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How to Keep Your Dog Entertained at the Office

by Jane Meggitt - 7/3/19

As more and more companies strive to offer a reasonable work-life balance for their employees, individuals find themselves presented with the option of bringing their dog to work with them. There are many advantages to this office perk, including lower pet care expenses and more time with your furry friend. But, how do you keep a dog happy at the office? As appealing as the prospect may be, bringing your dog to the office could be a mistake if he isn’t entertained. With that in mind, here are some tips for keeping your dog occupied (and out of trouble) at work.

Challenge Him With Puzzle Toys

Puzzle toys are a great way to make a dog happy and keep him occupied while you are working. In case you’re unfamiliar, puzzle toys involve concealing treats or kibble within a chew toy. They come in a range of difficulties, so you’ll have to experiment and see which toy works best for your pup. Your dog will be able to smell the tasty morsels concealed within the toy and soon he’ll be absorbed in trying to get it out. As your pup tackles the puzzle, you can tackle your to-do list for the day. It’s wise to purchase a collection of puzzle toys to prevent your pup from growing bored. Another way to keep things interesting is to change up the food you stuff inside the toy. Mix in high-value treats every now and then to keep your dog engaged.

Break for Walks

A tired dog is a happy dog, so be sure to schedule a couple of walks (and potty breaks) into your day at the office. This may mean sacrificing your lunch break for a stroll in the park, but your pup will thank you. Walks aren’t just an opportunity for your dog to burn off energy, they are also mentally stimulating as your dog works to process all the new smells, sights and sounds he encounters. If that’s not reason enough, a walk is also a chance for your dog to spend quality time with you. There’s no doubt that your dog will be content in your office after an invigorating walk. Try to schedule one to three walks into your work day depending on your pup’s needs.

Fill a Kong Toy With His Favorite Treat

If you’re wondering how to make a dog happy, look no further than a Kong toy. Similar to puzzle toys, a Kong is a chew toy that can be stuffed with food. While it isn’t as difficult to solve as some puzzles might be, this toy does make snack time more challenging for your pup. To make the food extraction extra difficult, freeze peanut butter, cheese or chicken broth inside the toy. Offering a stuffed Kong to your pup is a sure way to keep him content in the office. If you have to leave him alone at any point, to attend a meeting or run an errand, give him a Kong and he won’t even know that you’re gone!

Practice Working on Commands

Most dogs are happiest when they have a job to do. They enjoy receiving positive feedback, they appreciate the mental exercise and they thrive on the attention. With this in mind, try to take a few short breaks throughout the day to practice some light training with your dog. This exercise will give you some quality time together while reinforcing his commands. If he is already an expert at obedience, try teaching your dog a new trick! A few mini training sessions throughout the day will keep your dog from becoming bored or disruptive in the office.

Bringing your dog to the office with you is a wonderful way to spend more time with him. In order to make sure the experience is rewarding for both of you, take time to think of ways to make your dog happy and entertained at work. Remember, it may take your pup a few trips to the office before he understands the routine, so be patient and offer plenty of guidance. In a short time, you’ll both be looking forward to the work week!

Janine DeVault is a pet care writer, animal rescue advocate and former celebrity dog walker. She lives in Mexico with her three rescue pets: Maia, Fozzy and Kesi.

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