“Lazy” dogs: what to do? Tips and activities to get back in shape

Some dogs can’t wait to go out for walks to run, explore and let all their energy out, while others prefer a more relaxed routine. There are also dogs that, with time, start sleeping more and moving less, showing less interest in activities that they used to look forward to, such as playing or going out for walks.
A dog can be “lazy” for different reasons: in some cases, it’s simply a matter of nature, while in others, it can depend on a routine change, lack of stimulation, some extra weight or a physical discomfort. Finding out what’s behind this apparent “laziness” is the first step to help them in the right way.

In this article we will understand why a dog can be or can become sedentary, which activities can help and the role nutrition can play in their daily wellbeing and natural vitality.

Does “laziness” really exist in dogs?

It depends on what we mean with “laziness”. A dog can look “lazy”, but there can be various reasons for this behavior.
Some dogs simply have a calmer disposition: they love routine, slow walks next to their humans, and they get active only in precise moments before happily going back to relaxing.
Other dogs can become more sedentary with time because they move less, have less occasions to explore or live in quite a monotonous way. In these cases, the matter is not dog’s “laziness”, but the fact that they aren’t stimulated enough.
There are also situations where the reduced mobility is due to weight gain, to natural changes (for example, after sterilization) or to physical discomfort. This is why it is always useful to understand whether we are simply dealing with their nature, if it’s a decrease in activity levels or a physiological change. This is an important distinction, because a naturally calm dog doesn’t necessarily have a problem, while a dog that is gradually becoming less active might need a more careful evaluation.

Furthermore, we should always remember that outdoor life is fundamental for a dog’s wellbeing. As we also explain in the article Outdoor life: the secrets to a happy dog, for dogs, going outside doesn’t just mean walking, but also sniffing, observing and activating their body and mind. For dogs, contact with the outside world is an important source of physical, sensory and emotional stimulation. When this contact is reduced, an essential element of their daily balance goes missing.

The difference between calm nature and sudden lethargy

Dogs that are calm by nature will keep a coherent behavior over time. They might be quiet, sleep more and prefer moderate activities, but still show interest in playing and being outside.
Cases of sudden lethargy are quite different. When there’s a sudden change and they start sleeping more than they used to, they struggle to get up, refuse activities they once enjoyed and look dull, it’s important not to consider all these signals as simple “laziness”. This kind of change deserves attention, especially if it happens together with loss of appetite, weight loss or weight gain.
 
Observing with attention can be a good help. In case of doubts or evident signs such as less movement and less participation in daily activities, it is also important to ask your vet for advice.

The role of age and breed

Age and breed can play an important role in the physical activity level of a dog. A puppy needs to move, play and release their energy more often during the day. An adult or senior dog might prefer a slower rhythm and have longer recovery times. 
Breeds matter too: Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Jack Russell Terriers, Labrador Retrievers, Weimaraners or Huskies are particularly suited to running or other dynamic activities, and they tend to get bored if their routine is too monotonous. Other dogs might be satisfied with moderate activities, as long as they’re regular. Knowing these tendencies helps avoid comparisons, without expecting the same level of vitality from all dogs.

Common reasons behind lack of physical activity

When a dog starts being “lazy”, there may be different reasons. Sometimes it’s just boredom and the need for more appropriate activities, sometimes it can be due to weight gain. However, sometimes a reduced desire to move can be a signal of a physical discomfort that shouldn’t be underestimated. Let’s find out the most common reasons for lack of physical activity.

Health problems and when to consult your vet

Sometimes, dogs might seem “lazy” because they aren’t feeling well. Joint or muscle pain, digestive problems, fatigue or simply a moment of general discomfort can reduce their desire to walk, play or go outside.
The most important factor to consider is change. Has the dog always been active and suddenly slowed down? If so, it’s better to investigate further. Even smaller behaviors such as being hesitant while jumping in the car, avoiding stairs or feeling stiff upon waking up can indicate physical discomfort.
You should consult your vet when the reduction of physical activity lasts longer than a few days, when it appears without a clear reason or when it’s accompanied by other symptoms such as loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst or lethargy. It’s better to double-check than to blame everything on their “laziness” and wait too long.

Boredom, depression and lack of environmental stimulation

Many dogs are not active simply because their daily routine lacks stimulation. Always taking the same walk, spending little time outdoors and not playing can make them less curious and active. It’s a natural response to an environment that doesn’t provide them with enough stimulation and exploration. Dogs need to sniff, observe, play and be engaged in activities. When this is lacking, they might fall into a sort of passivity. In other cases, it might also be due to a low mood, especially if “laziness” coincides with major changes, such as long periods of loneliness, a house change, the loss of a pet friend or a sudden reduction of shared activities.

The link between weight gain and “laziness”

Weight gain and “laziness”? They’re part of the same vicious circle. When dogs are overweight, it’s harder for them to be active: they get tired easily and prefer to rest. By moving less, the energy consumption decreases and this leads to further weight gain.
This can happen especially with sterilized dogs: their metabolism gets slower and their energy needs decrease. It’s not sterilization itself that “makes a dog lazy”, but the physical change that can occur as consequence, especially if it is accompanied by a lack of exercise and an excessive caloric intake.
Reaching the target weight is not just a matter of physical appearance, but something that can influence their daily wellbeing, their freedom to move and their general quality of life. Stepping in with adequate activities and balanced nutrition is the best way to prevent a sedentary lifestyle from becoming normal.

“Lazy” dog: what to do? Practical tips

What should you do if your dog seems “lazy”? The solution is not to suddenly force them with activities or intense walks but simply suggesting new things that can be matched with their characteristics. The goal is to help them find pleasure in moving. Here’s how.

Changing the walking route and new olfactory stimuli

Changing the route of daily walks can really make a difference. For dogs, going out means exploring. New smells, terrains, noises and traces left by other animals: all these elements make the experience much more engaging.
Repeating the same route each day, at the same time and at the same pace will reduce their curiosity. Trying new routes and going out at different times can help reactivate their attention.
Slowing down can be helpful too. Sometimes it can be an occasion to leave them time to sniff around, which is one of the main ways for dogs to perceive the world. When sniffing, they are activating their mind while regulating emotionally and fully experiencing the walk.

Brain games and fun tricks

Mind activation is a precious tool, especially for dogs that seem lazy or unresponsive. Stimulating their mind helps to increase their interest, trust and engagement, and this is often how the desire to move starts again.
Playing for dogs is extremely important: it’s not just a pastime, but a fundamental part of their daily wellbeing. While playing, dogs release their energy, learn new things, strengthen the relation with their humans and feel more satisfied. Playing, for dogs, is almost always a signal that they’re happy and active.
Simple activities are good as well. For example, hiding some kibbles or treats and asking your dog to find them. What’s important is that the experience is positive and satisfying and not too long. A few good minutes are much better than a longer and frustrating session.

Direct involvement of the pet parent

Dogs usually get more involved in playing when they perceive the participation of their humans. They need to feel that you are sharing that moment together.
Don’t use your phone when you are out with your four-legged friend and play or exercise with them instead. Simple routines like walking at varying paces, short courses with small obstacles and other activities to do side by side.
On the one hand, the dog will feel more motivated, on the other hand, you will be able to observe them and understand what they like and what activates them.

Sedentary lifestyle and weight management: the importance of nutrition

When a dog is not very active, nutrition becomes even more important. If the energy intake is not adequate to the real physical activity level, it can lead to a weight increase which could start the vicious cycle that we described above.
That’s why managing weight can’t just depend on physical activity. A balanced and tailored diet is also necessary, based on lifestyle, age and specifical needs or conditions, such as being sterilized.

A sterilized adult dog that is not very active will have different needs from a highly dynamic dog. In these cases, it could be useful to choose specific products such as Oasy Monoprotein Formula Adult Light in Fat Sterilized Salmon, a complete dry food for sterilized and less active adult dogs. This recipe supports dogs’ daily wellbeing and helps them reach and maintain the target weight.

Feeding them the right amount is important too, that’s why you should always check the feeding recommendations on the packaging. You can find more information about kibbles amount in our guide "What’s the right kibble amount to feed your dog? A guide to calculating portions”.

Frequently asked questions

Why doesn’t my dog want to go for walks anymore?

If your dog is no longer excited to go for walks there could be a physical or emotional reason, but it could also be due to routine. They could feel some kind of discomfort or be particularly tired. They could also associate going out with something not exciting, or even stressful.
The first thing you should do is observe them: do they always refuse or just in particular moments? Do they stop as soon as they go outside, do they walk with no motivation? Does this happen with everyone or with one person in particular? These details may help understand the situation.
If they suddenly refuse or show other physical signs, you should consult your vet. If, on the other hand, the dog looks healthy, you could try and make the walk more interesting, changing routes, time and activities.

Which breeds are particularly “lazy”?

Rather than lazy, it would be more correct to talk about generally calmer breeds. Dogs such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Basset Hounds, Chow Chows or St. Bernards are quieter and calmer by nature and have a slower rhythm.
Breeds with calm disposition or with a heavier physical structure could appear less active than others, but this doesn’t mean they don’t need daily movement and stimulation.
Even a dog that’s considered calm can be curious and eager to play or engage in activities. Conversely, a naturally energic dog could become sedentary without the right stimulation during the day.

How do I understand if my dog is just tired or is feeling unwell?

A simply tired dog will recover with time, and after a break, go back to normal. For example, if after a particularly intense or hot day your dog sleeps more, it can be completely normal.  
In case of discomforts or problems, the changes are more obvious: they look dull, unresponsive, or avoid movement even in situations that would normally be exciting.
If this behaviour continues for a longer period, appears without a precise cause or is accompanied by other symptoms such as loss of appetite, shortness of breath, tremor, stiffness, vomit or diarrhea, then it shouldn’t absolutely be overlooked.
You’re the only one who can notice if something is not right. When doubts remain or are confirmed by other signs, the safest option is always consulting your vet.