What happens to your dog’s behavior if they don’t exercise?
Everyone knows how excited their dog gets when asked, “Do you want to go for a walk?” That joy doesn’t just come from a passion for walking. For dogs, exercise is a critical part of their physical and mental health. Many of the most popular dog breeds are originally sporting or working dogs that are bred for a physically and mentally demanding job.
If you don’t properly exercise your pup, they may start to act out or develop bad habits that require extensive training to resolve. Here is what happens to your dog’s behavior if they don’t exercise.
Destructive behavior
If you have missed a few walks, you may notice that your dog starts to be destructive around the house. They may start to destroy their favorite toys, chew furniture, or even eat things that are not good for them. Your dog may start damaging things around your house because they’re bored or have pent up energy that they’re trying to expend. If you notice your dog beginning to destroy things while you’re not home, immediately make sure they’re kept in a safe place like a crate, so they don’t accidentally swallow something that could cause health problems or serious harm.
Anxiety or depression
If your dog is sedentary for long periods of time, you might notice that they’re acting more sluggish or less interested in their favorite things. We recognize these symptoms of depression in humans, but sometimes it might be harder to identify in dogs. Exercise is a powerful tool for combating depression in our canine companions. When dogs exercise, they benefit from a release of endorphins, just like people. Those endorphins can keep your dog in a good mood and fend off mental health troubles.
Leash pulling or rough play
Your dog may take too much energy into their regular activities. An overactive or hyper dog may roughhouse too much with other dogs or pull on their leash to expend their excess energy. A properly exercised dog may be less eager to drag you during walks or have better manners at the dog park, because they’re less desperate for a physical outlet.
Attention-seeking behavior
Does your dog bark excessively out the window or even at you? This attention-seeking behavior could be the first sign that your dog is not getting enough stimulus. By barking, your dog is actively trying to communicate with you; they may be begging for your attention or some extra stimulation. If you find yourself annoyed by whining, barking, or even nudging from your dog, it might be time to take them to the park and play some fetch.
Restless during sleep
Like people, if your dog isn’t getting worked enough during the day, they may not be worn out enough to get a good night’s sleep. If your dog is getting up multiple times throughout the night, it might be due to lack of exercise. If your dog is irritable during the day, and you hear them pacing the house at night, try some extra playtime while the sun is out to see if that helps them sleep.
Sometimes, dog owners underestimate the exercise needs of their dogs because they’re generally well-behaved. Acting out is one of the first signs that your pup is not getting enough of it. Pay attention to these behavioral changes, as they can warn you of a dangerous trend before lasting trouble occurs, including weight gain and muscle imbalance.
Now that you know what happens to your dog’s behavior if they don’t exercise, you can avoid negative conduct before it becomes a lasting habit. Making sure your dog has a significant physical outlet is a great way to ensure that you’ll have a best friend for life.
