Why Physical and Mental Exercise Is Non-Negotiable for Every Dog—Regardless of Breed or Size

When we bring a dog into our home, we’re not just adding a cute, furry companion to the family. We’re taking on the responsibility of meeting the needs of a living being with instincts, emotions, and energy that must be respected. Among those needs, physical and mental exercise are non-negotiable.

A clients Viszla puppy running on her walk through the woods.

This applies to every dog—whether you’re living with a 6-pound Chihuahua or a 120-pound German Shepherd. Size, breed, or lifestyle may influence how these needs are met, but not whether they need to be met.

Dogs Were Bred for Purpose—And That Purpose Wasn’t Couch Sitting

Let’s start with the basics: dogs are descendants of wolves and were bred by humans over thousands of years to do things—hunt, guard, herd, retrieve, pull sleds, and more. Even lapdog breeds were selectively bred to be alert, emotionally attuned, and interactive. A dog’s body and brain are built to be used.

So what happens when a dog’s daily life doesn’t give them an outlet to fulfill their physical and mental needs?

We see:

• Destructive behavior

• Barking and reactivity

• Separation anxiety

• Hyperactivity

• Resource guarding

• Poor impulse control

• Depression and learned helplessness
  

These aren’t just “bad behaviors”—they’re symptoms of unmet needs.

Physical Exercise: More Than a Quick Potty Walk

Every dog needs movement. Some need more than others, sure—but all need structured physical outlets. This doesn’t just mean throwing a ball for 15 minutes in the backyard or a quick stroll around the block.

Why physical exercise matters:

• Burns off excess energy that might otherwise be channeled into undesirable behaviors

• Helps regulate sleep, digestion, and hormones

• Promotes healthy weight and cardiovascular function

• Builds muscle tone and physical coordination

• Provides opportunities for training and bonding Real-life example: A high-strung dog who is walked once a day and spends the rest of their time inside will likely struggle with focus, anxiety, and frustration. But that same dog, after a structured walk and play session in the morning, may become calm, content, and easier to manage for the rest of the day.

Reminder: Small dogs need exercise too. The myth that “small dogs don't need much” often leads to behavioral issues. A 10-pound terrier can easily outpace a 60-pound couch potato when it comes to energy.

Mental Stimulation: The Forgotten Ingredient

A tired dog is not just one who’s physically drained—they’re one whose brain has been used. Dogs are problem-solvers. Left with nothing to do, they will find something to do—like shredding your shoes or barking at every movement outside.

Mental exercise includes:

• Training sessions (even 5–10 minutes goes a long way)

• Puzzle feeders and scent games (doesn´ t replace training or walks)

• Nosework or tracking

• Environmental enrichment (new places, textures, smells)

• Interactive toys

• Giving dogs “jobs” (carrying a backpack, holding a down-stay while you cook)
  

Mental stimulation helps:

• Build confidence and focus

• Reduce anxiety and stress

• Strengthen the bond between dog and owner

• Encourage calm, thoughtful behavior

• Prevent boredom-based destruction or barking
  

Even senior dogs and low-energy breeds benefit immensely from engaging their brain regularly.

The Myth of the “Low-Maintenance” Dog

Many owners fall into the trap of thinking certain breeds—like Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, or even mixed breeds—don’t need much exercise because they’re “chill” or “lazy.” But more often than not, what looks like low energy is actually a dog who’s shut down or bored. Just because a dog lies around all day doesn’t mean they’re fulfilled—it may mean they’ve learned that nothing interesting happens.

No dog was born to do nothing.

When Needs Are Met, Magic Happens

When a dog is getting the right amount of physical and mental exercise for their individual needs, they:

• Settle easier at home

• Learn faster and retain better

• Become less reactive and more adaptable

• Are easier to manage in public

• Gain confidence in unfamiliar situations

• Are simply happier

This doesn’t just improve the dog’s quality of life—it transforms the relationship between dog and human. A dog who is tired in the right ways becomes a dog who listens, trusts, and enjoys being part of your world.

While consistent training is always important, many common behavior struggles—like leash pulling, barking, reactivity, or restlessness—often become much easier to address once a dog’s physical and mental needs are being met. Training doesn’t replace exercise and enrichment—it builds on them.

Meeting the Needs: It’s Your Responsibility

Whether you live in a city apartment or on a mountain ranch, your dog’s exercise and enrichment needs don’t change—they just need to be met differently.

Ask yourself:

• Is my dog getting daily structured physical activity that matches their energy level?

• Am I engaging their brain in meaningful ways?

• Does my dog have variety in their experiences?

• Am I building their confidence and skills, not just managing them?
  

If the answer is “not really,” it’s not too late to start. Your dog doesn’t need perfection—just consistency, effort, and your willingness to show up for them.

Owning a dog isn’t just about companionship—it’s about commitment. Physical and mental exercise isn’t a luxury or an optional add-on to a dog’s life. It’s a foundational,

part of their well-being.

If you’re struggling with your dog’s behavior, chances are they’re under-exercised, under-stimulated, or both. Fix that, and you may be surprised how much easier it becomes to train, connect, and live in harmony with your dog.

Give your dog a job. Give them a challenge. Let them move. Let them think.

They’ll thank you with better behavior, a calmer mind, and a life lived to the fullest—right by your side.