“I work from home and my dog is bored.” I’ve seen this statement in several group chats and forums lately, and due to the status of current events, it’s not surprising. 

If you’re one of the many who have found themselves working from home, you’re not alone! Millions of people in the American workforce have received orders to complete their normal office duties from home (or if you’re like me, from the comfort of your bed). 

While this may sound like a nice change in pace for some, working from home requires keeping distractions to a minimum and enough self-discipline to focus on the tasks at hand, and chances are that your home is full of distractions…pups included! 

As someone who works remotely and operated from my living room for over two years, I understand how strange and challenging working from home can be, especially when you have a bored pup on your hands.

However, I don’t want to make working from home with a dog sound like a curse! Some of the best moments came from snuggling on the couch with Lady while I typed away on my laptop. All it takes is finding you and your pup’s mutual routine and balance! 

Need a little help finding yours? Here are some of the best pieces of advice I can give from my own experiences of working from home with a dog that might help you find your new/temporary structure, along with some tips and DIY ideas to keep your dog busy while you work! 

6 Tips for Working From Home With a Dog 

1. Establish a Routine ASAP

Dogs are animals of habit, and therefore, in need of a routine. If you normally go to work early in the morning and return in the afternoon, but now you’re sleeping in and lolling about the house all day, your pup is probably feeling a little thrown off (very happy, but thrown off). 

When we added Lady to our lives and daily routine, I made sure to establish and stick to set times for waking up, going on our morning and afternoon walks, taking a lunch break, etc. 

That way, she always knew when it was time to start our day, go outside, and eat. Consistencies like this can make both you and your dog feel more structured during times of uncertainty. 

Find a set time during the day for daily tasks and activities that include your dog and stick to them. That way, both you and your pup will feel more structured and stress-free during the workweek. 

2. Find Your Productive Zone

As mentioned earlier, working from home with a dog requires navigating through an environment rich with distractions. For yourself and your own sanity, find a spot in your home where you feel you’ll be the most productive, and that doesn’t always have to be at a desk in a quiet room. 

My productive spot is the left section of my couch right beside the window with Disney+ playing in the background! If you haven’t found your ideal workspace at home yet, experiment in a few different spots and see which one works best for you.

Many dog owners are easily able to focus with their pup in the room, but just as many would claim the opposite. If you feel your dog is too distracting (or just too darn cute) for you to focus on your work, then you may have to keep him/her out of your productive zone during business hours. Part of being a great coworker is finding the best ways to work together and get the job done right, and this rule also applies to our furry coworkers. 

Plus, getting your work done can keep your anxiety levels down, which in turn keeps the anxiety and stress of our highly-sensitive pets at bay. If you’re worried about your dog becoming bored or anxious, I’ll reveal some fun ideas to keep your dogs entertained while you’re working next 

3. Keep Them Busy! 

One of the biggest challenges of working from home with a dog, and one I’ve experienced multiple times myself, is keeping your buddy entertained while you’re occupied with business. 

A bored dog can start acting clingy for attention, and in some cases, lead to unwanted and destructive behaviors. While you and your pups are socially distancing, find ways to provide some mental stimulation indoors. That can be as easy as buying a new toy for your dog or using items you already have at home to create DIY toys. Here are just a few ideas to help you get started: 

• DIY Muffin Tin Puzzle Toy 

Puzzle toys are great options for keeping your dogs busy, but you don’t always have to buy one from the pet store to provide a mentally stimulating challenge. If you have a muffin tin in your kitchen and dog kibble/small training treats, you already have everything you’ll need! Just turn a muffin tin upside down and spread a small handful of treats or kibble between the cups. 

Your dogs will have to use their nose to nudge the food from all different angles! You can also keep the tin upright, fill individual cups with kibble/treats, and then cover them with tennis balls. 

*Quick Note* If you have a smaller dog, a standard-size muffin tin may be too easy/big, so try a mini muffin tin instead! 

• DIY Tennis Ball Puzzle 

Speaking of Lady’s favorite toy, if you have an old tennis ball lying around, you can easily turn it into a make-it-yourself puzzle toy that will provide hours of entertainment for your pup. 

This project works better on worn-out tennis balls. Use a knife to CAREFULLY cut along the seam to make a small opening. Stuff a bit of kibble or training treats into the ball before giving it to your dog. Of course, make sure he/she won’t try to swallow it, first!

• DIY Towel Tug Toy

If you have an old tattered towel lying around, it can be turned into a tug toy for your dog! Use scissors to cut three strips of towel about four inches wide and 12 inches long. Then cut two more thin strips of towel about one inch wide and six inches long. 

Hold the three large towel strips together and tie them off at one end with a smaller towel strip. Then braid the three towel strips and tie off the other end with the second small strip. Voila! You have the perfect DIY tug toy. 

See the directions on GoodHousekeeping.com. 

Great Dog Puzzle Toys Available for Purchase from Chewy 

*Note* The below links are affiliate. If you decide to purchase them, Doggone Destinations may receive a small commission. Thanks for supporting us and what we do! 🙂 

• Pet Zone IQ Treat Ball Interactive Dog Toy ($12.45) 
• Classic KONG Toy (Fill w/ Peanut Butter or Other Treat – $12.99)
• Ethical Pet Seek-A-Treat Discovery Wheel Puzzle ($20.59)

4. Walk Your Dog Multiple Times a Day

Getting out for some fresh air and sunshine during these times is important for both humans and canines. It’s been proven that even a quick stroll around your neighborhood works wonders to lift your mood and combat stress, and in pups, it provides some much-needed exercise and mental stimulation. 

How many walks you and your dog should normally take daily depends on your activity level and your pup’s weight and age, but when working from home with a dog, I felt it helped to take at least three per day. 

Lady and I currently enjoy a 20-30 minute morning and afternoon walk, and in the evening we’ll spend a little more time wandering down streets we had yet to explore or just taking our time on familiar routes. 

If you are not sick and feel safe walking your neighborhood, one of the best pieces of advice I can share is adding at least a few walks into your work-from-home schedule. 

5. Don’t Be Afraid to Switch Up Your Routes

Most dog owners have a specific route they take around the neighborhood or building when it’s time to walk the dog. Although spending any time outside is great, it helps to switch things up and try a different path. 

Our dogs explore and take in their surroundings through scent, so the same smells along the same path can become boring after a while. I know I also get bored with our well-trodden route sometimes! 

Don’t be afraid to take the scenic route! Take a little extra time to walk down a new street, add an extra stop, or try a new shortcut. Adding something new and exciting to your daily routine can make all the difference! 

6. Enjoy Your Companion’s Company

Your dog loves you, and they’re excited you’re home! Although this may be a stressful and scary time for us, remember to seek comfort in your companion and enjoy this extra time together! 

Try not to let the little things bother you, and when you have a few minutes to spare, use it to show your furry friend some affection, toss the ball for them a few times, or just initiate a cuddle session. You might be surprised how therapeutic a few moments spent with your dog can be! 

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Working from home with a dog can be a challenge at times, but at the end of the workday, our pets really can make the best coworkers! It just takes a little self-made structure and setting boundaries that allow your business to be completed. 

Thanks for visiting our blog, and if you’re reading this, I hope you and your pets are safe and healthy. Stay calm, stay home, and let’s make the best of it! 

Interested in more things to do with your dogs at home? You might want to check out these DIY natural dog baths and rinses (because if we’re all going to be home together, we might as well smell nice) and easy homemade dog treat recipes. 

Also, feel free to explore some of our favorite dog-friendly destinations in America to get you inspired for future travels with your pup, or pet health and safety tips that you can use at home or on the go.