At A Glance
Labradors are very energetic and restless due to their hunter origins. Provide them with energy outlets, train them, use behavior modification techniques, and alter your playing habits to calm down your labrador.
Last Updated on: Jul 04, 2022
Labradors are one of the most cuddle-worthy dog breeds. They are loyal, obedient, intelligent, playful, and loving. They make the perfect family members, especially for families with kids.
Raising a Labrador can be challenging too. Labradors are famous for their limitless energy. Their restlessness can drive you up the wall. There could be many reasons for this. This article will explore the reasons behind your Lab’s restlessness and how to calm a labrador.
Why is my Labrador so hyper? Labradors were working dogs and hunting dogs in their early days. So they seek more activity to this day. This shows in various ways. So to answer the question, yes they have high energy level and the need for plenty of mental exercise.
Are Labradors Calm? At a young age, Labradors are often fun loving and easily excited. They tend to jump on people and startle them. In their excitement, they may forget all their training! They test your boundaries, so train them every day to discipline them.
Labs are a hunter breed, so they need physical activity in the form of exercise or play. A bored lab may become restless. They may then become destructive and hard to control.
Do labs have anxiety? While Labrador Retrievers are generally a calm breed, they can experience anxiety. Labs are very sensitive to their environment. They can sense our moods and even whether we are healthy or not. This may make them more prone to stress. Labradors form stronger bonds with their adopting families. They may also do this faster than many other breeds. This can, sometimes, be a recipe for anxiety.
The most common type of anxiety in Labradors is separation anxiety. It occurs when their owners are away from them for long hours. Loud noises and unknown surroundings can also cause anxiety in Labs. Some labs tend to be more anxious. They might panic during every vet visit.
My lab puppy is out of control. As Labradors are very playful and energetic, they may use destructive behavior to express their anxiety. Your lab may chew up your furniture or dig holes in your carpet. It may even throw itself against your windows. They may also lose their appetite.
Other signs of stress in a Labradors retriever are:
Always consult a vet in the case of any obvious behavioral changes. There could be many reasons behind your Lab’s behavior, so it is best to get expert advice.
At what age does a Lab calm down? Labrador Retrievers puppies have a lot of energy and seem very nervous. They remain this way till they are about 18 months of age. Each dog has a unique personality, so this may vary. Labradors will display different levels of energy at various stages of life.
A young puppy may be very enthusiastic and excited. Although it might be adorable at first, it can get tiring.
The good news? Labradors may become more settled and calm as they grow older. Most Labs tend to settle down when they are 2 to 3 years old.
Your lab may not calm down as soon as you want it to. To help it calm it down, even more, make sure it gets plenty of exercise and training. Because of its traits inherited from the early labs, a Labrador still cannot sit in one spot for long.
Labradors are very obedient and devoted to their masters. This makes them easy to train. Start training them at a young age to reduce Labrador behavior problems. Training will teach them to respond and react. This will help to calm them down.
The following methods may help calm down your Labrador:
Make sure your Lab gets its daily dose of exercise and brain activity.
The key mantra to a Lab’s wellness is, “A tired Lab is a happy lab.”
Labs need to remain active. You may not be able to give your lab the physical exercise it had as a hunting dog. But a bit of exercise and running can help. Spent at least 1 to 3 hours playing with your Labrador.
Do Labs calm down after being neutered? Labradors may calm down in terms of puberty-related behaviors. They may roam around less and not mark their territory as much. But they will still be energetic and need their daily exercise.
Training your Labrador is very important. Training teaches your lab discipline. A disciplined Labrador will respond to your commands. It will obey your instructions. Training would help establish control over your Lab. This will help calm it down.
Always use positive reinforcement to train your lab. Avoid harsh punishments or scolding your Lab to discipline it.
Positive reinforcement works wonders with Labradors. Labs crave attention and will go to great lengths to receive it.
Teach your Labrador to be patient and calm during training. Remember to reward it for its good behavior. It will encourage your dog to change its behavior. A bonus? It will become calmer.
At the same time, ignore unwanted behavior. This will discourage the behavior and reduce it. After all, they won’t get a treat or your attention if they behave badly.
When Labradors are playing, they may become very excited. If your lab is not able to stay calm while playing, change the game! Look for other games that will help your dog regain control and remain calm.
If you are unable to control the behavior indoors, move your playtime activities outside. It will allow them to spend their energy more quickly. They will be calmer and more relaxed afterward.
Labradors’ are very energetic because of their working dog history. You can bring it under control with the right training. Seek professional help if they seem to have serious issues like anxiety. Pets are our four-legged family members, so be watchful and treat them with care.
Meet Paul, a devoted dog dad to the delightful French Bulldog, Cofi. With a flair for humor and a deep understanding of Frenchie quirks, Paul brings a lighthearted touch to his writings. His relatable stories and practical insights are a blend of laughter and valuable advice and resonate with fellow dog owners.
Through his words, Paul aims to celebrate the joys and challenges of being a dedicated pet parent, reminding you that life is simply better with a four-legged, snorting sidekick by your side.
