Canine Enrichment: How to Keep Your Dogs Busy When You Go Back to Work

Last Updated on December 29, 2025 by Lori Powell

Returning to work after time at home can be a big adjustment for both you and your dog. Dogs are social, intelligent animals, and long periods of boredom or isolation can lead to stress, anxiety, and unwanted behaviors such as barking, chewing, or restlessness. Canine enrichment plays a critical role in supporting your dog’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being, especially when they are home alone during the workday.

Canine enrichment is not just about keeping dogs occupied. It provides opportunities for problem-solving, natural behaviors, and emotional regulation. According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise for a dog’s overall health and behavior. When enrichment is part of a daily routine, dogs are more relaxed, confident, and adaptable.

If you are heading back to work and want to set your dog up for success, the strategies below will help keep your dog engaged, fulfilled, and comfortable while you are away.

Mental Enrichment Through Puzzle Toys and Brain Games

Dogs experience the world primarily through scent, and activities that engage their nose can significantly reduce stress and boredom. Puzzle toys and brain games challenge dogs to think, problem solve, and work for their food, which mimics natural foraging behaviors.

Snuffle mats are a great example of scent-based enrichment. By hiding kibble or treats among fabric strips, dogs are encouraged to sniff, search, and focus. This type of enrichment has been shown to reduce anxiety and promote calm behavior.

The American Kennel Club highlights food puzzles and scent games as practical enrichment tools that improve focus and reduce destructive behaviors. Rotate puzzle toys regularly to maintain novelty. Using the same toy every day can reduce its effectiveness, while rotating options keeps your dog mentally engaged.

Stuffed and Frozen Food Toys for Calm Focus

Stuffed food toys are a long-standing enrichment favorite for a reason. Toys like Kongs or other rubber food toys encourage licking and chewing, which are naturally calming behaviors for dogs.

To increase the challenge and duration, fill food toys with dog-safe ingredients such as plain Greek yogurt, canned pumpkin, mashed banana, or xylitol-free peanut butter, then freeze them overnight. Freezing increases difficulty and can extend engagement time.

Veterinary behaviorists often recommend licking-based enrichment for stress relief, especially for dogs who experience separation-related stress. Cornell has an excellent article about senior dog enrichment – check it out!

Always supervise the first few uses of a new toy to ensure your dog uses it safely.

Interactive Feeding and Food Dispensing Toys

Food dispensing toys allow dogs to earn their meals through movement and problem-solving rather than eating from a bowl. These toys support both mental and physical engagement and can slow down fast eaters.

Instead of feeding a single large meal before leaving for work, consider dividing the meal among multiple enrichment devices. This extends engagement throughout the day and prevents long periods of inactivity.

While technology-based treat dispensers with cameras can be helpful for monitoring, enrichment should still encourage independent problem-solving rather than constant remote interaction, which may increase anticipation or frustration in some dogs.

The Association of Professional Dog Trainers recommends food-based enrichment as a way to prevent boredom and encourage natural behaviors.

Structured Physical Activity Before and After Work

Mental enrichment works best when paired with appropriate physical exercise. A structured walk, training session, or play activity before work can help your dog settle more easily during the day.

Dogs that receive both physical and mental stimulation are more likely to rest calmly while alone. The goal is not to exhaust your dog, but to meet their individual needs based on age, breed, and energy level.

Providing enrichment without adequate exercise may limit its effectiveness.

Day Programs and Supervised Social Outlets

For dogs that enjoy canine companionship and have appropriate social skills, structured day programs can provide enrichment beyond what toys alone can offer. These environments should emphasize safety, supervision, and structured activity rather than constant free play.

If you consider daycare, look for facilities that limit group sizes, separate dogs by size and play style, and incorporate rest periods. Ask about staff training and safety protocols.

Professional organizations like the Pet Professional Guild recommend force-free handling and structured environments in group care settings.

Hiring a Professional Dog Walker or Pet Care Provider

For long workdays, a professional dog walker can provide midday enrichment, physical activity, and social interaction. Walks break up the day and help prevent extended confinement.

Look for walkers who are insured, bonded, and trained in canine behavior. A quality dog walker should understand leash manners, stress signals, and safe handling practices.

The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters guides on selecting qualified pet care professionals.

Training as Canine Enrichment

Training is one of the most effective forms of enrichment. Short training sessions provide mental stimulation, build confidence, and strengthen communication between you and your dog.

Practicing cues, impulse control exercises, or enrichment-based training games before work can significantly improve your dog’s ability to relax during the day.

At Pawsitive K9 Solutions, we design training programs that support enrichment, independence, and calm behavior for dogs adjusting to busy schedules.