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Exercise Tips

When you and your dog head out for a walk, please take a plastic bag with you so you can clean up after your dog.  Your neighbors will appreciate it.  Dogs are no longer welcome in many public recreation areas because dog owners failed to clean up after their dogs.  Set a good example of others and be part of the solution.

Puppies need several short walks every day.  Be careful not to over-exercise your new puppy.  Little puppies need frequent walks of 10 to 15 minutes each.  Allow time for a nap between walks.   A 5 or 6 month old puppy can go for walks of 30 to 40 minutes duration. 

Once you have taught the dog to come when called, try to take the dog to a place where it is safe for him to run. Keep in mind that puppies between 9 and 12 months of age will often disregard the recall command.  If your puppy is likely to take off, keep your puppy on a leash during the adolescent stage. 

Labradors are large, muscular dogs that will need exercise throughout their life.  Plan on long walks several times a week plus some form of daily exercise.  Labs love to retrieve and chasing tennis balls is a good form of exercise for your dog.  Swimming, hiking and jogging are also good exercise for your dog.  

• Avoid waterways with strong currents.  Most Labradors love to swim and retrieve sticks and toys that float.  
• Dogs over a year and a half enjoy hiking.  Start with short hikes.  For long hikes, provide your dog with fresh drinking water. There may not be adequate amounts of safe drinking water on the trail. 
• Jogging is very stressful on developing joints.  To prevent joint injuries, wait  until your Lab is at least eighteen months old before you take your dog jogging.  Start off with very short distances and increase gradually.  Moderation is important.  If you are running a long distance, bring your dog home after a couple of miles.
• To avoid the risk of heat exhaustion in hot weather, leave  your dog at home on hot summer days while you hike or jog or shop. 
• Older dogs require some exercise, but shorter casual walks are best.

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