping active dogs occupied without requiring a large yard. By instructing and training your dog, they can learn to load the ball into the iFetch machine, which will then shoot the ball for the dog to chase. When set up in a hallway, it allows you to have some uninterrupted work time.
The Trixie Mad Scientist Puzzle Toy is an enjoyable puzzle game for dogs. It involves plastic vials mounted on a post, which can be manipulated by the dog using their paws or snout to release treats. The toy allows for level adjustments and comes in different styles, offering different degrees of difficulty. If you’re on a budget and feeling creative, you can even make a similar toy using water bottles and wood. It’s worth noting that cats also enjoy this toy.
Benebones are a great chew toy alternative to rope or raw hides that offer durability. They come in different flavors such as bacon, salmon, and maplewood and are safe from posing any choking hazards.
BONEHEAD Chew toys are secure accessories for bones or chews that ensure safety. By attaching the BONEHEAD to your dog’s preferred chew or bully sticks, it prevents choking by making it impossible for dogs to swallow when the bone becomes too small.
Cheerble’s Interactive Dog Ball, known as the wicked ball, serves as a clever playmate for your dog. Once activated, the ball will autonomously engage by moving, shaking, or bouncing, enticing dogs to pursue and seize it. Nonetheless, aggressive chewers should avoid this toy as biting it will cause the outer shell to fracture.
The Cool Pup Cooling Toy is designed to be filled with water and frozen, making it ideal for dogs that enjoy chewing on ice cubes. Freezable toys are especially beneficial for teething puppies.
The Groov Interactive Dog Toy is designed to be attached to a crate and filled with a paste treat such as peanut butter, yogurt, or ice cream. To prevent any dripping, it is recommended to freeze the toy overnight. When it’s time to put your dog in the crate, simply attach the treat-filled toy from the outside, allowing your dog to enjoy a fun treat while you are away.
Food puzzles are an alternative to bowls for mealtime, providing an excellent means to keep your dog entertained. With a variety of tricks, traps, and puzzles to choose from, they offer a great opportunity to expend your dog’s mental energy.
One more excellent method to keep your dog occupied is by using TOTARK Snail Snuffle Toys, which are designed to enhance scent and foraging skills. These toys have treats inserted into the plush toy and then rolled up into the shape of a snail. By filling these toys with kibble or treats, you can give your dog’s sense of smell some exercise and increase their ability to engage in independent play for extended periods.
