Boredom Busters for Dogs: Why They’re Great (But Not the Whole Solution)

If you’re relying on boredom busters all day to keep your dog out of trouble then there’s a bigger problem at play.

Boredom busters are brilliant for filling gaps, giving you some breathing room, and keeping your dog content while you get on with life. They’re quick, easy, and often low effort for you, and a lifesaver when you just need five minutes to yourself.

But here’s the thing…if your dog needs them constantly just to cope, it’s usually a sign their core needs aren’t being met...and unfortunately there are no amount of lick mats that is going to fix that.

A stuffed Kong is a simple yet powerful boredom buster that will keep your dog engaged without overstimulating them. Unlike high-energy games that ramp up excitement, working food out of a Kong encourages calm focus, making it perfect for winding down after a walk, during quiet time, or when you just need your dog to settle down.

One of the best things about Kongs is how versatile they are. Whether you use them for mealtimes, treats, or long-lasting enrichment, they help provide both mental stimulation and a rewarding challenge, keeping your dog busy and satisfied.

Unlike high-energy activities, licking is naturally soothing, encouraging repetitive, focused behaviour that can help dogs reduce frustration and anxiety, decompress and self-regulate.

These mats are perfect for providing enrichment, or helping a dog relax after a stimulating walk. The textured surface makes them more challenging than eating from a bowl, and the grooves allow for the addition of liquid, wet and solid foods, turning a simple snack into a longer-lasting, engaging experience.

Snuffle mats are a fantastic way to engage your dog’s brain while keeping arousal levels low. Snuffle mats tap into a dog's natural foraging instincts, encouraging dogs to sniff, search, and problem-solve in a way that’s low arousal rather than overstimulating.

Forging is a natural stress reliever and incredibly stimulating for dogs, making snuffle mats a great midday boredom buster or mealtime alternative. Snuffle mats can help dogs slow down and actively work for their rewards, keeping them engaged for longer.

Jasper loves a good snuffle mat, but he actually prefers scatter feeding outside which lets him work for his food in a more natural way. That said, I still recommend snuffle mats, especially for dogs who thrive on indoor enrichment, or if you just can't get out of the house yet. 

There are plenty of varieties available, from basic mats to more intricate puzzle-style options, and you can even use multiple mats at a time to increase the challenge if you want!

Chewing is a natural, stress-relieving activity for dogs, and providing the right chews can keep them occupied, mentally engaged, and satisfied without any effort on your part. A good chew session helps release tension, reduce boredom, and provide a productive outlet for chewing needs especially for dogs that tend to chew furniture, toys, or anything they can get their paws on!

There are plenty of safe, long-lasting chews to choose from, and each dog will have their own preferences. Whether it’s antlers, yak chews, bully sticks, beef tendons, or even natural chews, the key is finding what your dog enjoys most while ensuring it’s safe and appropriate for their chewing style (I hear a chew toy “taster session” on the cards!)

These interactive toys require your dog to think, nudge, roll, or manipulate the toy to get their reward, making them an excellent boredom buster. These are great for getting a dog to really think about how to get the reward from the toy. A lot are oddly shaped to make movementa bit more unpredictable. 

Jasper has a dumbbell that I can put his food or treats in and he works out the food through nudging, pawing and even shaking it around. There is also an element of scent work added in as he forages the pieces that have scattered onto the floor.

Boredom busters are brilliant tools, I use them with Jasper almost every day. But they work best when your dog’s bigger needs are already met.

When you have the Holy Trinity — proper rest, purposeful outlets, and mental stimulation — in place, boredom busters are just the cherry on top. Without it, they’re a plaster over a deeper issue.

If your dog’s day is built on boredom busters, it’s time to rework their routine so they’re fulfilled without needing constant distraction. That’s where the real progress happens.