11 Best Dog Toys to Keep Your Pup Busy While You Work from Home
Working from home sounds great in theory. Until you’re mid-Zoom call and hear the squeak-squeak of a toy being dropped at your feet. Every remote worker with a dog knows that look — the wagging tail, the hopeful eyes, the “your meeting’s boring, let’s play” face.
Truth is, your dog isn’t trying to be a distraction. They’re just bored. They miss you. And they need something to do while you’re deep in spreadsheets or client calls. The good news? The right toys can completely change that dynamic. Here’s a breakdown of 11 tried-and-true types that keep your pup busy, happy, and out of your inbox.
1. Snuffle Mats for Nose-Driven Fun
Ever watch your dog sniff the same patch of grass for five full minutes? That’s instinct. Snuffle mats turn that curiosity into a productive (and quiet) activity. Just hide kibble or treats between the fabric strips, and your dog will go full Sherlock Holmes.
Why it works: It gives them a “job,” calms anxiety, and slows down fast eaters.
Perfect for Beagles, Spaniels, or any dog that leads with their nose.
2. Tug-and-Fetch Combos
Some dogs just need to move — even when you’re on deadline. Tug-and-fetch toys are brilliant because they do both. Quick toss during a stretch break? Check. Mini tug battle before your next email? Check.
Best feature: You bond, they burn energy, and nobody’s climbing the walls.
3. Frozen Treat Toys
This one’s a sanity saver on hot afternoons. Fill a hollow toy with peanut butter, broth, or yogurt, then freeze it. While your dog licks and chews to get to the good stuff, you get 20–30 minutes of glorious focus time.
Pro tip: Stick to natural, unsweetened fillers. Dogs don’t need sugar — they just need flavor and a challenge.
4. Plush Toys with Squeakers
You know how we have comfort food? Dogs have comfort toys. Soft plushies with squeakers are great for gentle play or for cuddling next to you while you’re on your third cup of coffee.
Look for reinforced stitching and washable fabrics, because those “love bites” add up fast.
5. Hide-and-Seek Toys
Imagine a stuffed tree trunk filled with tiny squirrels. Your dog has to pull each one out. Sounds silly — but it’s genius. It taps into their natural hunting instincts, giving them both mental and physical engagement.
Why it works: It teaches patience and persistence while keeping them entertained long enough for you to finish that report.
6. Puzzle Feeders
Dogs are smart. Like, way smarter than we sometimes give them credit for. Puzzle feeders make them think. They have to twist, lift, or push compartments to get their food.
Bonus: It slows down gulpers, reduces boredom chewing, and makes every meal a mini challenge.
7. Chew-Resistant Bones
For dogs who treat furniture like a snack, chew-resistant bones are a must. Made from durable rubber or nylon, they let dogs release tension without ruining your chair legs.
Great for: Teething pups and hardcore chewers who need to gnaw to stay calm.
8. Automatic Ball Launchers
Ever met a dog who never gets tired of fetch? You’ll love this one. Automatic launchers shoot balls at set intervals so your dog can play solo while you focus.
Perfect for Retrievers, Shepherds, or Doodles who could play fetch until next Tuesday.
9. Boredom Buster Boxes
Think of these as doggy puzzle boxes. Treats hide behind sliding doors or under flaps, and your dog has to figure out how to reach them.
They’re a lifesaver for long calls or deep work sessions because they keep your pup mentally busy without much noise.
10. Squeaky Rope Toys
This one’s a classic for a reason. Rope toys mix tugging, chewing, and squeaking — all in one. The fibers even help clean teeth while they play (bonus!).
Best part: They’re interactive and durable, which means more playtime and less replacement shopping.
11. Themed Toy Collections
PetWoofy’s themed collections, like the Margaritaville line, make playtime feel like a vacation. Rubber pineapples, plush parrots — bright colors, funny shapes, and lots of variety to keep things fresh.
Why it’s smart: Dogs get bored of the same toy. Rotating themed sets keeps excitement high and toy fatigue low.
Building a “Work-from-Home” Toy Routine
Here’s what works for most of us dog parents who work remotely:
| Time of Day | Toy Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Puzzle Feeder | Calm energy, slow breakfast |
| Midday Break | Tug & Rope Toys | Quick energy release |
| Long Calls | Snuffle Mats, Boredom Boxes | Quiet focus play |
| Hot Afternoons | Frozen Treat Toys | Cooling relief |
| End of Day | Hide-and-Seek or Themed Toys | Fun, creative bonding |
Dogs love routine. And when their day feels structured, yours does too.
Why PetWoofy Toys Hit Different
We test every toy for safety, engagement, and durability — because we’re dog parents too. No flimsy seams, no sketchy materials, no one-play wonders. Just toys built to last, designed for enrichment, and curated to make working from home a little easier for both of you.
So next time your pup drops a squeaky toy mid-Zoom, don’t get frustrated — hand them something better.