When do Labs Calm Down?

How you manage a Labrador is the secret to a calm dog. The Lab is quiet and docile when first born. But as they get their second wind, their energy kicks in and they are ready to embrace life! So let’s explore the “when do Labs calm down?” question that everyone asks about this popular dog breed.

When do Labs calm down? Some Labs calm down around 2-3 years of age, (most) others just keep being active right into their mature years! The secret to successful ownership is to use exercise to burn off some of their abundant energy.

The Labrador dog has a passion for life as you will see here. They want to follow you everywhere, they want to get in on the action! The best thing for this dog is to keep them busy. If you don’t, they will find their own things to do, and that can end in disaster!

From tasting chemical cocktails to testing electrical cables,  sampling the garden compost, or chasing your chickens and plucking them bare!

Trust me, you don’t want this pup to find its own fun.

Then why Choose a Lab?

The Lab has a great personality, they are gentle with children (although may bowl them over when excited), and they are a great family dog.

The Lab is a real personality and will be an active member of your family.

• Companionship is assured when you adopt a Lab – they will be glued to your side, unless they see something involving food nearby.
• Their devotion and love is abundant and never wavers.
• They love to cuddle and chill out with you once they have worn off their energy.
• Their love of water is legendary… see here for the reason why… so if you are a water babe they will be the perfect partner.
• A Lab is protective to a point, but are not really reliable as a guard dog. They are too friendly overall.

So How Do You Calm A Labrador?

There are ways to calm a Labrador so that you remain in control of the dog, and it is worth the effort to follow the steps.

• It is vital that you remain in control of your dog. Don’t let them away with bad behavior, you must guide them so they know what you want them to do.
• When things start getting out of hand, you need to step in and calm your dog down immediately.
• When they get overexcited, they lose control of themselves which can frighten a young dog. They need your help to get themselves under control again. Put your dog in a training harness so that you can quickly clip on a leash and start walking your dog in a calm brisk manner. This action will relax your dog and will calm them when they are being silly.
• Change the way you act around your dog. High pitched noises, excited greetings, or rewarding your dog when they jump all over you only escalates their excitement.
• Beware of rough play, it can over stimulate your dog and the play can easily get out of hand with your dog resorting to biting or growling.
• Provide a variety of activities for your dog – they need to be busy so take them for walks, let them play in a pile of autumn leaves, let them paddle at the beach or swim in the river.
• Teach your dog to relax. Grooming is the perfect time to slow things right down with a soothing brushing of their thick coat.

How Acting Low-Key can Defuse an Overexcited Dog

A dog will often follow your lead.

If you are excited, noisy and bouncing around, they will copy you.

Conversely, if you remain calm they will often follow your lead.

Here are some Lab-calming tips:

• When your Lab is excited and being boisterous, avoid physical play. Do not wrestle with them, fight them, or pretend to be a ‘victim’ and roll around on the floor with them. This will only excite them further. Instead back off, remain calm and talk quietly.
• Avoid rewarding unwanted behavior such as a noisy or misbehaving dog. If they are acting out of hand, remove your dog in a quiet firm way and give them ‘time out’ in a training crate before allowing them to join the family again – they will soon get the message.
• Reward them when they are quiet and calm. Many owners overlook this point but it can be a powerful tool when raising a labrador. When they sit obediently at your side and wait patiently for your attention, reward them for their effort.

Is a Labrador Retriever the Right Dog for You?

Whether a Labrador is right or not for your family is your decision.

They are an intelligent dog, good natured, and very willing to please. The Lab puppy will grow into a solid large dog and they do need training.

Do you have the time to invest in this dog?

They are the top dogs when it comes to a popular breed. Blessed with a loyal, affectionate nature and patience (especially with children) makes the breed an ideal family pup.

But like all youngsters, they can be a handful and you will have to watch and guide them through the puppy years.

Points to Remember When Choosing a Labrador Dog

Although they are boisterous and energetic as a puppy, with patience and training they become reliable loving companions.

The Lab is a top choice for a service dog, as they love human leadership and interaction.

Other points of note include:

• Your cute puppy will grow into a large dog.
• Labs are an active dog, they need exercise especially when young.
• Training is imperative for this energetic dog – they need to know who is boss.
• They will get into trouble in their puppy years as they know no fear and will try anything.
• A perfect dog for a household with children, the Lab forms strong family bonds.
• This dog needs to be part of the family or you will have a barker on your hands.
• They are a starter for any game, adventure, or activity you wish to initiate.
• The Labrador loves food, and I mean LOVES eating … and they will eat almost anything.
• The Lab is easy to train – these tricks are easy to teach your dog.
• Soft and cuddly, this dog is affectionate, patient, and full of personality.
• The Lab can adapt to town or country living – anything with a fenced yard to explore is best.
• Large dogs take longer to mature than smaller dogs.

The Labrador is one of the most popular breeds of dog around worldwide. This achievement is a testament to their wonderful nature and personality.

Conclusion

Most labradors are sociable dogs and their tails will go into overdrive the moment they meet anyone. They love attention and cuddles.

Training and keeping them busy are the secrets to the perfect Labrador. Give them a job, and they will be one happy dog. Don’t overfeed this dog or they will become overweight quickly. Click this link for diet guidelines for your Lab.

They are cuddly, affectionate and a ball of fun to have around which more than makes up for the early puppy days where they will chew the seat off your child’s new bike at a moments notice.

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