Quick answer: Start the day with a sniff walk, give your dog a lick mat or snuffle toy when you sit down to work, rotate toys, and take short play or training breaks. A predictable routine matters more than constant activity.
A simple work from home routine
- Morning walk. Include sniffing time so your dog is tired and satisfied.
- Settle with a task. Offer a lick mat or a snuffle toy such as Guu Mushroom when your first meeting starts.
- Midday break. A 5 minute training session or game of find it.
- Afternoon chew. A supervised chew such as the Natural Seaweed Dog Bone while you do focused work.
- Evening walk or play. A proper wind down together.
Tips that help
- Rotate toys so they stay interesting.
- Give your dog a bed or mat in your workspace and reward them for settling there.
- Freeze a lick mat in summer for a longer lasting treat.
- Use part of your dog's daily food as treats.
- Take your own breaks, and use them to give attention.
Video calls
Set your dog up with an enrichment activity before the call, and have a few treats nearby to reward quiet behaviour.
More ideas
See our DIY enrichment activities and our guide to a bored dog who destroys things.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my dog bark when I am on calls?
Often it is excitement or boredom. Enrichment before the call and rewards for quiet behaviour usually help.
How long will a lick mat keep my dog busy?
It varies. Many dogs take 10 to 20 minutes, and freezing it can extend that.
