Signs Your Dog Isn’t Getting Enough Exercise (And How a Treadmill Can Help)

If your dog is pacing around the house like it’s a racetrack, chewing things they normally wouldn’t touch, or barking at shadows, chances are they’re not getting enough exercise.

I’ve seen it with my own dog. One week without enough movement, and suddenly the couch cushions look like a chew toy. These are common signs—your dog has energy to burn and no outlet for it.

Other red flags include:

• Weight gain, even if their diet hasn’t changed

• Restlessness at night, especially after a full day indoors

• Barking or whining for no clear reason

• Acting clingy or attention-hungry all of a sudden

• Destroying stuff when left alone (shoes, doors, even drywall)

These behaviors don’t mean your dog is “bad.” It usually means they’re bored, frustrated, or just under-exercised.

Dogs, like us, need daily movement—not just for their body, but for their brain. And when they don’t get it, they find their own way to let that energy out. Usually in ways we don’t love.

If you’ve noticed any of the signs above, it’s probably time to rethink your dog’s daily routine.

Most people think walking the dog once a day is enough. Sometimes, it is. But for many dogs—especially high-energy breeds—it’s just not cutting it.

Daily exercise does more than help your dog “burn energy.” It keeps their weight in check , supports joint health , and helps balance their energy levels throughout the day. A dog that gets the right kind of movement is less likely to crash at noon and go nuts at 9 p.m.

And then there’s the mental side.
Dogs are wired to move, sniff, chase, and explore. When they don’t get that outlet, boredom creeps in. That’s when you start seeing the stuff we call “bad behavior”—chewing, barking, pacing, digging. But it’s not about obedience—it’s unmet needs.

Exercise is also a stress-reliever.
Dogs who move regularly tend to be calmer and more confident. Without it, you might see anxiety, nervous barking, or even reactivity (like snapping at other dogs or people).

Some vets even link under-exercised dogs to depression-like behavior —dogs who seem “flat” or uninterested in play.

Physically, the risks are just as real. Lack of movement can lead to:

• Weight gain (which stresses joints and organs)

• Poor digestion

• Early arthritis or stiffness

• Weaker cardiovascular health over time

So it’s not just about “tiring them out.”
Regular movement keeps your dog healthy in ways you might not see—but they feel every day.

And the best part?

You don’t need to hike mountains or spend hours at the park. Sometimes, a treadmill at home is enough to change everything.

Sometimes the signs are subtle. Other times, they’re chewing your couch leg. If you’re wondering whether your dog’s getting enough movement, here are seven red flags to watch for.

Ever notice your dog pacing for no reason? Or zooming across the living room right after dinner?

That’s restlessness. It’s your dog’s way of saying, “I’ve got energy and nowhere to put it.”

You might see this in the evenings, especially if your dog’s been inside all day. It's common in working breeds, but even chill dogs need daily outlets.

If your dog’s starting to feel a little squishier when you pet them, it might not be just the snacks.

Weight gain often sneaks up on dogs who aren't moving enough—especially if they’re still eating like they’re running laps. Even a few extra pounds can strain joints and make them less likely to want to move, which only makes the cycle worse.

Chewed-up shoes. Torn pillows. Doors that look like they’ve met a beaver.

Destruction is often a cry for stimulation. Bored dogs get creative—and not in a way you’ll enjoy. Exercise gives them a job. Without it, they invent their own.

If your dog has suddenly turned into a full-time announcer, it might be more than just a noisy personality.

Barking and whining are often signs of pent-up frustration or unburned energy. Think of it like a toddler stuck indoors all day—they’re not trying to be annoying, they just don’t know what else to do.

Ever see your dog look exhausted—but still restless?

That’s the “wired but tired” effect. Without enough exercise, dogs don’t get that deep, restorative sleep. They crash for short naps, but stay edgy and overstimulated the rest of the day.

Some dogs just love to be close. But if yours is suddenly following you to the bathroom, pawing at you non-stop, or acting unusually needy, it might be because they feel off-balance.

A lack of physical activity often shows up as emotional clinginess. They’re trying to connect—but what they really need is movement.

This one surprises people. A usually friendly dog that starts growling, snapping, or guarding toys? It could be a sign of mental stress from lack of movement.

Exercise helps regulate mood. Without it, some dogs become unpredictable—not because they’re “bad,” but because they’re uncomfortable in their own body.

Not all dogs were built the same—and they definitely don’t all need the same amount of exercise.

A herding dog like a Border Collie needs way more movement than a sleepy Shih Tzu. If you're not sure where your pup falls, here’s a quick breakdown based on breed type and energy level .

Keep in mind, this is just a starting point. Your dog’s individual needs may shift based on age, health, and personality. Some 8-year-old Labs still act like puppies. Others are more than happy with a slow stroll and a nap.

If you’ve got a high-energy breed , a walk around the block probably isn’t enough. That’s where a treadmill can come in—especially if they need to burn energy fast and you don’t have time for a 90-minute hike.

This will walk you through how to tailor treadmill time based on your dog’s breed, energy level, and goals (fat loss, muscle building, anxiety control, etc.).

Some days, walks just don’t happen. Maybe it’s pouring rain. Maybe you're working late. Or maybe your dog needs way more movement than your schedule can handle. That’s where a treadmill—specifically one made for dogs—can make a real difference.

No need to wait for the sun to come out. A treadmill gives you consistency.

Your dog can get a workout even if it’s snowing, storming, or blazing hot outside. And you don’t have to worry about muddy paws or frozen fingers.

Some breeds are wired for work. Huskies, Malinois, Aussies—they don’t just want to move, they need to. A treadmill lets you create controlled, high-intensity sessions that actually meet your dog’s physical needs—without needing a football field.

Slatmills (manual treadmills) are especially great here. They move only when your dog does. That means your dog can sprint, jog, or stop as they please. It’s safer, more natural, and better for joint health than forcing a pace with a motor.

Living in an apartment? Don’t have a yard? A dog treadmill gives you a way to turn any indoor space into a workout zone .

Some models are foldable or compact enough to fit in a corner or slide under a table. And when you don’t need it, just tuck it away. It’s less space than a crate and a whole lot more useful.

Dogs love having a choice. A slatmill lets them set their own speed and rhythm, which reduces stress and builds confidence—especially for anxious or reactive dogs.

It’s like giving them a playground, just with fewer squirrels.

This isn’t about replacing walks or outdoor time. It’s about having a backup.
If your workday runs long, or you’ve got kids to manage, a 15-minute treadmill session can save your sanity—and your furniture.

It’s also a great daily routine for dogs that just have too much juice. You know the ones. The ones who still want to play fetch after a hike.

In short: a treadmill doesn’t solve everything. But it fills the gaps —and for a lot of dogs, that’s the difference between calm and chaos.

Many dogs don’t jump on a treadmill and start running—at least not at first. They need time, trust, and positive associations.

Here’s how to ease them into it:

• Start slow . On day one, don’t even turn the treadmill on. Just let your dog sniff it, walk around it, and get comfortable.

• Use treats or a toy to create a positive link. Place them near or on the treadmill belt so your dog associates it with something good.

• Keep the first session short. Think 2–3 minutes max. It’s more about confidence than cardio at this stage.

• Always supervise. Especially in the early days. Don’t leave your dog unattended—manual or motorized.

• Praise generously for every little win. One paw on the belt? Good dog. Standing still while it moves? Jackpot.

With the right approach, even nervous or stubborn dogs can learn to enjoy treadmill time.

You don’t need a high-end treadmill to change your dog’s life.

What you need is consistency.

Even 15 minutes a day of structured indoor movement can balance your dog’s mood, trim down those extra pounds, and save your sanity during bad weather or busy weeks.

Dog treadmills don’t replace outdoor walks—but they fill the gaps . And if your dog is high-energy, anxious, or just plain bored, that might be the difference between a calm night… and a shredded couch cushion.

It’s not about spoiling your dog.

It’s about giving them what their body and brain actually need.