What fun outdoor things can I do with may Lab?

Labs love the out of doors in fact they are the ultimate outdoor companion. They will love boating, hiking, camping, hunting, swimming and anything active outdoors.

My Swimming Lab
Labs are built for out door life, they have a short dense weather-resistant coat and an "otter" type tail. This makes perfect for swimming and steering in the water. Still, introduce your pup carefully to the water for the first time so it is a good experience. Wait till the water is warmer, let him splash around and become accustomed to the feel. Throw a stick or let him follow another dog into the deeper water. He will love it!

My Boating Lab
It is best to introduce your lab to the boat or canoe while it is on the land. You will want to be sure he will follow the sit stay command before venturing into rougher waters. Your lab can jump in and out of the canoe or boat while it is on land to get the feel. Later when he is comfortable, take the canoe into shallow water and paddle for a short time. Inevitably he will jump out of the boat a some time to swim after a duck or to cool off. You should practice getting him back into the boat safely.

My Hiking Lab
Labs love to hike and there are many good hiking trails. Start with short hikes for about 1/2 mile with your puppy and work up to longer hikes as she gets stronger. Lab's skeletal development isn't complete until they are about 18 to 24 months old and heavy exercise prior to that can cause orthopedic problems in the future.

Take plenty of water for you and your Lab and a small supply of food. Labs can become overheated quickly in weather over 65 degrees. If possible walk on a trail near water where they can jump in to cool off. A wet bandanna around their neck can help cool them also.

Whether or not to use a leash when you hike depends on the rules of the trail and on the obedience of your dog. Always be considerate of others on the trail

7 Practical Safety Tips from Training Secrets of the Labrador Retriever

1. Boating safety - have a safety harness or life vest in case he jumps off the boat.
2. Communication - teach your dog to come to a whistle. The sound carries farther.
3. Identification Collar - with your name, address and phone number in case you are separated.
4. First Aid Kit - plan for emergencies and take a dog first aid course.
5. Insect and Sunburn protection - dogs can get sunburned and also need insect protection.
6. Good Training - you dog needs to come, sit, stay, down, heel, quiet and wait.
7. Carry Water - active dogs need to stay well hydrated, you can carry a fabric water dish or teach your lab to drink from a sports bottle.

You will find playing outdoors with your lab will add to your enjoyment many times over, increase your activity and better your health. So get out and enjoy!

Teaching confidence and fearlessness

Labrador puppies are curious, active and extremely playful, they love new discoveries and are open to new experiences. They are also very impressionable their first 6 months of life.

Their first place to explore is their own back yard. It is full of stuff to check out and sniff. Gunner loves his back yard and is eager to get back to it when we go for walks. As he safely begins to experience an ever enlarging world and discovers it is usually a friendly place he gains confidence and trust in me as his master.

Socializing is so important to nurturing a fearless puppy; new experiences, meeting other puppies and lots of people are the key.

I was amazed as I began to socialize Gunner at how many dogs are not friendly. He is an eager friendly pup and loves to meet other dogs but many dogs bark and growl in unfriendly manners which made things more difficult.


Fearfulness in puppies
If your pup appears frightened by something do not push them into it. Try to stay in the pups comfort zone. They will show their fear by:

• hiding behind you
• eyes showing lots of white
• droopy or folded back ears
• tail tucked under the belly

Any of the above are clues you pup is scared. To encourage your pup let him approach what is scaring him at his own pace. If he appears to scared to continue, calmly move him back to a safer distance or head back to his safe home to try again later.

Do not drag your pup towards what he is afraid of or scold him for showing fear. Also don't pick up your puppy every time he is afraid. Stay calm and reassuring so as not to worsen his fear by your nervousness.

Meeting new people
Have treats on hand when you take your pup visiting. As a new person approaches have your pup sit for a treat as they approach, or if they are willing have the new person give the treat. Your pup then associates meeting people with good things. It is important for Labs to meet children, however many children are not experienced with puppies and may scare easily or play roughly. So monitor the meeting closely.

Take your pup for lots of rides in the car, go through drive ups, meet people on bicycles, skate boards or just running down the street. Walk over bridges, grates, splash in water and go up and down stairs. And of course visit the vet, pet food stores, playgrounds and when old enough dog parks. All these are areas of socialization that will help your pup to be confident and at ease with the world.