Exercise and play
How do I know if my dog needs more exercise?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Common signs of under exercise include restlessness at times the dog used to settle, destructive chewing, excess barking, weight gain, and attention seeking behaviors like nudging or pawing. If these appear despite a walk the dog previously seemed content with, the routine likely needs more time, more variety, or more mental challenge.
Behavioral clues
A dog that starts chewing furniture, digging, or barking more than usual, especially in the hour or two after a walk that used to satisfy it, is often telling you its needs have outgrown the current routine.
Physical clues
Gradual weight gain despite unchanged food amounts, or muscle that feels softer than it used to along the back and hindquarters, can point to a drop in real activity even if the dog still gets daily walks.
What to try first
Adding one extra 15 minute session, swapping a flat walk for a sniffier route, or introducing a 10 minute training or puzzle session often resolves mild under exercise within a week or two before assuming a bigger change is needed.
Key takeaways
- New destructive behavior or excess barking often signals unmet exercise needs.
- Gradual weight gain or softer muscle tone can point to reduced real activity.
- A small addition, one extra short session or more variety, often fixes mild under exercise quickly.