A common belief dog owners have is that their dog is getting all of the exercise that they need in their own backyard, even if you're out there playing with them. Yes, they might be getting exercise but depending on the size of your yard, it's most likely not enough. Even more important, your dog isn't getting the mental stimulation, structure, and exertion that they get from a walk. Specifically, I'm talking about new smells, new sights, and interaction with other dogs.

How can you tell if your dog needs a walk everyday?

Destructive Chewing or Digging

If your dog is using your shoes, couch cushions, or chair legs for chew toys or if they're digging a massive hole in your backyard with nothing to bury...they're not misbehaving, they're most likely bored. Chewing and digging are the best ways for dogs to get rid of pent up energy.

What a walk fixes

A structured daily walk will give your dog a chance to use both their physical and mental energy before it becomes destructive. The actual walking itself helps to work your dog's muscles and joints while the sniffing and exploring gets your dog's brain working by processing the new information (which can tire your dog out just as much as the physical walk). The result is a calm and relaxed dog while indoors.

Pacing, Whining, or Restlessness

Mental engagement is just as important as physical engagement. A dog roaming from room-to-room, unable to settle down is a dog who is very under-stimulated.

What a walk fixes

New smells, new routes, and just simply exploring gives your dog's brain something to work on. A mentally tired dog settles down.

Excessive Barking at Everything (or Nothing)

When a dog barks at everything from a moving car and a leaf blowing across the yard has a lot of unspent energy looking for outlets. Barking is their way of engaging when they have no other way to do so.

What a walk fixes

A walk allows your dog to investigate their environment on their own terms, reducing the urge to react to every motion or noise.

Weight Gain or Low Energy

Letting your dog outside doesn't necessarily mean they are going to be exercised. Many dogs will find a nice spot and take another nap. Eventually, this will result in your dog gaining weight, losing stamina, and feeling sluggish when they do play.

What a walk fixes

Walking equals exercise. It's the best way to maintain a healthy weight and good cardiovascular health.

Separation Anxiety

If your dog goes crazy when you come home, regardless how long you have been gone, that's often a sign of built up energy and anxiety from a day with little stimulation.

What a walk fixes

A midday walk breaks up the long stretch of alone time and gives your dog the chance to release energy and reset. This often results in calmer dogs who are still happy to see you when you get home, just not as crazy about showing it!

The Bottom Line

A backyard is a nice to have for you dog, but nothing beats a real walk. If your dog shows any of these behaviors, it doesn't necessarily mean your dog is misbehaving. They're simply asking for more structure and more stimulation.