Labrador Retriever Exercise Program

How long do you want your Labrador Retriever to live? You probably want him or her to live a full life. That’s why you know that a Labrador Retriever exercise program is important.

Advantages of a Labrador Retriever Exercise Program

1. The obvious advantage is that your Labrador Retriever will be healthy. Taking your Lab for a brisk walk at least once a day could add as much as 2 years to its life! A Labrador Retriever is not meant to be in a house, or tied, or kept in a small kennel. A dog that lies around all day is much like a sedentary human. Muscles weaken. Unhealthy weight gains occur. Breathing is shallow, sending less oxygen through the body. Overall health deteriorates. If the Lab was outside, and not restrained, this would not occur. Its natural instinct to run and explore would entice it into exercise.

2. A second advantage of a Labrador Retriever exercise program is its tendency to improve the dog’s temperament. Exercise lifts the spirits of a Labrador Retriever, just as it does for humans.

3. Thirdly, your Labrador Retriever will make new friends through an exercise program. He or she can socialize with other dogs and their owners, making your less shy around strangers.

4. Finally, a Labrador Retriever exercise program can improve the health of the owner or owners. Studies have proven that humans will stick with an exercise program if they are doing it with their dogs.

Parts of a Labrador Retriever Exercise Program

A good Labrador Retriever exercise program must be vigorous. Labrador Retrievers are energetic dogs that enjoy playing and working hard. They will exercise alone, fetching a ball while you sit and wait. They are much happier, however, if at least one other member of their “den” gets into the action with them. Labs do not enjoy doing things alone.

Try to give your Labrador Retriever up to 2 hours of exercise daily.

1. Take him for a 30 minute jog at least once a day. Twice a day is better.

2. Take him for a swim once a week when weather permits. Swim with him, or let him swim. Incorporate retrieving into swim time if you are near a pond or lake.

3. Play fetch in a wide open area where your Labrador Retriever can run full speed to retrieve a Frisbee or tennis ball.

4. Take slower walks with your Labrador Retriever, allowing opportunity for it to socialize with other dogs and humans.

5. If available agility training can provide great exercise for a Lab. A dog obedience course will combine training and exercise.

6. Romp with your Labrador Retriever in a fenced yard or large family room. Throw toys for him to fetch, or play keep away. Roll on the ground and tumble with him.

If Your Labrador Retriever Does Not Exercise

A Labrador Retriever can quickly become overweight if it lacks exercise. You can, and should, control your Lab’s diet. You should measure the food you give your Lab, and refrain from giving too many snacks. In addition, however, you should not allow it to spend too much time by the fireplace, no matter if it is an older Lab and the weather is bad.

When you and your Labrador Retriever maintain a regular exercise program together, both of you will be healthier and happier.