WFH With a Puppy? This DIY Activity Saved My Work
One thing I learned fast after bringing home a puppy while working from home is that walks alone aren’t enough.
She needed mental stimulation — especially sniffing and licking — to actually settle during the day.
This muffin tin sniff + lick game has been one of my go-to activities. It takes less than five minutes to set up and uses things I already had at home: dog-safe peanut butter, a few treats, old socks, and cupcake liners.
Sniffing and licking help puppies focus and calm their nervous systems, which means fewer interruptions and more peaceful work calls.
I always supervise enrichment activities and remove anything if chewing or shredding starts.
If you’re working from home with a puppy, save this for later — it’s been a game changer for us. #wfhdogmom #puppycare #newpuppy
Working from home with a puppy definitely presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to balancing work tasks and your furry friend’s needs. From my own experience, I've found that physical exercise alone isn’t enough for a young pup’s mental engagement. Incorporating activities that stimulate their noses and tongues, like the muffin tin sniff + lick game mentioned, can be a lifesaver. The scent-based sniffing combined with licking actually works wonders because it taps into your puppy's natural instincts. This type of enrichment helps lower anxiety and keeps your puppy focused, which directly translates to fewer disruptions during your Zoom meetings or deep work sessions. What’s great is that setting up this game is quick and budget-friendly—you really just need some household items like cupcake liners and safe peanut butter. It’s also important to supervise the activity. Puppies are curious and might try to shred the liners or socks, so keeping an eye on them ensures safety. Another tip from my experience is to vary the treats occasionally or hide them in different compartments to keep the game engaging over time. If you’re trying to minimize your puppy’s restlessness without sacrificing work productivity, this sniff + lick approach could truly transform your day. I’ve noticed my puppy settles down faster and seems more content after these sessions, which enhances the overall WFH atmosphere. I highly recommend giving it a try and adapting it to your pup's preferences for best results.
