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Dogs are naturally active, and while some breeds have more energy than others, all dogs need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. But how can you tell if your pup is getting enough movement? Since they can’t lace up running shoes, they use their behavior to drop hints. If your dog is acting out, pacing, or zooming around the house, they may tell you they need more activity. Paying attention to these signs can prevent boredom, frustration, and health issues—so grab the leash and get moving!
Excessive Zoomies Around the House
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If your dog suddenly turns your living room into a racetrack, darting from one end to the other at full speed, they’re likely overflowing with pent-up energy. Zoomies (or frenetic random activity periods) are normal, but if they happen frequently, your pup might not get enough exercise. Regular walks, play sessions, and interactive activities can help release that energy in a controlled way instead of letting it turn your furniture into an obstacle course.
Destructive Chewing
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Chewed-up shoes, shredded pillows, and gnawed-on furniture legs are all signs of a bored dog looking for a way to burn off energy. When dogs don’t get enough exercise, they find their own ways to entertain themselves—and that often involves destruction. Ensuring your dog gets enough physical activity daily can help prevent your home from becoming their chew toy.
Barking at Everything (Even the Air)
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Does your dog bark at every little sound, passing car, or imaginary ghost in the corner? A dog that barks excessively may be trying to tell you they need a better outlet for their energy. Exercise helps reduce restlessness and anxiety, making your pup less likely to bark at every leaf that dares to blow across the yard.
Restlessness and Pacing
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If your dog constantly gets up, pacing back and forth, or switching sleeping spots every few minutes, it might be restless due to a lack of exercise. Regular activity helps burn off extra energy and encourages better relaxation. If your dog can’t settle, try increasing its daily walks or adding more playtime.
Jumping on People More Than Usual
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Jumping is often a sign of excitement, but when your dog launches at every guest (or even you when you walk through the door), it could be a sign that it needs more exercise. Dogs with excess energy find ways to release it; jumping is often their go-to method. Physical activity can help curb this behavior and make greetings less chaotic.
Constantly Begging for Attention
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If your dog doesn’t stop pawing at you, nudging your hand, or staring at you with its best “please play with me” eyes, it might need more exercise. While dogs love attention, excessive clinginess indicates they want something to do. Regular exercise sessions can help satisfy their need for stimulation and reduce their constant demands for attention.
Digging Holes in the Yard (or the Couch)
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Dogs with too much energy often resort to digging to entertain themselves. If your backyard is starting to look like a minefield or your dog is scratching up the carpet, it might be a sign that your dog needs more physical activity. A tired dog is far less likely to turn your lawn (or couch) into a digging project.
Gaining Weight Despite Eating the Same Amount
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If your dog is packing on extra pounds but its diet hasn’t changed, it’s possibly not burning enough calories. Like humans, dogs need a balanced diet and exercise to stay in shape. Increasing their daily physical activity can help keep their weight in check and improve their overall health.
Stealing and Hoarding Objects
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Is your dog suddenly collecting socks, shoes, or anything else it can get its paws on? Hoarding behavior can be a sign of boredom and a lack of mental and physical stimulation. When dogs don’t get enough exercise, they find ways to entertain themselves—sometimes by stealing things and stashing them in their secret hiding spots. More physical activity can help redirect that energy into something more constructive.
Sleeping More Than Usual
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While exercise helps dogs burn off energy, too little exercise can actually lead to excessive sleep. If your dog spends most of the day napping and seems sluggish, it might be lacking the physical stimulation it needs. Regular walks and playtime can help boost their energy levels and keep them engaged throughout the day.
Pulling on the Leash Like a Maniac
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If your dog turns every walk into a sprinting competition, it’s probably bursting with energy and needs an outlet. A dog that gets enough exercise should be able to walk calmly on a leash without trying to drag its owner down the street. Adding more physical activity outside of walks, like play sessions or running, can help make leash training easier.
Trying to Play at Odd Hours
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Does your dog bring you their favorite toy at midnight or start zooming around the house when you’re ready for bed? If your dog shows bursts of energy at strange times, it likely means they didn’t get enough activity during the day. Ensuring they get enough exercise earlier in the day can help prevent these late-night energy spikes.
Whining for No Apparent Reason
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If your dog whines but has been fed, let outside, and given attention, it may be trying to tell you it’s bored. Whining is often a way for dogs to communicate their frustration, and in many cases, it’s a sign they need more exercise. A good play session or a long walk can often quiet their complaints and leave them feeling more content.
Getting Into the Trash
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A bored dog is adventurous, and sometimes, that adventure leads straight to the trash can. If your dog suddenly starts rummaging through garbage, knocking over bins, or stealing food off the counter, it might just be looking for something to do. Increasing its exercise can help satisfy its curiosity and keep your kitchen mess-free.
The “Please Walk Me” Look
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If your dog is sitting by the door, staring at the leash, or giving you the saddest puppy eyes imaginable, they’re telling you in the most obvious way possible that they need more exercise. Dogs are great at communicating their needs, and sometimes, all it takes is paying attention to their cues. If they look at you like they’re ready for adventure, it’s probably time for a walk!
The Exercise Solution Every Dog Wants
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Dogs don’t ask for much—just love, food, and enough exercise to keep their bodies and minds happy. If your pup shows any of these signs, they beg you to get moving with them. Regular physical activity helps prevent boredom, behavioral issues, and weight gain while mentally and physically stimulating your dog. The best part? Exercising strengthens your bond, keeps both of you healthy, and makes for unforgettable adventures. So, next time your dog starts acting up, don’t scold them—grab the leash and give them the fun and movement they’re craving!
The post 15 Ways Your Dog Is Trying to Tell You They Need More Exercise appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.