
Bored Dog? Here’s How Much Exercise Your Pup Really Needs — and How to Make It Fun Again By Freya & Dax | The Green Paw Journal
Bored Dog? Here’s How Much Exercise Your Pup Really Needs — and How to Make It Fun Again
By Freya & Dax | The Green Paw Journal
A bored dog isn’t just sad — they’re often destructive, anxious, or bouncing off the walls.
If you’ve ever come home to shredded pillows or endless zoomies, you’re not alone.
But here’s the good news: solving dog boredom often comes down to movement, play, and purpose — not more expensive gadgets.
Let’s talk about how much exercise your dog actually needs, how to tell if they’re bored, and what you can do to keep them happy, healthy, and thriving (without relying on plastic toys or techy distractions).
🐾 How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s a general guide based on age and breed:
Dog Type | Daily Exercise Needed |
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Small/Low-Energy Breeds (e.g. Pugs, Bulldogs) | 30–45 minutes daily |
Medium Breeds (e.g. Spaniels, Beagles) | 1–1.5 hours daily |
High-Energy Breeds (e.g. Border Collies, Labs) | 2+ hours (split throughout day) |
Puppies | Short bursts + mental stimulation |
Seniors | Light walks + gentle play |
Remember: Exercise isn’t just physical — dogs need mental stimulation, too!
🐶 Signs Your Dog Might Be Bored:
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Excessive barking or whining
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Chewing furniture, shoes, or walls
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Digging (even inside!)
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Following you everywhere
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Acting out for attention
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Sleeping all day, then pacing at night
Sound familiar? Time to get creative with playtime.
🐕🦺 6 Easy (and Eco-Friendly) Ways to Exercise a Bored Dog
1. Tug-of-War That Cleans Teeth
Use a natural rope toy like our Coconut Husk Tug to burn off energy and support dental health. Bonus: it’s biodegradable and plastic-free.
🟢 Perfect for indoor play, small spaces, and rainy days.
2. Backyard Fetch with Purpose
Ditch the squeaky plastic ball and try a Coconut Ball instead. Lightweight, sturdy, and safe if chewed — it’s a win for your dog and the planet.
3. The Sniff Walk
Let your pup explore with their nose on a loose-leash walk. It’s low-impact, calming, and incredibly enriching.
🟢 Just 20 minutes of sniffing = mental workout.
4. Solo Chew Time
Our Coconut Husk Chew Ball is perfect for dogs who need to stay busy while you work or cook. Made from dense coconut fiber, it satisfies their natural urge to chew without mess.
5. Obstacle Course at Home
Use couch cushions, boxes, and a favorite toy to guide your dog through a mini agility course. Great for rainy or hot days!
6. Rotate Toys (and Hide Them!)
Don’t leave every toy out at once. Instead, rotate 2–3 toys weekly, and hide them around the house for a game of “Find It!”
💚 Why Toy Choice Matters
Many conventional dog toys are:
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Full of hidden plastics, toxic dyes, and synthetic fillers
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Built to break fast = more waste
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Non-biodegradable = lasting landfill impact
At Freya & Dax, we craft our toys from all natural coconut husk — a renewable, durable fiber that’s safe for supervised play and compostable at the end of its life.
Your dog stays entertained. The planet stays protected.
🌿 Final Thought: A Happy Dog is a Healthy Dog
Exercise doesn’t need to be complicated. What your dog really wants is connection, consistency, and conscious care.
Whether it’s a game of tug, a sunny sniff walk, or a sustainable toy made with love — those little moments make a big impact.
👉 Shop Natural Toys That Keep Dogs Moving
📌 Tag us in your pup’s playtime @freyandax
#EcoPetParent #FreyaAndDax #DogBoredomFix