If you're lazy like me you will buy something like this http://www.amazon.com/Treat-Dispensing-Chew-Ball-Large/dp/B0009YD8NS/ref=pd_sim_petsupplies_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=1TCJ45HBQN74BBD22RG8
and give your dog meals in it. It gives him/her mental stimulation without you having to do anything. Also, you don't say how old he is, but I'm guessing he will settle down at some point, even if it's longer than you expected.
Good suggestions above, I will just add that the best 'mental stimulation' toy I've found for my dog is this one: Treat dispensing ball. I feed him all his meals in it, and it makes each one a challenge.
Starmark Treat Dispensing Chew Ball Tough Dog Toy https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009YD8NS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_Z3F1K05QSFF4ATS1XMCF?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1. I gave my dog his breakfast in this treat ball when I left in the morning. They have to chew it to dispense the kibble. It tires him out and he’s very good motivated. Takes him about a half an hour of constant chewing to get all the kibble. Tires him out….focused on something other than you leaving and after a while he looked forward to us leaving because he always got his “busy ball”. Have faith…it takes some time.
Yes, I think splitting for meals is helpful because then they have more motivation to actually work on the dispenser (because they are still hungry.) This is what we have. It might be nice if your dog doesn't like the wobbler because he can just push it around with his nose and doesn't have to use his paws. https://www.amazon.com/Treat-Dispensing-Chew-Ball-Large/dp/B0009YD8NS/ref=pd_sim_199_7?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0009YD8NS&pd_rd_r=KJ9R09QF6WAE0D2G1VAF&pd_rd_w=Mtwhr&pd_rd_wg=p9P0G&psc=1&refRID=KJ9R09QF6WAE0D2G1VAF
l Starmark Treat Dispensing Chew Ball Tough Dog Toy https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009YD8NS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_WmY-FbMMPN6W1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1. I used this when my rescue was being a jerk. They have to work to get the kibble out and I started with small trips and came back before he was done emptying g the ball. Eventually he looked forward to us leaving because he knew he would get his busy ball.
I have this dispensing ball and my dog loves it!
It looks like one we have, which is this one
Yes I do have one that's a softer rubber, Starmark. I also have the Magic Mushroom and this one, which are a hard plastic. I think he enjoys the Magic Mushroom best so far. On the mornings that I work I'm kinda short on time so I'll probably just stick with food in the bowl for that meal. He gets to go to daycare the days I work, so I'm not worried about stimulating him those mornings anyway. :)
*edit: Oh I also have the twist n treat but his kibble is too small, it falls out of that too easily.
I second this - I feed my dog every meal out of this ball:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009YD8NS/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1