Young Labradors are not generally calm dogs. Mature Labradors have lots of stamina and a strong work ethic; they’re just too eager to learn about the world around them. But with lots of exercise, including mental and physical challenges, they can end the day feeling composed and stately at home.
We’re here to find out if Labradors are calm dogs. Sweet-natured, devoted, and sociable, it’s no wonder the adorable Lab consistently ranks as the top dog breed in the USA. And around the world. However, despite the statistics, they are not everyone’s ideal pet.
If you’re considering getting a Labrador, there are some important things to think about first. Because despite the fact that this lovely breed has many endearing qualities, training them can be difficult. Read on to learn more about whether or not Labradors are calm dogs.
We should look at the Labrador’s past in order to comprehend them better. Labradors originated as working dogs. They were initially utilized by Newfoundland fishermen to pull heavy fish nets out of icy waters. They then gained popularity among hunters and were utilized for retrieving shot game. Understanding that Labradors have been carefully bred for intelligence and stamina is important for prospective owners. So, they are intensely eager to work all day. They consequently require a lot of exercise time as well as mental stimulation due to their high energy levels.
Be ready for a Lab’s fluctuating energy levels as they progress through their various life stages if you want to own one. A newborn Labrador puppy will do very little other than sleep and eat when they’re young.
They resemble a toddler when they are between the ages of 8 weeks and 5 months. They are currently feeling fairly energized and learning about the world. Additionally, parents will have to deal with potty training and teething.
The next stage, between 6 and 12 months old, is the hardest because having a young child in the house at this age is comparable to having a teenager in the house. They will definitely test your boundaries, so it is important to continually reinforce their training. They will test your boundaries by barging into people or jumping up on them, and everything you may have taught will completely go out the window. Young Labradors frequently end up in shelters as some owners are unable to handle them.
The breed is well known for its lengthy puppy stage, which can last until it is between three and five years old. The good news is that Labradors do become more settled after the age of five, but are calm dogs when they finally reach maturity? During this phase, their extremely high energy levels can be quite frustrating. Hold on, but there are things you can do to make your Labrador more composed.
Solution: Physical Activity
Giving a hyperactive dog more physical activity will help them burn off their excess energy. If you live in a small apartment or a house without a yard, this could be difficult for you.
However, it’s crucial that your Lab has space to run or to go outside and take a few daily walks to explore the neighborhood.
Establish a routine where you take your Lab for a walk in the morning and in the evening to help them burn off extra energy. Take your Lab outside several times per day for quick fetch matches if your yard is fenced in.
Your Labrador can burn off excess energy and reduce some of their hyperactivity with just five minutes of fetch.
If you don’t have a fenced yard or enough outdoor space near your home, look for a nearby dog park. Consider using a doggie daycare facility, even just once or twice a week, if your Lab doesn’t get enough exercise while you’re away from home because you work all day.
If your Lab spends even just one full day (or even just a portion of a day) playing at doggie daycare, you might notice that they are so worn out for a few days after they get home.
Due to their high intelligence, Labradors frequently get into some mischief if their minds aren’t stimulated. Your Lab may exhibit destructive behavior due to hyperactivity by eating or destroying things like shoes, clothes, books, furniture, and toys.
In a fit of hyperactivity, labs can also maniacally tear apart their own dog belongings, including tearing apart their dog crate, shredding their dog bed, and enthusiastically tearing up their dog toys. It’s common for your Lab to get excited about their toys, but occasionally an overly energetic Lab will become obsessed with destruction in addition to their normal playtime.
When labs are left alone or receive insufficient human interaction, they may become bored, destructive, and hyperactive, either before or after their humans return home.
Solution: Medical & Food Evaluation
You should have your dog’s veterinarian perform an examination and check for any potential underlying medical conditions if your Labrador experiences frequent and ongoing episodes of hyperactivity that you are unable to attribute to another cause.
Inquire about your dog’s potential medications as well to determine whether they may be contributing to any hyperactive behavior.
Make sure you are aware of all the foods your Labrador consumes, including any treats or human food they may unintentionally or intentionally consume. You might be ignorant of the fact that a member of your family is stealing treats for your Lab, which could be the root of some hyperactive behavior.
Your Labrador’s hyperactivity could also be a response to something in their environment that is making them feel scared or anxious.
Dogs occasionally exhibit excessive energy as a coping mechanism for stressful situations or as a means of escaping from an overstimulating environment.
Fireworks, sirens, loud music, thunderstorms, other barking dogs, and other loud noises could frighten a dog if it isn’t used to them or has had a bad experience with them in the past. This is particularly true if you are adopting a Labrador from a rescue organization whose past you may not be familiar with.
Strangers or people your dog doesn’t know (or doesn’t like) could also make them fearful, anxious, or hyperactive.
Some dogs might run away or hide, while others might react with excessive energy by trying to jump or run away from the situation.
Then Why Do You Keep a Labrador?
Because these are behavioral issues that can be fixed. The breed is generally happy and highly active. But there are also a lot of other good reasons to keep a Labrador.
Labradors have an amazing personality. Because they are patient with children, they make one of the best family dogs.
This devoted dog will quickly integrate into your family as an active member.
Overall, Labradors are wonderful, sociable dogs that you’ll enjoy being around.
FAQ
At what age do Lab puppies calm down?
Labs don’t begin “settling” until they are between the ages of two and four. However, in general, you can anticipate to see mental maturation occurring between the ages of two and four. There are some labradors who are quiet and sedate from early puppyhood on, and there are a few others who are bouncing puppymaniacs until well into old age.
How do you calm down a hyper Lab puppy?
The likelihood is that your dog exhibits a few undesirable behaviors. Most dogs develop a few undesirable behaviors over time, particularly if their owners are inexperienced In the first 18 months, the last two frequently come into play. The first two, however, can happen to Labradors of any age.
What age are Lab puppies the naughtiest?
According to anecdotal evidence, compared to their black or yellow counterparts, chocolate-colored Labradors are known to be less trainable, more hyperactive, and aggressive.