Were thinking of getting a labrador retriever? How much excersize do these breeds need please?

Question

We like the idea that there good with kids, but before we think about getting one, how much time do they need walking and excersizing?

People that ACTUALY KNOW. only please. And not people with mixes, mixes sometimes possess traits of the other dog, Im talking about the true pure bred lab.

And I have a shelter dog, so Id appreciate you not telling me I need to adopt. I believe in adoption just as much as you, but now we'd like to consider a pure bred labrador from a reputable breeder here in our state.

Answer 1

We bought our black labrador from a very reputable breeder in Massachusetts. And they require plenty of excersize. Anyone that tells you different doesnt have a clue.

People seem to fail to understand that this breed is prone to obesity, they absolutely must be exercised, they cannot be shoved in a small fenced in yard, walked once and then say "ok, there you go, are you a happy dog now?" Please.

They are people- and action- oriented dogs, and can become bored if left to their own devices. Untrained, they can be unmanageable due to their size and enthusiasm.

Unexercised, they will often turn to destruction or escape to alleviate boredom and excess energy. They require attention and love as much as food and water. Labradors are easy to train which makes obedience work a fun way to interact with your dog. Labradors also require plenty of exercise -- this is especially true since most Labs love to eat! Ensuring they get proper exercise, training, and attention will give you a happy, healthy Labrador.

I hope you decide to get one, they are absolute love, and mine gets along very well with my dalmation/golden retriever mix that we adopted a few months ago.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I have a lab, and I know lots of other people with labs, and some with goldens. Their temperments are very similar. They're both very friendly dogs who love to be with people, love to run, fetch, and swim. They also both need training. They're big active dogs and can get unruly if you don't take them to obedience class! Some people say that goldens calm down earlier than labs. Labs have a puppy's enthusiasm until around 3. Goldens might calm down a little earlier, maybe 2 years. It really depends on the dog though -- they're all different. And with the proper exercise, either breed will be calm. It sounds like you want to take lots of walks and exercise the dog, so you shouldn't have a problem with either breed. A tired dog is a well-behaved dog. Another difference is coat. Both shed, but a golden is going to need more grooming. A lab doesn't need to be brushed very often, but if you do, it will cut down on shedding. A golden, however needs a bit more grooming. I don't think it's a huge problem, but it's more than a lab. The other day my lab was playing with a golden by a pond. So they were both swimming and running through the brush. My lab came out looking clean. She shakes and all seeds and nettles just fly off her. The golden had brush stuck in her coat. Odds are the owner just had to rinse her off and brush her out, but it's still more than I had to do. I think you should just look for good breeders of both breeds and find a breeder that you like. Both breeds are very similar so you should find a breeder that you like, with quality dogs. Meet the breeder, meet the dogs, and pick which ones you like, regardless of what breed they are.

Answer 3

They are big dogs and need lots and lots of exercise. And be aware that they have an oil in their skin that make them "smell like a dog". You cannot get rid of it. They are great family dogs, though, and don't require much grooming. They are mostly good with kids but often like to go after smaller animals including a neighbor's cat or dog. It is their nature to hunt! Golden Retrievers are equally good as family pets but require grooming as they have long hair.

Good luck and you are right to make sure to get a pet from a reputable breeder!

Answer 4

I had a pure bred lab, several actually.
They're VERY active. They need a TON of exercise, especially if you plan to have them as inside dogs. They chew and destroy a lot as puppies, so you need to be willing to spend a lot of time and effort on training.
The person we got our first purebred from had to give him up because he literally destroyed their house at 2 years old. They also stay puppy-like until about 5 or 6, so it's an extended period.
If you have a large yard with a fence, you might be alright.

Answer 5

hi we had a lab when i was living at home and the one thing you must remember is yes it does need a lot of exercise and it is a very engentic dog but what ever you do you should not over do it until it is at least 1year old as it may damage its hips and as soon as it is old enough i would get its hips checked by a vet. if you are buying from a breeder then they should have had their dams and sires hip scores ask for details. and if was you i would also get it crate trained so you can put it in there when you want it to rest or you cannot supervise it i would also recommend joining a puppy class and obedience class as soon as possible.
i found when my lab was being trained he learnt quick and he looked forward to training. one good exercise is swimming if you have a beach or pool near you play ball with it in the water it helps to tire them and also helps build muscle but remember keep it on a lead until you have recall in place safly

Answer 6

Ok fine, I won't preach about adopting, but here's my $.02. When I was a little kid and did not have a voice in my familiy's pet getting decisions, my dad came home with a chocolate lab that he got from a breeder. She was a nice dog BUT her coat was lousy and she got hip displaysia. Also, she had a ton of energy and being as that they are working/hunting dogs, she loved to run away and get as muddy as possible and then bring it home. So, I'd say expect to do a lot of training and excersing to keep your lab healthy/happy. Good luck!

Answer 7

Labs need a LOT of exersize, especially as puppies. They tend to be youthful, playful and energetic for most, if not all, of their lives. At least an hour a day for walks and some fetch or other interactive exersize is a good start but a pup may need more to burn off that exess puppy energy.

Answer 8

we've got a 16month old lab and throughout the week he gets walked about an hour and a half each day. Over the weekend it's easily 2 hours solid running around and then half hour later on. And he will keep going too!

Getting a lab will get you fit!!!

If you are unable to get out alot then be prepared to do alot of mental exercises as they are known for getting bored quickly!

Answer 9

If you know as much as it appears you think you do, then you'd know that a dog's particular breed only makes up so much of its personality, and that overall every dog is different and will have different needs.

With that being said, labs are known for being dogs that enjoy large amounts of physical activity and socialization. That isn't to say that any dog you adopt won't be fat & lazy, its all about how you raise them & how much importance you place on spending time with them exercising & playing.

Answer 10

Labs need LOTS of exercise
mine is walked 2 hours each day and allowed to run for quite a bit of that.
Also Labs are known for chewing any and everything they get in their mouths...glasses shoes rocks it doesn't matter if it can go in the mouth it does.
Labs are good family pets as long as you know what you are getting in for