Signs Your Dog Needs More Exercise
As pet owners, we want the best for our furry companions, and that includes ensuring they get enough exercise. But how do you know when your dog isn’t getting enough activity?
Exercise is crucial for your dog’s physical and mental well-being, and lack of it can lead to a range of behavioural and health issues. In this post, we’ll explore the signs that your dog needs more exercise and offer tips on how to improve their routine.
Restlessness and Excess Energy
Signs to look for:
Is your dog constantly on the go, pacing around the house or bouncing off the walls?
Do they have trouble settling down or start chewing furniture, digging holes, or getting into mischief?
Why it happens: Dogs, especially high-energy breeds, need regular exercise to burn off excess energy. If they aren’t getting enough activity, that pent-up energy manifests as restlessness or frustration.
How to fix it:
Add an extra walk or extend their current one. Try a different route or entirely location!
Play fetch or tug to tire them out.
Can’t find the time during the day? That’s where we come in! A dog walker from Happy Hounds can help your pup burn off that excess energy while you’re at work.
Destructive Behaviour
Signs to look for:
Is your dog chewing shoes, tearing up furniture, or even licking and chewing their own paws?
Are they digging up the backyard or scratching at doors and windows?
Why it happens: Destructive behaviour is often a sign of boredom, anxiety, or unspent energy. Without a healthy outlet, dogs can turn to mischief to keep themselves occupied.
How to fix it:
Schedule daily walks or backyard games to release energy in a positive way.
Rotate different toys throughout the week to keep things exciting.
Try snuffle mats, frozen KONGs, or treat-stuffed cardboard boxes for mental stimulation.
Set up a DIY obstacle course using household items like chairs, broomsticks, or boxes.
If you're short on time, consider a midday pop-in visit or dog walking session with Happy Hounds — a tired pup is a happy pup!
Excessive Barking or Whining
Signs to look for:
Your dog barks excessively or whines for attention, especially when you’re not actively interacting with them.
They may try to get your attention by pawing at you or following you around.
Why it happens: When dogs don’t get enough physical and mental stimulation, all that pent-up energy often comes out through barking or whining. It’s their way of saying, “I’m bored!” or “Hey, notice me!”. Regular exercise helps them feel calm, content, and less likely to shout about it.
How to fix it:
Add extra walks or outdoor play sessions to their day.
Teach them a few fun new tricks or commands to engage their brain (even 10 minutes helps!).
Try puzzle feeders, treat-dispensing toys, or lick mats to keep them entertained.
Leave music, a white noise machine, or dog-friendly TV on to soothe them when you’re out.
Create a comfy “quiet zone” with their bed, favourite toys, and a chew treat for downtime.
Weight Gain or Obesity
Signs to look for:
You may notice your dog’s waistline expanding or that they’re gaining weight.
Difficulty in keeping up during walks or playtime.
Why it happens: When dogs aren’t burning off enough energy, extra calories can easily turn into extra weight. Over time, this can lead to joint issues, lower energy, and other health problems that impact their overall quality of life. This is especially concerning for senior dogs that may already struggle with joint issues.
How to fix it:
Begin with gentle, regular walks and gradually increase the time or pace as their fitness improves.
Break up exercise into shorter sessions throughout the day if your dog tires quickly.
Use food-dispensing toys at mealtimes to encourage movement and slow their eating.
Introduce fun, low-impact activities like hide-and-seek with treats, or even doggy swimming if they enjoy water.
Monitor portion sizes — it's easy to overfeed without realising!
Opt for healthy, low-calorie treats like carrots or apple slices (check what’s safe for dogs first).
Chat to your vet about a tailored diet and exercise plan that suits your dog’s age, breed, and needs.
Behavioural Issues (Aggression or Anxiety)
Signs to look for:
Your dog shows signs of anxiety, like pacing, drooling, excessive licking, or trembling.
They may growl, snap, or act aggressively toward other pets, people, or even you.
Overreactions to sounds, sudden movements, or being left alone.
Why it happens: Dogs are wired to move, explore, and engage with their environment. When they’re not getting enough physical or mental stimulation or there are drastic environmental changes, stress and frustration can build up — sometimes resulting in anxious or aggressive behaviours. Regular exercise acts as a natural outlet for this pent-up energy and emotion.
How to fix it:
Build consistent exercise into their daily routine — a morning walk, a midday game of fetch, or a sniffy adventure around the neighbourhood.
Add in activities that challenge their brain too — think treat puzzles, training games, or scent work.
Explore dog sports or structured classes like agility, nosework, or canine enrichment sessions to burn energy and build confidence.
Rotate toys to keep things exciting, or hide favourite items around the house for a little scavenger hunt.
If aggression is a concern, consult a qualified positive-reinforcement-based dog trainer or behaviourist. They can guide you with tailored strategies.
And don’t forget: sometimes a simple change of scenery — like a new walking route or a playdate with a trusted dog pal — can make a world of difference.
Changes in Appetite
Signs to look for:
Your pup suddenly isn’t interested in their food, or on the flip side, they’re constantly begging for snacks.
You might notice digestive issues like sluggish bowel movements or a sensitive tummy.
Why it happens: Exercise plays a big role in keeping your dog’s metabolism balanced and healthy. When they’re not moving enough, their appetite can swing in either direction—eating too little due to low energy, or overeating out of boredom.
How to fix it:
Boost their physical activity with daily walks, active play, or even a DIY scavenger hunt to get them moving and thinking.
Stick to a consistent feeding schedule and resist the puppy-dog eyes—extra treats don’t replace exercise!
Use mealtime as enrichment: try slow feeders, treat puzzles, or scatter feeding to engage their brain while they eat.
If appetite changes persist even with an increase in activity, it’s best to chat with your vet to rule out underlying health concerns.
Exercise is an essential part of your dog’s physical and mental health. By recognising the signs that your dog needs more exercise, you can take proactive steps to improve their daily routine and prevent behavioural or health issues from arising. If you're unsure where to start, a professional dog walker can provide a consistent and structured routine that meets your dog’s individual needs.
If you’re noticing any of these signs in your dog, it might be time to step up their exercise game. Contact us today to book a walk for your dog and get them moving toward a healthier, happier life!