Are Labs Hyper Dogs? (Hint: yes, they are)

Last Updated on August 26, 2021

Labradors are loyal working dogs and extraordinary paw-tners to their owners and handlers. There are multiple reasons why they’re one of the most popular dog breeds, but what about their downsides? Are Labs hyper dogs? No dog is perfect, and even the lovable Labrador Retriever has its flaws.

Yes, Labs are very hyper animals. But what makes them so hyper? And more importantly, how can you control a hyper lab? Keep reading to find out!

To some pet owners, one of the biggest flaws about Labrador Retrievers is their relentless energy level. They are one of the most energetic dog breeds in the world, only being bested by the Border Collie.

A Bit About The Breed:

There are two separate variants of the Labrador breed. The original North American variant is tall, lean, and built for working life. And, then there is the stocky English variant, which is much shorter and thicker and was bred for showing and companionship.   

For more info on different variants: Different Types of Labrador Retrievers

History as Working Dogs:

Labs have been a popular choice for working dogs for hundreds of years. From the military to being therapy pets, these working dogs can do it all.

Because of their energy level, they have a lot of stamina and can work all day without tiring. This is one of the reasons why exercise is so essential to your Lab.

Breed Standards:

It’s very common for a Labrador Retriever to be a ball of energy. As one of the most energetic dog breeds, they’re infamous for hyper behavior. If you think back to their origins, these dogs were bred for working all day, so they have to have a lot of energy to perform as well as they do. 

Labrador Retrievers are also late bloomers compared to other dog breeds, meaning that they may not grow out of their silly puppy phase for at least 2 or 3 years.

Why Are Labs Hyper Dogs?

It’s perfectly normal for your Lab to be energetic, but there are limits even with a high-energy breed. If your Lab has an unmanageable energy level, then there is another explanation beyond “just being a Lab”.

Needs More Exercise

If you’re only walking your dog for 10 minutes, that’s definitely not enough. Labradors have pretty high exercise requirements, and not just because they gain weight easily. Ideally, Labradors need to be exercised for at least an hour or two a day to be in shape and keep the energy level manageable.

Boredom

Your Lab may be a little hyper because he’s trying to entertain himself. This could be a combination with too little exercise. If your pup is bored, this energy can also turn destructive, resulting in eaten shoes and torn-up throw pillows. 

Lack Of Training:

If your Lab hasn’t been properly trained to focus or rein in his energy level when told, it’s down to lack of training. This part of training is often forgotten about, which leads to misbehaving. Your dog can learn how to focus and to calm down when that energy level starts to creep too high.

Find a reputable trainer in your area to give you some guidance when training. Helpful training supplies are also a good idea.

How To Calm A Hyper Labrador Retriever

A hyper Labrador Retriever may be fun to watch, but in reality, they’re a lot to handle. For some, it may be too much to handle.

So, if you’re thinking about getting a Lab, you will want to take a minute to think about how much time and energy you have to put into training and regular exercise for your lab.

Exercise and Regular Play Time

If hyperactivity is regular behavior for your dog, the ideal step to take is to implement more exercise, training, and playtime in your dog’s daily regimen. You can take your pup for a walk or outside for some playtime.

Training can be done indoors or out no matter the weather.

The recommended time for exercise is up to 2 hours for an adult lab. This will help them to release all their energy in a non-destructive way. 

Training Tips for Hyper Labradors

Teach your lab to focus. This is the most important part of training a Lab, except for house training, of course. If you’re having a hard time training your Lab on your own, try reaching out to a trainer.

Often a professional trainer can help you with a few simple tactics that make a world of difference in the quality of life with your beloved Lab.

There’s nothing wrong with getting professional help, especially when it comes to animal training. Be calm and don’t reward the bad behavior. You can distract his behavior by sending him with a calming chew toy on his bed.

Conclusion – Are Labs Hyper Dogs?

Labs are loving and hard-working dogs that love to make people happy. But, with this big heart, also comes a big energy level. A Lab tends to prefer the outdoors to indoors because that’s where they can unleash their energy.

But this energy level can turn into bad habits and misbehavior if it’s not properly managed. If your Lab is more hyper than the average Lab, then it means your pup needs more of your attention, whether it’s with some more training, exercising, or keeping them busy.

And once you’ve figured out the correct balance of training and playtime, your Lab will be more content, which in turn, means you’ll be happier!

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