How much exercise does a Labrador need? A professional explains!

The Labrador is a loyal, docile and sociable dog. So it’s no wonder that it’s also very popular with families.

Perhaps you are already toying with the idea of ​​bringing a Labrador into your family?

The question quickly arises how much exercise the labrador needs. We give you the answer in this article.

How much exercise does a Labrador need?

Since the «Labbi» tends to be overweight quickly, he should have enough exercise and also mental activity.

Therefore are round two hours of exercise per day plan for a Labrador. Ideally, you should spread these times over three to four walks.

Because the labrador a avid and good swimmer you can plan swimming units in a dog pool or in a lake for his movement.

If you have a yard that the Labrador can use, you can give him constant access with a dog door.

He will quickly learn how it works and use it. Because the Labrador likes to be outside.

How often and how long do I have to walk a Labrador?

With an adult Labrador you can cover many kilometers a day. This race is active and quite suitable for sporty people.

It can be two hours of exercise a day. You can spread this over three to four walks.

An adult Labbi is full of energy and likes to run. It is therefore also ideal as a companion for jogging rounds.

Of course there are different temperaments within a breed. Age also plays a crucial role.

A young dog has more energy than an older Labrador, who may be satisfied with significantly less exercise.

Even with a Labrador puppy, you should increase the exercise slowly at first.

In general, about five minutes of exercise per month of life is planned for the youngest fur noses. Puppies’ joints and bones have yet to develop properly.

Larger dog breeds in particular, such as the Labrador, take a long time to grow up. Otherwise, you will damage your dog if you exercise too much.

It is therefore better to plan more frequent exercise per day for your Labrador puppy, which is therefore shorter.

Do I have to have a house with a yard for a labrador?

Because the Labrador is a large breed of dog, it is often assumed that they need a large house with a yard.

Certainly a Labrador needs space. However, an apartment alone does not speak against keeping this breed.

The large garden is not absolutely necessary either, but it is very useful, especially for toilet training with puppies.

Nevertheless, the Labrador is of course happy if he can often be outside. You can also achieve this with a lot of exercise.

However, there should be room for the «dog bed» within your own four walls and the Labrador must be able to move between the furniture.

Are in your apartment though many stairs to overcome, that rather speaks against a Labrador. Because this breed is prone to hip problems, stairs should be avoided.

And who wants to carry a full-grown Labrador weighing around 30 kilos up to the third floor several times a day?

What is the best way to keep my Labrador busy?

The Labrador is usually a true ray of sunshine. He always want to be there and is very people-oriented.

But this dog breed also needs exercise and activity in order to be able to fully develop its potential.

Because a bored and under-challenged dog quickly comes up with stupid ideas.

Extensive walks can be great for dogs and humans. But sometimes the dog asks for more.

But also the fetch work on land and in the water will give your Labrador great joy. Because this breed had its original use as a hunting dog after the shot.

It was his job to retrieve the shot game birds or rabbits.

If you sign up for tracking or mantrailing are interested, you’ve come to the right place with the Labrador. With these tasks you can make good use of it.

Working with your dog will strengthen the bond between you and make a great team out of you.

In addition to the physical exertion, the mental workload a big role for a Labrador.

Trainable dogs in particular, such as the Labrador, are also willing to train new ones tricks to learn. Giving a paw, teaching a high-five or a roll – your Labrador will quickly understand what to do.

He will also be enthusiastic about intelligence toys. Especially when there are treats to be found in it.

Which dog sports bring a lot of exercise and exercise and are good for a Labrador?

obedience

The classic in dog sports is the subordinationalso called obedience in sporting jargon.

With this obedience training, you and your Labrador will learn how to execute commands quickly and precisely.

Exercises are, for example, filing, fetch work, sending ahead or walking on foot.

Rally Obedience

Rally obedience, often called Rallye-O, is also an option. Here you have to master a course with various tasks in time.

As it usually no big jumps or obstacles this sport is also suitable for young and older dogs.

This dog sport is not yet as popular in Germany as agility, but since it is suitable for almost all dogs, it is becoming increasingly popular.

agility

If your Labrador is older than 18 months, you can of course also try agility with him. Here your dog must have one obstacle course overcome in a certain order.

The time for this is set. The dog handler shows him which obstacles the dog has to overcome with verbal signals and body language.

tournament dog sport

The tournament dog sport is particularly suitable for very active dog-human teams.

It is not for nothing that this dog sport is called Athletics with a dog designated. Whether obedience, obstacle course or slalom – here the participants compete at the highest level.

mantrailing

Since Labradors have a good sense of smell, they are also suitable for mantrailing. That’s what they call it people searchwhere the dog follows an odor.

The dog’s job is to find the source of the smell.

And the Labrador is in his element. The mantrailing stimulates his instinct to look for the prey. A mantrailing harness is recommended for sports.

Conclusion

The labrador is a active dogwho needs about two hours of exercise every day.

It is also well suited as a sporty companion.

It is therefore an ideal dog for active people and also a good choice as a family dog.

Since he tends to eat a lot and with pleasure, his weight should always be kept in mind.

Do you have questions about the Labrador? Let me know in the comments.