Pets at home: 3 Ways to keep your pets busy

by Ellen Garcia 07/25/2024

Pet owners who work from home have lived with the conundrum of what to do with their pets during the day. Some have established large and lavish “apartment areas,” consisting of a large crated area filled with toys, bedding and other pet supplies; while others allow their pets to roam and sit beside them during their work hours.

However, most pet owners would love a few extra ways to keep their furry friends entertained. Here are a few ideas to entertain your pets at home while you work:

Games

Animals love to play. It’s a method of teaching them social skills with small animals, key people in your household and other pets. However, playing with your pet may not be conducive to your daily productivity. Luckily, there are solo games that can be played by your pets during the day.

For example, if you have a dog, try a snuffle mat that allows your dog to bury its face and search for tiny morsels such as treats or pet food. There are also solitary games for dogs that teach them to use deductive reasoning and rewards them with a tasty tidbit when they’ve gotten the answer correctly.

For those with cats, try an exercise wheel for hyperactive felines, a logic puzzle for those kittens that like to get into trouble or a standard hanging cat toy above their favorite place. Cat games should also have treats hidden inside to keep them invested in play.

Toys

While toys may seem like an obvious addition to your work-from-home distractors, not all toys are the same. Try high-value toys, such as toys with treat compartments or herb pockets. These tend to keep your pets invested in their playtime and out of your company meetings.

Restful areas

Another pet distraction lies with restful places for your pet. Places that are heavy with items your pet enjoys, bedding misted with pet-friendly calming extracts and a good bout of pet-appropriate music may be just the thing you need to keep them busy.

Adding restful elements helps your pet relax, and with pet-specific music and sounds, your pet can get some well-deserved rest while you work through your day.

Your pets are a great addition to your household, regardless of their activity level. However, your workday doesn’t have to suffer distractions to keep them occupied. Try these simple tips and watch as both your productivity and your pet’s playful interests soar.

About the Author
Author

Ellen Garcia

Ellen Garcia Broker, GRI, SRS, ABR, RSPS, SRES, RENE, MRP, LRS, LSE, LSS, AHWD, e-PROÒ Ellen believes that listening and understanding her clients' needs are the foundation of a successful business partnership. Her knowledge of the many unique communities in Fairfield County is an invaluable asset to clients new to the area, and she is able to help anyone moving to, from or within Fairfield County make an easier transition into a new home and community. For clients who are preparing to sell their homes, Ellen offers her first-hand knowledge of how to leverage the strength of a "brand" in showcasing and marketing their properties. Ellen offers a powerful advantage in bringing her skills and resources to work for her clients. With over 10 years, of full-time experience in the real estate industry, she is well-versed in the Fairfield County real estate market. Ellen has successfully completed: · Over 130 closed sales and rental transactions · Representing a dollar volume of over $65 million Ellen’s people skills lead the way in building a strong network to assist and support her clients in achieving their goals through every step of the real estate process: · Negotiations both local and global · New business development (sales & marketing) · Creative problem solving · Building partnerships · Tapping into Halstead Property’s network of 1100 agents in NYC and Lower Fairfield County Her career in Real Estate has been recognized with many awards including: "Agent of the Year” for Halstead Property Wilton and "Most Closed Sale and Listing Transactions” numerous times. Within Connecticut, Ellen has been recognized over the past several years as a "Connecticut Magazine 5 Star Realtor”. Awards 2016 & 2014 AGENT OF THE YEAR – HALSTEAD WILTON – HIGHEST GROSS SALES 2016 - 2011 CONNECTICUT MAGAZINE 5-STAR REALTOR AWARD 2016 - 2013 MOST CLOSED LISTINGS – Wilton Office 2016, 2014 - 2012 MOST CLOSED SALES – Wilton Office 2016, 2015, 2014 HALSTEAD PROPERTY PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL 2013, 2012 & 2011 HALSTEAD PROPERTY DIRECTOR’S COUNCIL 2014 HALSTEAD – PLATINUM CIRCLE 2016 HALSTEAD - GOLD CIRCEL 2015, 2013 HALSTEAD – SILVER CIRCLE 2007 COUNTRY LIVING ASSOCIATES OUTSTANDING RELOCATION SPECIALIST PRESIDENT'S AWARD (2005, 2006 & 2007). Leading Real Estate Companies of the World PREMIER CLUB – SILVER AWARD FOR REFERRAL ACHIEVEMENT (2006) Sales Associates Recognition Program Professional Associations: · Connecticut Association of Realtors (CAR) · National Association of Realtors (NAR) · Consolidated Multiple Listing Service (CMLS) · Connecticut State-wide MLS (CTMLS) · Mid-Fairfield County Association of Realtors (MFCAR) · Senior Advantage Real Estate Council (SAREC) · Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (REBAC) · Seller’s Representative Specialist Council (SRS) · e-PRO Professional Designations: · BROKER · ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative) · SRS (Seller’s Representative Specialist) · RENE (Real Estate Negotiation Expert) · GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute) · RSPS (Resort and Second Property Specialist) · MRP (Military Relocation Professional) · SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) · LRS (LeadingRE Relocation Specialist) · LSS (LeadingRE Sales Specialist) · LSE (LeadingRE Service Expert) · AHWD (At Home with Diversity: One America) · REALTOR e-PRO · CONNECTICUT TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION