Skip to content

10 Best Boredom Busters for Dogs

Written by Khalil
Khalil is passionate about all sorts of domesticated pets. They have written dozens of articles across the web.
Published on
Saturday 10 October 2020
Last updated on
Tuesday 9 May 2023
best boredom busters for dogs
This page may contain affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links.

Has your doggy been running rings around you while you think about contacting your nearest exorcist? Don’t bother with extreme measures just yet. Instead, repeat the magical words ‘boredom busters for dogs’. It could be that your furry friend is suffering from excess pent-up energy. Dogs are active animals, and they like moving around. We understand that in today’s dog-eat-dog (dog puns are the best!) world, you’re short on free time.

But when you’re occupied with running errands or doing the dishes, your dog’s exercise needs may be getting neglected. Sometimes you just can’t find the time to give your dog a second walk of the day. This can lead to boredom and behavior issues in dogs. And, this is where dog boredom busters can help big time.

What Make a Good Dog Boredom Busters?

Generally speaking, anything that can help you introduce a little fun into your pet’s life can be called a boredom buster. Boredom busters for dogs can include things like toys, puzzles, games, and even feeding equipment. But, all boredom busters have one thing in common – they provide the daily amount of mental and physical stimulus your dog needs.

Most studies show that an average adult dog requires 60 to 80 minutes of exercise per day. But, here’s where the plot twist comes in. Expert dog behaviorists and trainers recommend that no doggy should be left alone for more than five hours. Because quitting your job is out of the question, the only option you’re left with is investing in dog entertainment. The best part is – boredom busters can keep your pet entertained at a minimal cost. No matter what form a boredom buster takes, it can go a long way in keeping your canine companion from negative habits like:

To save yourself from all such eventualities, simply scroll down and discover some of the best options available in dog entertainment.

10 Best Boredom Busters for Dogs

Here are some top of line boredom busters for your lovable pooches. They can combat all types of problems like anxiety, lethargy, and excess energy.

1. Hyper Pet Boredom Buster Wobble Slow Feeder LickiMat & Anxiety Relief

The LickiMat Wobble Slow Feeder Dog Bowl & Lick Mat has been designed by Hyper Pet to kill two birds with one bowl. Not only can the Wobble bowl be used to serve your dog treats, but it also promotes calm behavior in your pet. The textured lining of the bowl makes whatever treat you place inside it last longer, and extends your pet’s snack time to relieve its anxiety and boredom.

All you need to do is simply spread your pooch’s soft treat over the surface, and then play-time can begin. Hyper Pet makes its Lickimat series of products based on actual scientific studies. Research reveals that repetitive licking in animals promotes the release of endorphins, which makes them happy.

The product also encourages dental health, reduces bloating, and aids in digestion. Additionally, the Wobble Bowl material is non-toxic, and the product has a one-year limited warranty.

2. Hyper Pet Boredom Buster LickiMat Slow Feeder Dog Mat

The Lickimat Slow Feeder Dog Mat is another unbelievably helpful product for dog owners. Most pet-owners can vouch for the fact that their furry-friend can demolish food in a matter of minutes. Feeding bowls make eating easier for pets by keeping the food in a contained area.

But this also encourages dogs to eat too quickly and can result in digestion problems and bloating. Not to mention, once chow-time is over, your dog will be bored again in no time. Avoid all these problems by investing in the Lickimat Slow Feeder Dog Mat. You can extend your pet’s eating time by spreading its treat on the flat, textured surface of the mat.

This will keep your dog occupied for longer, and away from other destructive habits. This product is a great way of boosting calm behavior in your pet when it’s alone.

repetitive licking releases endorphins
Endorphins are chemicals that boost happiness.

3. West Paw Zogoflex Qwizl Interactive Treat Dispensing Dog Puzzle Treat Toy for Dogs

An interactive toy that can also dispense treats? Talk about a boredom buster double whammy. West Paw Design uses its Zogoflex material to make the Qwizl dog puzzle. Zogoflex is not just crazy-durable, but it is also dishwasher safe. The puzzle can also float in water, which makes it an invaluable bath-time toy as well.

Qwizl can help keep your dog engaged and busy for longer thanks to its brilliant design. You can place your dog’s treats (such as biscuits and jerky strips) in the hollow center of the toy to keep it occupied in your absence.

You can also use the toy to play toss and fetch with your dog, even when there are no snacks involved. Qwizl is also FDA approved. And, it’s available in different variations based on chew strength – ranging from gentle to tough.

4. Nina Ottosson Dog Smart Beginner Dog Puzzle Toy

If you’re on the look-out for one of the more challenging boredom busters for dogs out there – then you should consider the Nina Ottosson Dog Smart Puzzle by Outward Hound. The puzzle functions as a treat dispenserand has nine compartments, with removable ‘bone-shaped’ covers.

To initiate game-time, all you must do is place treats in the compartments, and hide them using the top-covers. Then it’s all up to your pet to put on its Sherlock cap on and go searching – because games are certainly afoot. This puzzle is an amazing way to provide mental stimulation for your pets and to introduce a little activity in their life.

What’s more, is that you can just as easily use the puzzle to function as a slow-feeder. And, slow-feeders are a great way to keep your dog’s digestion right.

5. Bark Busters Home Dog Training Game Changer

Bark Busters Game Changer is undoubtedly one of the best interactive dog toys for heavy chewers. And if your carpet or remote chewing doggy could talk, it would agree with us.

The Game Changer is a round-shaped rubber toy, made from non-toxic polyurethane material. Which means, it’s BPA-free, washable, durable, and every other good type of ‘able’ there is. It may resemble a complicated Chinese puzzle, but rest assured, it’s very easy to operate. To use it, you only have to open the disc and place your pet’s favorite treat inside. Next, place it near your dog and watch the fun begin.

The toy is available in four vibrant colors to grab your pooch’s attention, and it’s ideal for dogs that weigh up to 15 lbs. If you’re still unsure, know that the Game Changer is virtually noise-free, so your pet can play to its heart’s content without creating a racket.

6. Outward Hound Ottosson Puzzle Brick Dog Toy

Whoever said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? We didn’t, because we know about Outward Hound’s Ottosson Puzzle Brick Dog Toy. This puzzle is another heavy-hitter in our list of toys for dogs home alone. Complete with two difficulty levels and 20 treat compartments, the Dog Brick Puzzle is in a class of its own.

You can hide different types of treats in any of the numerable plastic compartments, and keep your dog occupied for a long time. Another thing we love about the Dog Brick is its variety. How else would you describe a toy with four removable ‘bone-shaped’ puzzles, and eight openable/slidable compartments?

While we’d recommend this toy for smaller breeds of dogs and puppies, there’s no doubt that this puzzle is one of the best options available in dog puzzles.

7. Petstages Chick-a-Bone Dog Chew Toy

If you believe that your puppy is the type to enjoy the simpler pleasures in life, then you’ll be better off considering boredom chewing toys. Which is why our next boredom buster is the Chick-a-Bone Dog Chew Toy by Petstages.

Give one these to your aggressive dog, and we are certain that it’ll calm down pretty quickly. The Chick-a-Bone comes in real chicken flavor that dogs absolutely love. It’s also a safe alternative to actual chicken bones, which can be a choking hazard. Additionally, this chew toy is lead and phthalate-free.

The chew toy is also non-splintering and durable. The best part is that it’s very portable, and your pet can carry it almost anywhere. So, the Chick-a-Bone can make a great toy for outdoor games, such as fetch. Oh, and it’s available in four different sizes – ranging from big dogs to small puppies. Pretty impressive, right?

8. StarMark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy

It’s a well-known fact that dogs motivated by treats will spend an unbelievable amount of time playing with their toys. That’s why StarMark’s Bob-A-Lot dog toy has found its way to our list. Not only is the Bob-A-Lot a treat-dispensing boredom busters for dogs, but it’s one of the best dog toys for hyperactive puppies.

It’s available in two different sizes – small and large. Built for extended use, the large-sized toy can hold up to three cups of treats inside. The function of Bob-A-Lot (we do love puns) is pretty obvious. It has a weighted-bottom that allows the toy to stay upright at all times. Think of it as the doggy version of the Weebles Wobble.

The adjustable openings at the top and the bottom of the toy, allow the treats to fall out of the toy – as long as the dog keeps playing with it. Bonus features include anti-slip bottom and a reasonable price.

9. Outward Hound Hide and Squeak Fun Toy

If dogs are a man’s best friend, then squirrels are a dog’s worst enemy… or a pesky archnemesis at the very least. Outward Hound’s ‘Hide and Squeak Fun’ toy is an adorable soft dog toy puzzle, complete with a hollow tree-trunk and five squirrels.

Bring the outside in with this interactive toy. You can either fill the puzzle tree-trunk with the stuffed squirrels or hide them in different places for your pet to hunt down.

The cutest part is that stuffed squirrels come fitted with hidden squeakers so that your canine can’t resist playing with them. The toy is available in four sizes and makes for an extremely unique and remarkable boredom buster.

10. LumoLeaf Dog Treat Ball

No products found.

Last but assuredly not the least on our list of dog boredom busters, is the Interactive Treat Ball by LumoLeaf.

Shaped like a ball, this treat-dispenser makes your dog work for its treats. As a reward-based toy, LumoLeaf’s Treat Ball promotes mental stimulation, brain activity, and good health via exercise and slow eating. One of the more awesome features of this toy is that it allows you to adjust the interior sliding doors to control the level of difficulty. This makes the Treat Ball perfect for young and adult dogs.

The thermoplastic, rubber material of the ball is non-toxic, and one-hundred percent safe for dogs. The rubber material is also highly resistant and long-lasting. The ball is great for indoor and outdoor activities. It’s also perfect for keeping your canine on its toes, and out of trouble.

hiring a dog walker
You can hire a dog walker to keep your dog entertained!

Dog Boredom Busters – FAQs

Do you still have some questions about boredom busters? Don’t fret. Scroll down and go through some of the more popular FAQs related to dog entertainment.

How do I Keep My Dog Entertained While at Work?

Hiring a dog walker is a brilliant way to keep your dog entertained while you’re at work. This way, your furry friend will be able to get out of the house and get its daily dose of exercise. The first step, of course, is to find the right dog walker.

Any prospective dog-walker you consider must be highly-recommended, and be very reliable. Once that’s done, you should figure out the amount of time you want your pet exercised for, and make it a routine.

Another viable option for pet parents is doggy daycare. You’ll be able to keep your dog active and get it accustomed to socializing with other pets. Look for trustworthy and reputed daycares near your home, so that you can lineup dropping and picking up your dog in your daily routine. But, it’s essential to do adequate research before deciding on a daycare – make sure you trust the daycare you settle on.

How to Make your Dog Feel Happy?

One of the best ways to keep your dog happy is to spend some time with them. Canines form a deep bond with their owners, and they thrive on attention. If you have a busy work schedule, that’s ok. Take some time out and play a game of hide and seek with your pooch. It’s a great way to spend some quality time with your dog.

From snuggling up with them on a couch to playing games of fetch, keeping your pet happy is very easy. Hiking is another option you can try if you’re a nature enthusiast. Try taking your canine to your local hike trail or park on the weekends for some fun in the sun. Not only is this a fabulous way to get some exercise, but it’s also an excellent method of providing your dog with the mental and physical stimulation it needs.

How do you keep dogs Entertained When Bored?

One great idea to keep your dog from getting bored when indoors is to play games. Dog parents are always on the look-out for ways of keeping dogs entertained when bored. Some breed of dogs are more active than others and require a lot more attention.

A single game of tug of war can go a long way in alleviating doggy boredom. Or, if you feel like that’s too strenuous, you can always use a soft toy or ball to play an entertaining game of fetch. As far as indoor games are concerned, the possibilities are endless. From treasure hunt to playing tag, you’re unlikely to run out of choices.

Another awesome way to while the hours away is to teach your canine tricks. All you need is patience, and a steady supply of dog treats. We don’t doubt you’ll have your doggy rolling over and shaking paws in no time.

What can I Give my Dog to Keep Them Occupied?

Since dogs are very energetic pets, you may have to work a little at keeping them occupied. You can buy a number of boredom busters for dogs like toys and puzzles to keep your dog busy without any hassle.

You can also start giving your dog access to the views outside. You’ll be surprised to know how much dogs love looking at the normal hustle-bustle of life.

The best way to do this is by placing them near a window that offers a terrific view of the street or road. You’re going to want to pull back the curtains the whole way, and that’s pretty much it. For extra comfort, place your pup’s favorite blanket or toy nearby and leave it to enjoy the scenes outside.

dogs are very energetic
Work on keeping your pup occupied.

Boredom busters are great forms of enrichment for your dog. This can prevent negative behavior alongside giving your dog hours of enjoyment. Consider buying one or two or even making your own, your dog will thank you for it!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *