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Having a pet is a big deal! You’ve got to make sure they’re fed right, have plenty of fresh water, get the right kind of shelter, and have enough fun to keep them happy. Dogs are no different!

Different breeds have different energy levels, and each dog has its own personality and needs. That’s why it’s super important to do your research before bringing a dog—or any pet—into your life. You want to choose a dog that matches your lifestyle and activity levels. For instance, getting a French Bulldog or a Pug wouldn’t make sense if you love hiking for hours or days in the hills. On the flip side, if your weekends are more about relaxing at home or chilling on the beach, a high-energy breed like a Jack Russell Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, or Border Collie might not be the best fit.

Once you have your dog, it’s your responsibility to provide them with the physical and mental stimulation they need. If you’re curious about mental stimulation, feel free to check out a blog post I wrote on that topic right here!

In this post, we’re going to dive into why physical exercise is so important for dogs, signs that your dog might not be getting enough exercise, and some fun ways to keep them active.

Why is physical exercise important for dogs?

Dogs are descendants of wolves, and while some breeds may seem worlds apart from their fierce ancestors, they still carry that wild spirit within them. Over thousands of years, humans have shaped the DNA of dogs to fit our needs, resulting in a variety of breeds, each with specific tasks they were bred for.

Wolves are used to traveling up to 30 miles a day in search of food! That’s a far cry from some breeds that would rather curl up on the sofa all day. But then there are breeds like Huskies and Collies, who are built for endurance and thrive on hard work, often in the toughest conditions. These dogs were bred for a purpose, and they need that physical outlet to keep their spirits high.

Dalmatians were originally bred to run alongside horses and coaches, clearing the way on busy roads and guarding the horses at night. And then you have Labrador Retrievers, who were bred to help fishermen retrieve their nets and later became top-notch gun dogs. Springer Spaniels have enough energy to fuel an entire town because they were bred to flush out birds for their humans to shoot.

These working breeds have higher energy levels because they were designed to be active and engaged, to work alongside their human companions for long periods of time. They need the stamina.

Now, even dogs bred purely for companionship need their exercise! If we don’t give our furry friends enough physical activity, they can experience weight gain, lethargy, and stiffness—just like us. Plus, they can become anxious or depressed, which is no fun for anyone.

But it's not just about the physical exercise; mental stimulation is equally important, and many physical activities engage your dog's mind at the same time, like walks, agility training or even a game of fetch, if done right!

It's all well and good having a physically tired dog, but if their minds are still racing, they can become wired and hyperactive. You need to find the balance!

Signs your dog isn't getting enough exercise

Most dogs in our homes no longer work and are just pets, but that doesn't mean their genetics and the hard-wired instincts from generations of being bred as working dogs simply disappear.

Some behaviour issues may stem from a lack of exercise and mental stimulation, even if they seem completely unrelated. Things like chewing things in the house, refusing to listen to you or even becoming aggressive towards you.

If your dog is not getting enough exercise, they may:

• Gain weight

• Bark excessively

• Become hyperactive (always on the go, seemingly over the top with energy)

• Become destructive and/or aggressive

• Seem clingy and constantly want attention

• Struggle to focus

• Become lethargic or fatigued

• Reactive outside of the house

If your dog is showing any of these signs and you believe they get enough exercise, it might be worth consulting a professional dog trainer. A visit to the vets is always a good shout, too, just to rule out any physical issues.

I know so many people who do not exercise their dogs at all and complain about their behaviours. If they didn't want to spend any time with their pet, they should have gotten some fish or a hamster, but even those require time and interaction!

When I first rescued Anayah, my GSD/Husky cross, she was under-stimulated, bored and reactive. Though she can still be reactive, she has much improved. She had lived in a car for 12 months before being surrendered, where she lived in a shelter for 4 months. This series of events led to her self-stimulating herself in any way she could such as reacting to dogs, people and cars, chasing lights and barking so loudly it would rattle my eardrums. After a few months of regular walks and mental stimulation, training and playing with other dogs, she began to calm down (a little!) and was much better behaved. She is no angel, I won't lie, but she has come such a long way from the dog she was when I rescued her.

Ways to exercise your dog.

• Walks

  This is likely the most common and well-known way to exercise your dog! Simply grab their lead and head outside to explore the local park, take a stroll around the neighbourhood, or enjoy a muddy walk through the fields. Regardless of the route you choose, walking your dog should be a pleasurable experience for both of you—unless, of course, you have a dog with behaviour issues, like I do! In that case, these outings become strategic training sessions that provide both you and your dog with valuable physical and mental stimulation while strengthening your bond.

  If you encounter any behaviour issues, it's important to consult with a vet and a trainer if you feel you need assistance. Certain behaviours, such as reactivity, can become problematic and even dangerous for everyone involved.

  You might be surprised to learn that many people do not walk their dogs regularly, often assuming that a game of fetch or a quick stroll around the block is sufficient. However, for most dogs, this simply isn't enough. Even the smallest of dog breeds need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily and at least one session of anaerobic exercise to stay healthy. Dogs like the Boarder Collie and German Shepherds need at least 90 minutes daily.

  Dogs also need time to be off lead to explore, dig and run. I struggle with this myself as I cannot trust Anayah off lead, even with years of training I still wouldn't! So I find secure fields or spaces that I know will be empty, or I hire a local dog field which is fully secure, not accessible to the public other than via the booking system and some even have agility equipment, logs for them to climb on and pools for them to play in!

  
  

• Run or cycle

  Do you like to run or cycle as a sport or hobby? Why not take your dog with you!? Yeah okay, it may take some training to get them to the stage where you can take them safely, but there are so many tools and bits of equipment now that can make your life easier if you choose to go down this route! You can get belts for you or clips for your bike which your dog's lead clips to, bungee leads to lower the impact of your dog's movements and even boots for dogs to protect their paws if you're exercising over harsh terrain. You may find that you enjoy exercising more, and it means you don't need to walk your dog after your run or bike ride because you hit two birds with one stone. Awesome! This won't work for older dogs or dogs lacking stamina and focus, but for the right dog, this could be a perfect outlet for all that energy.

• Dog play dates

  Most dogs love playing with others of their own kind, with the exception of a few non-dog-friendly dogs, even then, some of them will have a single dog they get on with. Dogs playing together offers mental and physical stimulation like no other activity. They have to read each others body language at all times to understand the game and the rules. Often, games involve chasing, play fighting and tug-of-war, all of which take a lot of energy! My dog, Anayah, is selective when it comes to her furry friends, but she used to love playing chase before she injured her legs. Since then, we still make time to see other dogs and we go for a walk once a week with her best friend, Cookie (my mums dog.) Anayah is always so tired after socialising with other dogs, I normally get a quiet few hours after!

• Fetch and games in the house/yard

  Not got the time for a walk or maybe the weather is atrocious? That's not an excuse to never walk your dog, but there are times when you won't be able to and your dog is full of energy and your trying to work from home.

  A game of fetch can work wonders, don't just throw the ball again and again, though. Get your dog to work for each throw by asking something from them. Sit, Paw, Down, Roll Over and spin are just a few examples.

  Or other games such as hide and seek or treat games. I talk more about these in my blog post about mental enrichment for dogs. Check it out here!

  Trick training and obedience work can also reduce a dogs energy levels as it engages their body and their mind. Want more tricks you can teach your dog? Here are 5 fun ones to try!

• Dog sports

  With so many exciting options available today, dog owners can choose from a variety of activities such as agility, flyball, obedience training, tracking, and disc dog (essentially frisbee). Each of these sports offers a unique way to bond with your canine companion while providing valuable physical and mental stimulation. Engaging in these activities requires time, financial investment, and commitment, but the rewards are truly worthwhile.

  Participating in dog sports allows you to become part of a vibrant community of like-minded dog enthusiasts, fostering friendships and shared experiences. Your dog will have the opportunity to socialize with other dogs, enhancing their social skills while enjoying the thrill of competition and play. These activities not only entertain and challenge your dog’s mind but also promote physical fitness, helping to keep them healthy and happy. Whether you're training for competitions or simply enjoying recreational play, the journey is sure to strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend.

  
  

• Swimming

  Swimming is an excellent activity for energetic dogs, as it allows them to expend energy while minimizing the impact on their joints. This makes it an ideal option for older dogs or those recovering from injuries, as the buoyancy of water can support their bodies and facilitate gentle movement. Certain dog breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers and Newfoundlands, are particularly well-suited for swimming, often possessing webbed feet that enhance their natural swimming abilities.

  When considering a swim for your dog, you can take them to a local lake or river, but it’s crucial to ensure that the water is safe for them. Always check for potential toxins, strong currents, and any local advisories before letting your dog take the plunge. Alternatively, many areas offer pools specifically designed for dogs, which can be rented for an hour or so, providing a controlled environment for your pet to enjoy a refreshing swim. Swimming not only provides physical exercise but also stimulates mental engagement, making it a wonderful recreational choice for dogs of all ages.

  
  

• Interactive toys

  One of Anayah's favourite parts of her day is undoubtedly her breakfast. It's not just about her love for food; it’s also a fun and engaging experience! After our morning walk, while I prepare for work, Anayah enjoys her breakfast kibble from a food dispensing ball. She has to nudge and roll the ball around for the kibble to fall out of the hole, which keeps her entertained for at least 10 minutes. You can even increase the challenge by adjusting the size of the hole, making it more difficult for the food to escape. This clever activity provides Anayah with an additional 10 minutes of exercise, and I only need to be involved in the initial step of filling the ball.

  As she moves from the kitchen to the living room and dining room, and sometimes even into the garden when the weather is nice, she probably doubles her daily steps during this playful breakfast routine!

  In addition to food dispensing toys, there are other great options like snuffle mats, lick mats, and puzzle toys. These not only engage your dog's mind but also require them to use their muscles to hold the mats in place or to sniff around for hidden treats. While they may not provide as much physical exercise as some other activities, they still encourage movement and mental engagement. The best part? You can leave your dog to enjoy these activities independently, as long as you supervise them to ensure they stay safe and don’t get into any tricky situations!

Every dog is unique and has different needs, and it is your responsibility as their owner to meet those requirements. Some dogs may love swimming, while others may strongly dislike it. Your dog might enjoy agility training, but Anayah may struggle with it due to the presence of other people and dogs. Ultimately, it all depends on you, your dog, and your specific situation.

If your dog begins to misbehave, first consult with your vet to ensure there are no underlying health issues. Then, consider the amount of exercise your dog is getting. If you suspect it’s insufficient, try increasing their activity level and observe if their behaviour improves.

It's important to remember that it’s unfair to leave your dog crated or waiting at home for eight hours while you're at work, only to return home too tired to spend quality time with them. Additionally, if you sleep for up to nine hours, that leaves you with only seven hours to interact with your dog, not accounting for household chores, watching TV, putting the kids to bed, and cooking dinner.

A well-exercised dog is a happy dog, and the bond you create through shared activities will enrich both your lives. So, get out there and enjoy some quality time with your four-legged companion!