6 Indicators of a Dog Lacking Exercise: Spot the Signs!

1. The Art of Destruction

While some dogs are naturally inclined to destruction, it's crucial to address the behavior of an otherwise wellbehaved adult dog that starts to wreak havoc at home. Your first thought should be about channeling its energy, not about punishment. Instead, consider how you can provide it with physical activities to help it burn off steam, rather than resorting to a harsh spanking.

Conversely, if a dog has had ample exercise before its owner leaves, it's less likely to engage in destructive behavior, as it will need rest and rejuvenation.

2. The Wild Side

Some dogs are naturally more boisterous during play, which can be a breed trait. However, if you notice your usually calm dog going allout aggressive with other dogs, it's a sign it's lacking in physical activity. While it may not resort to fighting, this type of play can lead to accidental injuries.

3. The Bulge of Obesity

Just like humans, obesity can strike when there's too much intake and not enough exercise. It's particularly common in older dogs, so it's important to provide them with moderate physical activity. Be aware that certain medical conditions can cause rapid weight gain, so if your dog exhibits such symptoms, a vet visit is the best course of action.

4. The Nighttime Nervous Nelly

Is your dog restless at night, pacing around while you're enjoying a peaceful sleep? This is a common issue with small dogs. Although they may not require extensive exercise, a short play session of 10 to 20 minutes each day can be a great way to release energy, rather than endless walks.

5. The Constant Barking

Is your dog's barking a sign of boredom or anxiety? While barking can indeed be a manifestation of these feelings, it's not always the case. If your dog frequently barks, it's likely due to an abundance of energy. Remember, a dog's bark is its way of communicating emotions and thoughts; don't just see it as noise.

6. The Sluggishness of Dullness

It's not uncommon for dogs to become dull and unresponsive, especially if they're not getting enough exercise. Just like humans, dogs need physical activity to maintain both mental and physical health. If your dog isn't getting enough exercise, it might become depressed, leading to a lack of interest in everything, even when called to you.

How Long Should My Dog Exercise Each Day?

Puppies: They require multiple short bursts of 5 to 10 minutes of exercise throughout the day. Since puppies have a lot of energy but limited endurance, spreading out the activity helps you understand their limits over time.

Adult Dogs: Highenergy breeds typically need 30 to 60 minutes of exercise daily, ideally done in one session. For breeds with lower exercise needs, 30 to 60 minutes is sufficient.

Senior Dogs: Break up the exercise into 2 to 3 shorter sessions of about 30 minutes each.

For most dogs, walking is the primary form of exercise.

Is That All There Is to Exercise?

Of course not. Alongside these physical activities, don't forget about your dog's mental health. All dogs respond to mental stimulation, especially those who can't go outside for exercise. Even if they don't need a lot of physical activity, their brains still need to be engaged!