For most people, having a dog is like having a kid. Dogs demand as much attention as kids. And some dogs are used to being around their owners 24/7. A bored dog has a chance to turn into a destructive dog.
So, what happens when you’re busy with work and don’t have time to give them company? They can get bored and restless. It won’t be surprising if they start yanking and nipping at your feet, prompting you to play with them. They can become a source of distraction if you’re working long hours.
Whether you’re working from home or leaving for your workplace, it is necessary to keep your dog in check. You don’t want to come home to find your shoes and furniture half eaten by your bored companion.
Thankfully, there are several toys specifically designed for dogs to keep them entertained for long periods. If you want to get some peace and quiet while you work, invest in an engaging toy for your buddy and stay productive.
The 6 Best Toys to Keep Dog Busy While at Work
We have compiled the top 10 toys to keep your dog busy while at work. This review will save you from having to choose from a wide range of toys available in the market.
These are the best toys to keep dog busy while at work that you can pick depending on the type of dog that you have.
High Five Pets Dog Squeaky Toys
High Five Pets Dog Squeaky Toys are the top choices for toys to keep dogs busy while you’re working. While they look plush and soft on the outside, these toys are quite durable and won’t rip apart very easily. There is no stuffing in the body, making it relatively safe for all dogs.
Features
- Crinkle toys without stuffing
Not every dog owner is a fan of toy stuffing. While dogs enjoy playing with stuffed toys, they can produce potential choking hazards. Besides, when the toy breaks apart, you don’t want to be the one to clean up the mess. These toys feature no stuffing, but instead, there is a crinkle paper inside that will excite your furry friend when they bite on it.
- Soft and long squeaky toys
Many dogs love squeaky toys as it takes away boredom. These toys are made with a plush material that is super soft to the touch. The toys feature two squeakers inside the outer material that your dog will surely love when playing with them.
- High durability
Another plus point for stuffless toys is that they are considerably more durable because of better stitching. So, even when your dog chews and plays with it all day long, it will last longer than most stuffed toys.
- Value for money
This squeaky toy comes in a pack of 5 different animals: tiger, wolf, fox, cow, and squirrel. It is an excellent value for money because these durable and long-bodied animal toys are high-quality toys that are suitable for all dog breeds.
Pros
- Comes with two squeakers and interior crinkle paper
- Safe and durable
- No stuffing
Cons
- Will eventually need to be replaced
Verdict
High Five Pets Dog Squeaky Toys are machine-washable. So there is no hassle when it comes to cleaning.
However, it is not indestructible. Too many hours of chewing and nipping can tear the fabric, and they’ll need to be replaced.
But all in all, it is a wonderful dog toy that will surely attract the attention of your dog for long periods.
Dog Treat Ball Toys
Dog Treat Ball Toys are on our list as the best value toys which are accompanied by dog treats. This unique ball toy features a natural rubber construction with a sawtooth anti-skid surface. This interactive toy is non-toxic, bite-resistant, and even helps in cleaning your dog’s teeth when they bite on it.
Features
- Toy Ball with Dog Treat
All play and no food can be exhausting. This engaging toy ball will not only keep your dog entertained while playing with it, but the dog treats feature acts as a bonus point.
- Interactive Toy
While your dog can play with this toy all by themselves, you can join in the fun when you’re taking a break. This will develop the bond you have with your dog. Besides, it also makes a good toy for training to improve your dog’s intelligence.
- Safe and durable
This ball features a non-toxic natural rubber construction that won’t harm the health of your dog when they chee and play with it. It is quite durable and bite-resistant, making it a perfect toy to keep your dog engaged for a long time while you work.
- Teeth cleaning dog ball
The anti-skid design that this ball feature is perfect for your dog to chew on. It perfectly fits the shape of a dog’s teeth, cleans them effectively, and keeps them strong.
Pros
- Unique design technology
- High durability
- Relatively affordable
Cons
- Broken pieces can cause choking hazards if swallowed.
Verdict
Dog Treat Ball Toys are one of the most popular dog toys for anyone under a budget. Unlike fetch balls, this durable and engaging toy features an exciting open-slot design that dispenses your dog’s favorite treats.
The only thing you have to look out for is when the ball starts to wear and tear. Like all toys, this ball will also eventually break down. When it does, see that your dog won’t swallow the broken pieces.
LOOBANI Dog Food Puzzle Toys
If your dog is a slow feeder, this food puzzle toy will be a plus point. LOOBANI Dog Food Puzzle Toys are perfect mental stimulation toys for both adults and puppies. It goes far from just providing your dog with engaging playtime. It helps in the development and stimulation of the brain and keeps your furry companion engaged for a long time.
Features
- Unique and durable construction
This interactive toy features a durable bamboo construction with three durable dispensers that hold dog treats. Your dog will sniff the treats and find a way to get them out and eat them. To get the treat out, they have to muzzle the spinner.
- Two-in-one Treat dispenser and Puzzle Toy
Not only does this puzzle toy make a great option to keep your dog busy, but it also serves as a wonderful product for dogs who are slow feeders. The toy featuring large-capacity food bottles can serve as a treat dispenser for your dog.
- Engaging brain stimulation toy
The primary concept of this toy is to eat what you earn with your effort. You don’t always have to be lenient with your dogs and feed them without them working for it. After all, most dogs would love to engage themselves in these types of fun activities that not only leave them preoccupied while they work but also reward them for their intelligence.
- Different difficulty levels
Spice things up with more challenging feats for your dog once they’ve mastered the basics of eating off of these dispensers. This puzzle toy comes with different levels of difficulty to keep things interesting.
Pros
- Provides mental stimulation for dogs
- Keeps your dog engaged for long hours
- Highly durable and safe
Cons
- Fairly expensive
Verdict
For many people, LOOBANI Dog Food Puzzle Toys are the top choice when it comes to dog toys. These puzzle toys not only keep your dog entertained but also sharpens their mentality and ability to solve puzzles.
The only setback is that it isn’t one of the cheapest dog toys on the market. But if you invest in one of these toys, there is a good chance that you won’t regret your decision to make that expense.
ZippyPaws Hide and Seek Dog Plush Toy
The ZippyPaws Hide and Seek Dog Plush Toy are one of the most interactive toys on our list. This toy features not just one but several toys in one package at an affordable price. It is a mentally stimulating toy that comes with a plush log featuring multiple plush chipmunks.
Features
- Engaging puzzle toy
This toy offers dogs several hours of stimulating fun as they dig into the plush log for chipmunks. This hide-and-seek puzzle toy will keep your dogs busy and entertained while you work.
- Squeaky dog toy
The squeaky sound that comes out of this toy grabs the attention of all dogs. They will keep your dog intrigued and interested. This will lead to long hours of play where they won’t feel bored or restless.
- Interactive dog toy
This engaging dog toy offers a stimulating challenge to the dogs. If your dog loves puzzles, this hide-and-seek game will surely spark their interest.
- High-quality materials with unique styles
These plush toys are constructed with high-quality materials that are formulated for durability. Also, the design isn’t limited. There is more than just one style to choose from.
Pros
- Includes several toys in a single package
- Relatively affordable
- Mentally stimulating
Cons
- Not recommended for bigger dogs
Verdict
ZippyPaws Hide and Seek Dog Plush Toy is a very engaging toy that can leave your dog happy and entertained.
It is a highly durable toy as far as plush toys go. But if you have a big dog, the toy will not be able to withstand the powerful bites for very long. So, this toy is best suited for smaller dogs.
Pet Zone IQ Treat Ball
The Pet Zone IQ Treat Ball is the perfect toy for your dog if you intend to let them play for long hours without supervision. As the ball is loaded with treats, the more your dog plays with it, the more treats it’ll get. You don’t have to worry about the treats dispensing quickly because it is specifically designed for a slow-release system so that your dogs can play with it for hours.
Features
- Customizable difficulty level
The good thing about this interactive toy ball is that you can adjust the difficulty level so that each dog can play with it. All you have to do is adjust the interior disc of the ball to control how much treats get dispensed.
- Mentally stimulating toys available in two sizes
This interactive toy will leave your dog preoccupied for long periods. It also comes in two sizes to suit both small and large dogs. You can choose from two sizes, 3 inches, and 4 inches.
- Encourages healthy feeding
If they are treats, your dogs won’t wait for anything to gobble it up with impressive speed. But this can be harsh on their stomachs. The slow-release nature of the toy ball encourages dogs to eat slowly.
- Easy maintenance
This durable interactive dog toy features a durable plastic construction that can be disassembled for easy cleaning. You can clean it in warm soapy water.
Pros
- Mentally engaging by providing long hours of play
- Slow treat dispenser for prolonged play
- Available in two sizes for not small and large dogs
Cons
- Not suitable for larger treats
Verdict
Pet Zone IQ Treat Ball is the right toy for your dog if you want them to settle down with their toy for long periods. The treats in the ball will surely keep them interested and make them play with the ball to release the treats.
The only downside of this is that the size of the treat dispenser is limited. Therefore, you’ll only be able to fit smaller treats in the ball.
West Paw Zogoflex Treat Toy for Dogs
If your dog has a healthy appetite, West Paw Zogoflex Treat Toy for Dogs will be a gem of a toy for them. This puzzle toy involves treats as rewards for their intelligence. So, your dog will happily keep toying with this chew toy to get the yummy treats out.
Features
- Extreme durability
You don’t have to worry about the toy breaking down after a couple of uses. This chew toy is perfect for aggressive chewers because of its durable construction.
- Interactive chew toy
Save your furniture from aggressive chewing by giving the ideal chew toy for your dog. The great thing about this chew toy is that it is not only durable, but it also comes with treats inside to keep your pets more engaged than with a regular chew toy.
- Ergonomic design
It shouldn’t be a problem for your dog to grasp the toy in place while chewing on it. It features a curved design making it perfect for holding in the paws. Also, it comes in an array of bright colors.
- Eco-friendly and safe
This chew toy from West Paw is made in the USA and is recyclable. It is non-toxic and dishwasher-safe for the highest level of convenience.
Pros
- Superior durability
- Mentally and physically stimulating
- Money-back guarantee if the product is damaged by your dog
Cons
- Intermediate puzzle toy
Verdict
The durability of West Paw Zogoflex Treat Toy for Dogs is top-notch. Why else would the company offer a money-back guarantee if your dog damages the toy?
However, we don’t recommend this toy if your dog is a beginner to puzzle toys. This particular toy is designed to have a high difficulty level to keep dogs engaged for long periods.
Buyers Guide
It might seem like an easy task to buy engaging toys for dogs. But the best toys come with some crucial features that you should look out for.
So, if you’re in the market looking for the best dog toys to keep dogs busy while at work, here are some things to consider.
- Safety
Safety is a top concern for every dog owner purchasing toys for their furry companions. As the dogs are always chewing on their toys, there is bound to be times when they swallow bits of the materials. This is why it is crucial to choose toys that are constructed with non-toxic materials that won’t be harmful to your dog.
All the products we’ve listed above are safe for dogs to play with. However, some products will be more suitable for particular dog breeds. Be sure to consider your dog breed to pick the most convenient toy.
- Durability
One of the top features to look for in a dog toy is durability. When you buy a toy for a dog, you need to understand that it will get chewed on. This is why it’s better to look for durable toys that will not easily break apart after a few uses.
Toys with rubber constructions are highly recommended for dogs to play with. But there are also other materials that will withstand the power of your dog’s teeth.
- Stimulating puzzle toys
If you want to keep your pet engaged both physically and mentally for hours, getting them a puzzle toy that they can work out will be the best option. Remember that while puzzle toys are beneficial, not every dog will have the same intelligence level to solve them.
If you’re starting with a puzzle toy, it would be best to go for a simple one at first and work your way up.
FAQ
What toy should I give my dog while I go to work?
The type of toy that a dog enjoys will depend on the personal preference of the dog. If you have an intelligent dog who loves challenges, a puzzle toy may keep them busy and entertained for hours. But if you have a playful dog, a ball-treat toy may be the perfect toy for them.
What is the most durable dog toy?
It is imperative to know that dog toys are subject to intense chewing and pressure from dogs. So, the more durable the toy is, the better it will be because there will be fewer replacements.
Generally, rubber toys are the most durable toy options available. Natural rubber is eco-friendly and does not need to be replaced frequently.
When should I start giving toys to my dogs?
There isn’t a specific age when you should start giving toys to your furry buddy. Every dog is different. Some will mature faster, while some will have a very playful temperament. Dogs are active creatures that love to frolic and have fun. They can become quite playful once they reach about four to six weeks of age. Giving appropriate toys to your dogs will improve their motor and coordination skills.
What kind of toys is the most suitable for puppies?
If you’re buying toys for a puppy, keep in mind that their teeth are still in the process of growing, and they’re prone to fractures. It would be best to choose a toy that won’t apply much pressure to their teeth when they bite on it. But you also need to remember that puppies grow quite fast, and they’ll quickly outgrow their toys.
What toy should I give a dog that has sensitive gums?
Not every dog is the same. Some dogs have sensitive gums. And these dogs need softer toys to chew on. If you have a dog with sensitive gums, it doesn’t mean that you should refrain from giving them something to chew on.
Usually, rubber toys are more friendly on the teeth and gums as they’re soft. You can also go for plush toys that wouldn’t apply too much pressure on your dog’s teeth and gums.
Bottom Line
As you can see above, we have reviewed some of the best dog toys based on their popularity among dog lovers in the market. If you want a stimulating dog toy, don’t hesitate to check out the options we have provided.
Whatever dog toy you choose from the above list, you can rest assured that it will provide the effect that you’re looking for. If you intend to go out or work for long hours, make sure your pets don’t feel lonely in your absence.
Compensate for your absence by giving them their favorite toys to play with and have fun with. Whether you’re looking for affordable dog toys or engaging and stimulating toys, you’ll find a good choice on the above list of the best dog toys to keep dogs busy while at work.
Some of My Favorite Products For Dog Owners
I hope this article has helped you just a bit in everyday life as a dog owner. Being a dog owner for more than 25 years, I’ve tried many different products with varying success, but these products below are some that I can highly recommend to every dog and their owner without hesitation!
These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. But it’s products that I use daily myself, and I have the utmost praise for.
Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. But since 2015 when the company was founded, I’ve been using Ollie Petfood. With their product being tailor-made to suit every dog’s specific needs, and as my dogs love the product, I’m pretty sure I’ve found a product I will continue to use for many years more. If you use my link you can get 50% off your first order.
Dog Training: If you’ve ever owned a puppy, you know that it requires a lot of training to grow into a well-behaved adult. Brain Training for Dogs has helped me immensely with the mental training part of raising a dog, and it’s something I strongly recommend you consider.
Grooming: If you have a dog in your home, you’re going to need a brush, and for this, I recommend a Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush. For that price, you simply can’t beat this brush for everyday grooming.
If you’re looking for the most up-to-date recommendations, check out my recommended products section that I’ve created to help every dog owner!
