Do Labradors Need A Lot Of Exercise?

Do Labradors need a lot of exercise? We’ve got the answer including things that influence how much exercise your lab needs!

As members of the “sporting group,” Labrador retrievers are active dogs that require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

Why Do Labradors Need A Lot Of Exercise?

If you have ever watched a dog show, you will know that they divide dogs into various groups. These groups categorize dogs by the traits of specific breeds. In the case of the Labrador retriever, that “group” is called the “sporting group.”

Breeds in the sporting group are active dogs bred for energy, instinct, intelligence, and stamina. Centuries of selective breeding have hardwired these traits, and for sporting dogs to be happy, they must have a lifestyle that meshes well with their ambition.

How Much Exercise Do Labradors Need?

How much exercise is “a lot.” So, are we talking about marathons or runs in the dog park?

The exercise a Labrador needs, differs from dog by dog but as a rule, the average healthy adult Labrador retriever needs a minimum of one hour and twenty minutes of exercise a day. We aren’t talking about a stroll around the block here, but a game of fetch, swimming in the pool, jogging or hiking, should do the job.

Is My Labrador Healthy Enough For Exercise?

Dogs with health concerns have unique needs. For example, Labradors are prone to developing heart disease, and this can require exercise limitations. If your Labrador has a health condition, it’s best to talk to your vet about a suitable exercise routine.

Is My Labrador Too Old For Exercise?

Age is another factor that influences how much exercise your Labrador needs.

A young puppy of any breed gets short bursts of energy throughout the day, but they also spend a lot of time sleeping as they grow (think fifteen to twenty hours!)

Between twelve and eighteen months, a Labrador is full size, and the amount of time they spend sleeping drops dramatically (think twelve hours.) Although fully grown, Labradors tend to retain their goofy energetic puppy personalities until at least age three, but some Labradors are perpetual puppies!

The estimated lifespan for a Labrador retriever is between ten and twelve years. Signs of slowing down tend to show up at around eight to nine years old. As arthritis and slower recovery time influence your Labrador, forty-five minutes to an hour of slower exercise a day will become sufficient.

What Happens If I Don’t Walk My Labrador?

Labradors are food machines, and one of the most obvious dangers of under-exercising is obesity. Obesity puts added strain on the joints as well as the organs making everyday tasks difficult. Always walk your Labrador at least twice a day!

Additionally, Labradors are very intelligent dogs, and without a reliable outlet for their energy, they will find their own form of entertainment. This entertainment often involves eating the inedible, chewing anything and everything, and – if you are in rented accommodation – the complete loss of your security deposit!

Are Labs Good With Kids And Colleagues Alike?

Labradors are excellent family dogs, and great with both kids and colleague alike. A few times they have been voted the best worldwide breed of dog to have. Personally, I have never encountered an aggressive Labrador, they have always been laid back and patient. The perfect companion for your office!

As well as having a great temperament. Labs are always up for fun, playing, and games… Great for building morrel and culture. Your Kids and colleagues are likely to never get bored with this breed of dog.

Are Labs Easy To Train?

Labradors are easy to train. Are are sure to follow house and office rules. They love nothing more than to please their owner, which makes them highly trainable. They love challenges and to be tested with commands.

Labradors always need to be occupied, which isn’t a problem if you are working in a very dynamic workplace. . Due to their high intelligence levels, they also adapt well to situations.

A trained Lab can be trained to have sociable skills necessary to deal with new and existing clients.

Are Labradors Lazy?

Labradors are one of the least lazy dogs. They are most known for being excellent guide dogs as they always have a strong willingness to learn with great concentration. while being very aware of the surroundings.

If your Labrador is lazy you should contact your vet for advise, incase it is something more serious. But don’t worry, there are a number of reasons why Labradors may seem lazy, such as not getting the right diet and exercise, or just simply being too hot.

Conclusion / Summary

So, do Labradors need a lot of exercise? YES! The only exception to the rule is because of ageing.