07/18/2025
Why Your Dog’s Zoomies Aren’t Solved by a 10-Mile Hike: The Real Key to Balanced Behaviour
You walk them for miles. You take them to daycare. You throw the ball until your arm’s falling off. And yet, your dog still chews the skirting board, barks at invisible things, or pings around the house like a pinball machine on Red Bull.
Sound familiar?
You’re not alone and you’re not necessarily doing anything wrong. But you might be doing too much of one thing and not enough of something else.
Let’s unpack this, shall we?
Dogs Aren’t Tired, They’re Wired
There’s a common myth in the dog world: “A tired dog is a good dog.” And like many myths, it contains a grain of truth, but also a whacking great misunderstanding.
Think of your dog as a professional athlete. If you take a sprinter and have them train flat-out every single day, without recovery, they’ll end up injured, burnt out, and grumpy. The same applies to your dog. When you constantly ramp up physical activity in an effort to “wear them out,” all you’re doing is building stamina. And guess what? That just means they’ll need even more exercise to reach the same level of fatigue.
Eventually, you’ll run out of hours in the day or energy in your own legs and your dog will still be bouncing off the walls.
Overtired = Over the Top
Dogs get overtired. Not “had a lovely run and now ready for a nap” tired, but overtired like a toddler who missed their nap and is now shrieking at the cat because the wind changed direction.
Here are a few red flags:
• They can’t settle, even when it’s quiet.
• They’re jumpier or more sensitive than usual.
• Training goes out the window, they just can’t concentrate.
• They’re gnawing your furniture like it’s made of chicken.
• They pant, pace, and just can’t seem to switch off.
An overtired dog is often mistaken for a dog that needs more exercise, when in fact, they desperately need a break, both physically and mentally.
Exercise Is Only One Slice of the Pie
Don’t get me wrong, walks, runs, and playtime are important. But they’re just one piece of the behavioural puzzle. The other vital elements are mental stimulation and rest. Without those, all that physical activity just tips them into overstimulation territory.
Mental work is underrated. Dogs were bred to think, herding, guarding, scenting, hunting and when they’re not given anything to work out, they’ll invent their own “fun” (read: bark at leaves, dig to Australia, rearrange your cushions with their teeth).
Engaging the brain is exhausting, in a good way. Fifteen minutes of solid thinking, like problem-solving or scent work, can tire a dog out more than a hour walk. It’s like Sudoku for spaniels or brain yoga for bulldogs.
Train the Brain, Not Just the Body
Want a dog that settles calmly in the evening instead of bouncing around like a furry pinball? Teach them to pause.
Impulse control training, like long ‘stays’, calm ‘downs’, or the almighty ‘place’ command, helps your dog learn that being still and quiet can be just as rewarding as chasing a tennis ball. It’s the dog equivalent of mindfulness.
You’re not just draining energy. You’re teaching them how to manage it.
Add to that some puzzle toys, scent games, or trick training, and you’ve got a recipe for a mentally satisfied, behaviourally balanced dog. And no, I’m not talking about turning your living room into an agility course. A cardboard box full of scrunched-up newspaper and treats can do wonders.
Rest: The Most Underrated Dog Training Tool
Now for the bit most owners overlook: rest.
Dogs need a lot of sleep. Most adult dogs need around 12–14 hours a day, and that’s not including their “I’m just chilling here with one eye open” downtime. Puppies and older dogs need even more.
Without proper rest, your dog becomes overtired and overstimulated and suddenly the naughty behaviours you thought exercise would fix start cropping up again.
Make sure your dog has a safe, quiet space, a crate, a mat, or a comfy corner, where they can properly switch off. And no, snoozing under the dining table while the kids do handstands doesn’t count.
Build rest into their routine deliberately. After training or walks, guide them to their rest spot. Reinforce calm behaviour. Treat relaxation as a skill, not just a luxury.
Balance Is Everything: A Sample Routine
Let’s put it all together. A well-behaved dog isn’t the result of being walked into the ground, it’s about balance. Here’s what a more well-rounded day might look like:
• Morning: 20-minute walk + 10-minute scent game + enforced rest.
• Midday: Light training (impulse control or trick work) + puzzle toy.
• Afternoon: Short play session or another walk + cool down + rest.
• Evening: Calm activities (lick mat, chew, massage) + wind-down time.
Mix it up based on your dog’s age, breed, and energy levels, but always include rest and mental work alongside physical activity.
The Bottom Line: Stop Trying to Outrun the Problem
More exercise isn’t always better. Sometimes, it’s like pouring petrol on a fire, especially if you’re ignoring the mental and emotional needs of your dog.
Instead, aim for balance. Work the body, stimulate the brain, and protect rest like it’s sacred. This triad, physical activity, mental engagement, and rest, is the real holy grail of dog behaviour.
Your dog doesn’t need longer walks. They need better structure.
And a nap.
Possibly after some nosework and a game of “find the biscuit under the flowerpot.”
Because calm doesn’t come from exhaustion, it comes from balance. And once you get that right, you’ll have a dog who’s not just tired, but content.
And that, my friend, is the real goal.
www.k9manhuntscotland.co.uk
