Is a Lab a Good Inside Dog? (Answered!)
Labrador Retrievers are a popular breed choice for people who have families. Their playfulness, intelligence, and friendly nature make them wonderful companions for both children and adults. Before adopting a Labrador, you need to make sure that your living space will be a good fit for your furry friend.
Labradors are great inside dogs because they love to interact with people and receive lots of attention. If they are left alone too long, they can develop separation anxiety, so it is best for Labradors to live inside the house. However, Labradors need space to run and burn energy.
Although Labradors are good inside dogs, they need to spend plenty of time outside. Keep reading to find out why Labradors are great inside dogs.
Attention and Connection
Labradors are friendly and social animals, which means they thrive when they have a connection with their owners. To build this connection, they need attention. Since labs are known for their high energy levels, you may want to let them outside all day so they can run around free.
However, Labradors need interaction to avoid boredom, loneliness, and separation anxiety, so they can’t be left alone outside all day. If you know that you can’t be home for most of the day, it may be a good idea to get multiple dogs so the Labrador doesn’t get lonely.
Labs want as much attention as you can give them, there is no such thing as too much interaction. Pawing or nudging is the first sign that your dog needs attention, but if they are still not feeling connected they may turn to more destructive behaviors like chewing. Keeping your lab inside will help increase the amount of time they spend with the family, and therefore increase the amount of love they feel and reduce their destructive behavior.
It is best to keep labs indoors because they will commonly develop separation anxiety if they are left alone for too long. Labradors should not be by themselves for more than a few hours at a time. Being inside will help them see people more often. Sudden changes in the frequency of interaction will likely cause a spike of anxiety that may cause behavioral issues and will certainly wear on the dog’s health.
Great Family Dogs
Labs make great indoor dogs because they are great family dogs. They both want and need to feel like they are part of the family. Living inside with the family will help them meet their social needs. Their temperament makes them the ideal family dog for almost any size family.
Labradors are not dangerous dogs, so they won’t pose any threat to anyone or anything in the house. Their exact temperament depends on training and the dog, but labs are generally great with children. They are friendly, easy-going, and do not have any aggressive tendencies. Well-trained labs are very patient with younger kids, and older kids will enjoy interacting with such a playful and loving dog.
Families love labradors because of how well they interact with the family. Beyond simply not being dangerous, labs are also super fun to play with and train. Young families will match well with the high energy levels of a lab and enjoy the dog’s constant willingness to play. This can be a mutually beneficial relationship where everyone gets the exercise and play they need. Kids and adults alike will enjoy training a lab, as it is relatively easy.
Labradors want to feel purposeful and connected to their owner, making them easy to train. They also enjoy mental stimulation, which training gives them.
Easily Trained
One of the biggest behavioral issues seen with labradors is a tendency to chew on furniture, shoes, and anything else they can get their paws on. Typically, this issue only arises when the lab is not getting enough play and mental exercise. If your lab becomes extremely bored, you will notice them start to act mischievous.
However, being inside where they can interact with their owners all day should reduce their boredom and you won’t see many behavioral issues. Also having designated chew toys always available to your dog will help them find an outlet for their energy.
Labradors are extremely eager to please. As part of their friendly and loving nature, they want to do anything they can to receive praise. Their desire for affection combined with their limitless energy makes them really easy and enjoyable to train. You can train your lab to do all the classic tricks and play simple games. Most importantly, you can train your lab how to behave indoors and how to respect your space. You can train them to only use certain areas of the house and how to treat guests.
Their trainability makes labs great indoor dogs because you won’t have to worry about them damaging your space. As long as you are properly caring for their physical, mental, and emotional needs, they will be a cheerful indoor companion. (Source)
Going Outside
Labradors make great inside dogs, but that does not mean that they don’t need to go outside. They need to go outside to go to the bathroom, but beyond that, they need to go outside for exercise and stimulation. Labradors will generally need at least an hour of exercise each day, although young or especially active labs will need even more.
The smaller your living space, the more important this outside time becomes, and the more frequent it should be. Labradors have boundless energy and are always ready to play.
To keep them physically healthy, they need to go for long, brisk walks, and have opportunities to run and play in open spaces daily. This will help them stay strong and will also help avoid future health complications. Labradors are known for their tendency toward joint problems like arthritis or dysplasia. Staying active will keep off extra weight, and reduce strain on their joints.
Getting plenty of exercise will also help avoid any symptoms of boredom, where the lab might try to entertain themselves somewhere you don’t want them to be. Dogs have mental needs as well as physical. Being outside provides opportunities to explore new places, smells, and animals which will engage their curiosity. (Source)
