5 Quick Mental Games to Play With Your Dog Before Work

If you’re anything like us, mornings can feel a little rushed. Between getting ready for work, packing lunches, and making sure the coffee kicks in, it’s easy to forget our pups need more than just a potty break before we head out the door. The good news? You don’t need hours of playtime—just a few minutes of brain work can leave your dog mentally satisfied and much calmer throughout the day.

Here are 5 quick and easy mental games you can work into your morning routine:

1. Frozen Treat Puzzle

Before bed, stuff a Kong or similar toy with your dog’s kibble, yogurt, or a smear of peanut butter, and pop it in the freezer. In the morning, hand it over while you’re sipping coffee or packing up. The licking + problem-solving is a double win for keeping your dog focused and relaxed.

(Pro tip: if you don’t already have a few food-stuffable toys on hand, they’re lifesavers for busy mornings! Here’s one of our favorites.)

2. The Muffin Tin Game

Grab a muffin tin, drop some treats in a few of the cups, then cover each hole with tennis balls or crumpled paper. Your dog has to sniff and nose their way through to find the snacks. It’s a simple DIY enrichment game, but trust us—pups love it!

3. Snuffle Mat Search

Think of this as breakfast with a challenge. Sprinkle your dog’s kibble into a snuffle mat instead of a regular bowl. Sniffing and foraging mimics natural dog behavior and helps them start their day calm and focused.

(We rotate between a couple of mats so the game always feels new. This one holds up great.)

4. 5-Minute Training Drill

Pick 2–3 cues your dog already knows—like “sit,” “down,” or “spin”—and practice them in short bursts. Use treats to make it fun and upbeat. Not only does this refresh your dog’s manners, but it also strengthens your bond before you head out for the day.

5. Find It! Game

While you’re getting ready, hide a handful of treats around one room and tell your pup to “find it!” They’ll use their nose and brain power to track everything down. You can make it harder over time by hiding them in trickier spots.

Why Mental Games Matter

Physical exercise is important, but mental exercise is just as crucial—especially for busy families. Dogs who get a chance to think and problem-solve each day tend to be calmer, less anxious, and less likely to chew your favorite shoes while you’re gone. Even 10 minutes of brain work in the morning can go a long way toward a smoother day for both you and your pup.

If you’re looking for more enrichment ideas, we’ve shared some of our favorite puzzle toys and games on Amazon right here. A couple of them have been absolute game-changers in our home and for our boarding pups.

✨ Final Tip: Start small. You don’t need to do all five every morning—just add one or two into your routine and switch it up throughout the week. Your dog will thank you, and you’ll head off to work guilt-free knowing their brain got a workout, too.