Labradors Are a High Energy Breed
The Labrador Retriever is a high energy working breed, initially bred for very physically demanding work retrieving game for hunters.
This would involve all day hiking, running and swimming in sometimes difficult conditions.
So Labrador Retrievers were bred to have lots of energy and be very active. And though their main role in life today is as a family pet, they still have those same genetics that made them suited to their original role.
This means they have a body built for and one that craves a lot of physical activity and if you don’t provide a way for them to release their pent-up energy, they may very well find a release for it themselves.
QUICK TIP: One of our favorite inexpensive toys for exercising our Labs is the Chuckit! Dog Ball Thrower. Yes, you can throw a tennis ball extra far with the Chuckit, but two reasons why I love it: 1. You don’t have to touch a slobbery ball and 2. You don’t have to bend over to pick up the ball (great for my old body).
What Happens If You Don’t Exercise Your Labrador Enough?
If you fail to exercise your Labrador sufficiently, they’ll become bored and absolutely bursting at the seams with pent-up energy.
In this state they will often resort to destructive behaviors such as digging and chewing…and will often be very restless, may bark excessively and try to escape your home and garden at every opportunity.
It’s now that many people start to use the words ‘disobedient and uncontrollable’ when describing their Labrador, when all that’s needed is to cater for their needs.
Insufficient exercise can also lead to weight problems with Labradors. They tend to put on weight very easily being voracious eaters and if they aren’t exercised enough they soon pile on the pounds.
Excess weight is a problem because it can lead to all sorts of problems such as damage to their joints (hips and elbows), heart disease, increased blood pressure and increases the risk of diabetes.
So a lack of exercise leads to behavioral problems, hyperactivity and possibly an assortment of health problems. So it’s very important to exercise them well!
How much exercise does an adult Labrador need?
A healthy adult Labrador generally needs at least 80 minutes of high-quality exercise per day. Of course, it’s important to tailor this to each individual dog – some more energetic dogs will need longer, and more relaxed dogs will be healthy and satisfied with a little less.
To get a tailored exercise goal for your Labrador, simply download the free PitPat app and enter your dog’s details. Start tracking how much activity your dog is doing every day with a PitPat Dog Activity Monitor, where you’ll be able to see how their time is split between running, walking, playing, resting and pottering around.
Of course, when setting exercise goals for dogs with existing health issues (including obesity), you should consult your vet first.
