5 Signs Your Dog Needs More Walks During the Day
If you’ve ever come home to chewed-up shoes, muddy paw prints, or a very energetic greeting, your dog might be trying to tell you something: they need more walks.
Walks aren’t just bathroom breaks—they’re an essential part of your dog’s physical and mental health. Regular walks provide exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction that dogs crave. Without them, even the most well-behaved pets can develop restlessness or behavioral issues.
So how can you tell if your dog needs more outdoor time? Here are five clear signs your pup could benefit from extra walks during the day.
1. Your Dog Has Endless Energy Indoors
One of the most obvious signs your dog needs more exercise is too much energy at home.
If your dog is zooming around the house, barking excessively, pestering you for attention, or constantly bringing you toys, they’re likely craving more physical activity. Breeds like Border Collies, Labradors, and Terriers, in particular, have high energy levels that require daily outlets.
Why it matters:
Dogs need physical activity to burn calories and stay balanced.
A lack of exercise can lead to frustration, which often turns into undesirable behavior.
Just one or two extra walks a day can make a noticeable difference in your dog’s mood and behavior.
Pro Tip: Try adding a midday dog walk—especially if you’re away at work. Many pet owners in Lake County hire a professional dog walker to provide their pets with a fun energy release during long days at home.
2. Destructive Behavior When You’re Away
Chewed furniture, shredded pillows, overturned trash cans—sound familiar? While this might look like mischief, it’s often a sign of boredom or pent-up energy.
When dogs don’t get enough mental or physical stimulation, they find their own entertainment. Unfortunately, that often means turning your home into a playground.
Signs include:
Chewing shoes, socks, or furniture.
Digging into carpets or outdoor flowerbeds.
Getting into garbage or household items.
How walks help:
Walks provide structure and purpose, giving your dog something to look forward to.
Exploring new sights and smells is mentally enriching—it’s like reading the news for dogs!
Regular exercise can prevent destructive outbursts by reducing restlessness.
If your dog’s “creative remodeling projects” are becoming routine, more walks (or longer ones) can redirect that energy into healthy activity.
3. Weight Gain or Loss of Muscle Tone
Just like humans, dogs need consistent activity to maintain a healthy weight and body composition. If your pup seems to be gaining weight or losing muscle definition, it may be a sign they’re not getting enough daily exercise.
Health consequences of too little exercise:
Obesity, which can lead to heart disease, diabetes, or joint issues.
Stiffness or reduced mobility, especially in older dogs.
Shortened lifespan due to preventable health problems.
What you can do:
Add 15–30 minutes of brisk walking each day.
Mix up walks with light jogging, fetch, or scent-tracking games.
Hire a dog walker for mid-day activity if your schedule doesn’t allow it.
A professional walker can ensure your dog stays active even when you’re at work—helping them maintain a healthy, happy lifestyle.
4. Restlessness or Trouble Sleeping
A tired dog is a happy dog—and usually, a sleepy one too. If your dog paces at night, whines, or seems restless when the household is winding down, it may mean they didn’t get enough exercise during the day.
Why this happens:
Dogs are built for activity. Without enough movement, they retain extra energy that can make it hard to settle down. Think of it like skipping your own workout—you’ll often feel wired instead of relaxed.
The fix:
Adding an extra walk or a longer evening stroll can help burn off that lingering energy. Many dog owners find that a short nighttime walk improves their pet’s sleep routine—and their own!
Bonus Tip: Walks before dinner or bedtime can also promote better digestion and reduce nighttime accidents for younger or older dogs.
5. Behavioral Changes or Anxiety
Dogs thrive on structure and routine. When their daily activity decreases, they can become anxious, clingy, or even depressed. You may notice your dog:
Follows you around more than usual.
Becomes vocal (whining, barking) when left alone.
Shows signs of separation anxiety.
Physical activity releases endorphins, the same “feel-good” hormones that humans get from exercise. Regular walks can help stabilize your dog’s mood and reduce anxiety.
How to tell if it’s helping:
After a week or two of more frequent walks, many owners notice their dogs are calmer, more confident, and better behaved. The combination of fresh air, movement, and positive interaction does wonders for mental health.
How Many Walks Does Your Dog Really Need?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it depends on your dog’s breed, age, and health.
General guidelines:
Puppies: 3–5 short walks or potty breaks daily.
Adult dogs: 1–2 long walks (30–60 minutes) plus playtime.
Senior dogs: Shorter, slower walks still matter for joint health and mental stimulation.
High-energy breeds like Huskies or Australian Shepherds may need multiple walks a day, while smaller or senior dogs may do well with one long walk and a few short breaks.
If you’re unsure, observe your dog’s behavior: if they seem restless, anxious, or overly playful at home, they likely need more walks.
The Benefits Go Beyond Exercise
Adding walks to your dog’s routine doesn’t just benefit them—it benefits you too.
For your dog:
Improved physical health and longevity.
Better behavior and reduced stress.
Stronger bond with their human companion.
For you:
Peace of mind knowing your pet is happy and cared for.
A cleaner, calmer home (no chewed furniture or muddy surprises).
More time to focus on work or family while someone else handles the walks.
When to Hire a Professional Dog Walker
If you work long hours, have a busy family schedule, or simply can’t fit in enough walks, a professional dog walker can make a world of difference.
At Paige’s In-Home Pet Care, we provide personalized dog walking services across Lake County, Illinois—tailored to your dog’s age, energy level, and routine. Our walkers ensure your pup gets the exercise, love, and attention they need while you’re away.
Regular walks with a trusted professional can help prevent boredom, improve your dog’s health, and make evenings at home more peaceful for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Your dog can’t tell you in words when they need more exercise—but they show it in plenty of ways. From restless nights to chewed-up shoes, the message is usually clear: more walks, please!
By recognizing these five signs and adjusting their routine, you can give your pup the activity, structure, and stimulation they crave.
And if you need a helping hand, our team at Paige’s In-Home Pet Care is here to help—whether it’s daily walks, mid-day potty breaks, or full in-home pet sitting. Because every dog deserves a happy, healthy, and well-walked life.
