Why Long Walks Aren’t Always the Answer for High-Energy Dogs

When “more exercise” doesn’t work

If you’ve got a dog who’s bouncing off the walls, it’s easy to think the answer is simple: more walks. Longer walks. Faster walks.

But here’s the problem, for many high-energy dogs, more exercise doesn’t calm them down. In fact, it can quite often make them more wired, not less.

Why “walk them more” can backfire

Dogs don’t just run on physical energy. They also run on mental and emotional energy. When you keep increasing the length or intensity of walks without addressing the mental side, you can:

• Build their stamina for chaos instead of their capacity for calm.

• Keep their adrenaline and cortisol levels high.

• Create a cycle where they need more and more to feel satisfied.

Think of it like giving a hyper child endless sugary snacks, it keeps them going, but it doesn’t teach them how to wind down.

The missing ingredient: emotional regulation

For true calm, dogs need balance:

• Physical outlets (yes, walks and play are important).

• Mental stimulation (sniffing, training games).

• Decompression time (quiet rest, safe spaces, low-pressure environments, appropriate chews and lickmats/Kongs).

Without that balance, a dog might look “fit and active” but still be restless, overreactive, or unable to settle.

3 ways to help your high-energy dog calm down (without more miles)

1. Switch one walk for a sniffari
Instead of marching around the block, slow down. Let your dog choose the route and sniff to their heart’s content. Sniffing lowers heart rate and blood pressure, making it a powerful calm-building tool.

2. Add short training bursts at home
A few minutes of recall games, “find it” cues, training exercises or tricks can mentally tire your dog faster than a long walk.

3. Prioritise decompression
After any high-energy activity, give your dog a calm, cosy space to wind down. No extra play, no loud noises - just rest.

The bottom line

High-energy dogs don’t need endless exercise, they need a lifestyle that supports calm. When you stop relying on longer walks and start focusing on balance, you’ll see the difference in your dog’s ability to relax, focus, and connect with you.

Your next step

If recall is one of your struggles, my Recall Online Course will show you how to get your dog running back to you, even when they’re full of beans. It’s just £29 and you can start today.

Check it out here → lavendergardenanimalservices.co.uk/recall-online