Adequate physical exercise is a fundamental welfare requirement for dogs, with significant consequences for physical health, mental wellbeing, and behaviour when needs go unmet.
Dogs evolved as high-activity animals and carry strong behavioural needs for movement, exploration, and social engagement. Exercise is not simply a health supplement — it is a welfare necessity. Dogs who are chronically under-exercised often develop frustration-based behaviours including destructiveness, excessive vocalisation, and aggression, which are frequently misidentified as temperament problems. Meeting exercise needs requires understanding the specific breed, individual temperament, and life stage of each dog. Owners should assess not just duration but the quality of exercise — allowing dogs to sniff, explore, and play freely rather than simply walking on a lead.