A good number of Labradors are overweight and this due to overfeeding or lack of exercise. So how do I exercise my Labrador Retriever?

We can list up a few things which can be a “cure” for obesity in dogs.

1. Jogging
2. Swimming
3. Fetch
4. Walking

Jogging

The Labrador Retriever is a very energetic dog and if this energy isn’t used up somewhere then they will tend to be very destructive.  So how long can you jog your labrador Retriever? You can probably jog a good 1-3 kilometers, depends on how healthy your lab is and try to avoid the heat of the sun. Bring some water with you for your lab as they are built to resist the cold but will overheat in hight temperatures. You can jog for about 30 minutes. NEVER FORGET THE LEASH. Never be too confident with your dog. ANYTHING can go wrong.

Swimming

This is probably one of the major reasons why I chose the Labrador as the dog of my choice. These dogs LOVE to swim. Bring them to a beach somewhere or dive in the pool. It gives them a good cooling activity as well as a good exercise for them. Along with swimming you can have dock diving. I’ve seen dogs do some really cool diving moves. And these dogs can dive deep. Just remember, too much of something is not good for them. Limit to 2 hours maximum for swimming.

Fetch

And here comes the popular command when it comes to dogs. FETCH. Fetching may involve an object of interest in the dog and provide a good prey drive. Prey drive is very important for dog training as it will determine how  ”cooperative” a dog will be during training. Try a stick or a toy, but some dogs like the our Black lab at home, goes crazy over balls. Old tennis balls will do but make sure you don’t use objects which are toxic with them. Check the labels of toys. Fetching can go on from 30 minutes to even 1 hour and a half, with short breaks in between.

Walking

If you’re not the type to make a run for it, then walking will have to do. Simple walking  for a good 2-3 kilometers within 1-2 hours is fun for you and your dog. Your dog with its natural curiosity would love to check the surroundings. This form of activity is healthy both physically and mentally for your labrador Retriever. They will enjoy this and at times, they will pull. Now it is important that you should be walking the dog and not the other way around. To do this. Hold the end of the leash with one hand and the other hand holding the middle part of the leash. When your dog pulls you, give it a slight tug the opposite way. This way your dog will follow your lead. If he will cross over in front you try to pull him back to the side. It is important that your dog walks beside you not in front of you. If you come across another dog, it is important that you maintain distance as to avoid any accidents.

Benefits of Exercise

A dog is filled with energy. A dog not well exercised will become aggresive and destructive. All the pent up energy will be channeled in unwanted behavior such as excessive chewing,  barking, or even scratching. Exercising will keep a dog entertained and also calm. A dog who has not gone out for a long time will tend to be “wild”.

FAQs:

1.How many times should I exercise my dog?

-Twice a day will do.

2.My dog keeps pulling the leash, what should I do?

-Stay put until he calms down, after which, lead him again. Keep doing this until he realizes that pulling will resort to stopping

3.My dog starts to go wild at the sight of squirrels, other dogs, skaterboards.. etc.. What should I do?

-pretend to not see these objects and divert his attention to something else. Continue walking opposite to these things and gradually your dog will lose interest.

4.Collar or Harness?

-Preferably collars over harness. Collars tend to have more control over your canine friend and contrary to the belief that they choke, they actually don’t.

5.My dog has foam in his mouth when he runs, is this normal?

-An excess of salivating results to this. Let your dog cool down or drink water. Dogs don’t sweat so they cool down by salivating.

6.My dog is in no mood to walk. Why?

-This could probably be a problem related to its health. Take your dog to the Vet.

7.My dog is pregnant, can she walk?

-Walk yes, run no. Don’t make her go around a lot. This will lead to miscarriage.

8.My dog walks around our lawn, is this enough?

-No it is not, a dog in his own territory, no matter how big, will equate it to his territory therefore it doesnt seem significant in distance.

9.I have a lot of dogs, can I walk to them together?

-If your dogs are well trained to do “pack” walking then it is okay, but preferably you ask someone to accompany you. Labradors are BIG, and I mean BIG dogs with lots of power. They can pull you if you are not in control. Heck, they can even drag you like a sleigh in Christmas Day.

10.My dog is full, can I make him run?

-Give him about an hour to settle down and you can start with a slow jog.

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