Exercise, the Key to a Calm Dog: Teaching Calmness Series, Part 3
Helping your dog learn calmness is one of the most important skills you can teach. Just like children, dogs need guidance to develop self-regulation. Calm behavior doesn’t happen by accident—it’s supported through routines, structure, and especially the right kind of exercise.
In this article, we’ll explore how physical exercise and mental stimulation directly influence your dog’s behavior, and how you can use them to create a calmer, happier companion.
Why Exercise Is Essential for a Calm Dog
Dogs are naturally energetic and curious. When they can’t release that energy, it often turns into unwanted behaviors such as:
Destructive chewing
Jumping on people
Overexcitement during greetings
Barking, pacing, or restlessness
Anxiety or nervous behaviors
Regular exercise helps your dog burn excess energy before it becomes a behavior problem. Well-exercised dogs typically show better focus, improved manners, and stronger emotional stability.
How Much Exercise Does a Dog Need?
Most dogs need a minimum of 45 minutes of physical exercise per day. Some dogs—especially working, sporting, and herding breeds—may require significantly more to stay balanced and calm.
If your dog still seems restless or over-energized, try:
A longer weekend hike
A structured nature walk
Adding short training games during your walk
Pressed for time? Splitting exercise into two shorter walks is perfectly fine. Consistency matters more than perfection.
Mental Stimulation Is Just as Important as Physical Exercise
Mental exercise is one of the most powerful tools for encouraging calmness in dogs. Activities that challenge your dog’s mind help reduce boredom, anxiety, and frustration.
Great ways to add mental stimulation for dogs include:
Fetch with rules (wait, drop it, bring it back)
Hide-and-seek using treats, toys or people
Puzzle toys or snuffle mats
Short training sessions using positive reinforcement
Chewing, which is both soothing and mentally engaging
Just 5–10 minutes of mental work can be as tiring as a long walk.
The Leader-Led Walk: The Best Activity for Calmness Training
The most effective activity for building calmness is a leader-led walk. This is a structured walk where your dog stays by your side and follows your pace and direction.
A leader-led walk provides:
Physical exercise
Mental stimulation
Improved focus
Better impulse control
Stronger connection between you and your dog
You can still let your dog explore! Add “sniff breaks” or short periods of free time on a long lead. This gives your dog sensory fulfillment without losing structure.
How Exercise Supports Calmness Training
Exercise helps your dog:
Release physical energy
Lower stress and cortisol levels
Improve sleep quality
Learn and retain training more easily
Feel calmer and more secure at home
When your dog’s basic needs are met, everything from obedience training to manners to relaxation becomes easier.
Quick Review/FAQs
How much exercise does a dog need each day?
Most dogs need at least 45 minutes, and many need more depending on breed, age, and energy level.
What are signs my dog needs more exercise?
Restlessness, chewing, barking, overexcitement, jumping, and difficulty settling.
What’s the best walk for calming a dog?
A leader-led walk that mixes structured walking with controlled exploration.
Does mental stimulation help calm a dog?
Absolutely—mental challenges can tire a dog as effectively as physical exercise.
Final Thoughts: Calmness Begins With Exercise
Teaching your dog to be calm starts with meeting their physical and mental needs. Once your dog’s energy is appropriately channeled, they’re far more capable of learning self-control and responding to training. In the next part of our Teaching Calmness series, we’ll explore additional strategies to help your dog develop lasting, reliable calm behavior.
