Author Sarah Dungca / Dog and Dog Behaviour /  

• Destructive Behaviour
• Weight Gain
• Rough Playing
• Pestering Behaviour
• Leash Pulling
• Pacing and Restlessness
• Excessive Barking or Whimpering
• Depression or Lethargy

Destructive Behaviour

In many cases, destructive behaviour, such as excessive chewing ( of those things not meant to be chewed), and scratching or digging indoors, is one of the clearest signs your dog is anxious or bored— and exercise to tire them out and lift their mood is certain to help alleviate these issues.

Weight Gain

This one is pretty obvious, if there haven’t been any changes in diet, or the onset of any new health issues- weight gain is often the clearest indicator that your dog is needing to exercise more often. Just like us, we need to make sure our dogs input and output of calories are in balance.

Rough Play

While is is expected that puppies experiment in the early months with a little rough play, it is not usual for a well-behaved and trained dog to suddenly start showing dominant behaviours when playing. Certainly, some dogs prefer to play with a little more exhurbanctly than others, but if it seems your dog cannot calm himself down during play, or seems to lack the control to back off when he needs to--it could be a sign that he has a lot of pent up energy that needs to be spent in other ways.

Pestering Behaviour

When at home, does your dog seem to keep pestering you? If your dog is following you around, getting in your way when you are trying to go about your day, or seems to always want to have your attention, it is likely he is trying to tell you it is time to go out and play!

Leash Pulling

Does that have pent up energy also tend to tug at the leash a lot more than those who are satisfied with their level of exercise. Leash pulling can also be a sign that your dog is not getting consistent or regular enough exercise. While many scent or sight breeds will pull if they are near their potential pray, working breeds in particular will pull if they have a lot of energy stored up.

Pacing and Restlessness

Ever seen an animal at the zoo pacing back and forth? Just like those animals, dogs who pace back and forth around the house are often telling you in the clearest way they know how that their either frustrated, anxious, or bored. When dogs start pacing or demonstrate other restless behaviours, it is usually pretty certain that they need to get for a walk or have some time to play. In most cases, dogs who are relaxed, well exercised, and comfortable at home, do not exhibit these behaviours. It is important to recognise these behaviours early on before it leads to bigger issues of anxiety and destructive behaviours.

Excessive Barking or Whimpering

While some dogs show their frustration through pacing or destructive behaviour, others express it vocally. Dogs left home for long periods throughout the day without the chance to go out, are prone to barking or whimpering to express their pent up energy. If your dog seems to bark excessively, whether you are at home or not, it may be the case that they need to get out more or play more often.

Depression or Lethargy

This one is often missed, as a depressed or lethargic dog is often mistaken for ill, or simply branded, a lazy dog when in fact, depression in dogs is often common in those who are simply bored, under-exercised, and have come to expect that this the norm. I have seen many dogs deemed overly docile or chill, completely light up when I go to collect them for walks. I have often been surprised by how energetic dogs these dogs actually are when given the chance, and so are their owners!

It is important to consult with your veterinarian if you suspect any of the signs above are the result of something other than boredom or lack of exercise. It is also important to consult with them if you decide that you want to significantly change the exercise routine of an overweight dog. Generally speaking though, just like us, a little more exercise is often the key to better general health and happiness for your dog. It can be tough during the winter months to find the motivation to go out yourself, but it is important to realize that dogs need exercise regardless of weather. If you find you are unable to give your dog the time and exercise it needs- for whatever reason, a dog walker can certainly help! Contact us for a complimentary meet and greet so we can discuss how best to get your dog the exercise he needs!