If you have shortlisted a Labrador and live in a flat, it makes sense to see if the Labrador is suitable as a flat dog.
As an active, exercise-loving dog, a Labrador can be enthusiastic about many activities. Is it then suitable to keep him in a flat?
The Labrador Retriever is, under the right conditions, an ideal dog for the flat. However, some activities are necessary to make the Labrador a great companion.
In order for this dog to participate fully in life, it is important to keep him physically and mentally active. The Labrador doesn’t care whether this takes place during larger walks or intelligence games in the flat.
If you are active during the day and want to rest in the flat in the evening, this combination can also be a good option for the Labrador. This way he learns, at home is quiet and here I relax and when we go out, there is a lot of movement.
With a quieter family or owners, the Labrador may not be ideal.
As a robust and active dog breed, the Labrador needs a lot of exercise.
How can I keep the Labrador busy in the flat?
There are many ways to keep your dog occupied so that he doesn’t get bored living indoors.
Even if it is extremely uncomfortable outside and you don’t feel like going for a walk in a storm, there are many exercises you can do.
One small possibility is to do these exercises:
- Teaching names for toys
- Wrap treats in a cloth or blanket
- Playing hide and seek
- Designing a parkour
Of course, your Labrador will be happy to go for a walk in a nearby park where he can meet other dogs and sniff around.
If there is also the possibility of a dog exercise area, your Labrador will be happy to play and have fun off-leash. Your Labrador should only be allowed to run free if you have trained him to retrieve well and he does not storm up and away.
Another alternative is to reserve an area in the home or a room for your Labrador. All the things are learned there and the toys may be used there.
The Labrador Retriever likes variety and wants to be challenged. If you get creative, your Labrador will be happy to learn something new.
When should I rather not keep the Labrador in the flat?
If the Labrador is not socialised well enough, it can be difficult to keep him in the flat.
Especially if the flat is in the city and there are lots of noises and things going on all the time, it may be difficult for the Labrador.
If you have a rented flat and the landlord does not want a dog, a large Labrador is of course not suitable. Please seek legal advice from a lawyer!
Not all breeds of dogs are allowed in rented flats and it makes sense to find out in advance whether the breed of dog would be allowed. Please ask for this in writing to avoid disputes later if you are told that a dog is not allowed after all.
Normally, few landlords will have anything against dogs, as long as they are well socialised and well behaved.
Is any size flat acceptable for a Labrador Retriever?
Of course they are happy to have plenty of space, but especially in the city, large flats are usually very expensive, but a dog is adaptable.
The Labrador can be kept in both a large and small flat.
Even in a 1-room flat it can work with a Labrador, provided the dog has a calm nature and is kept busy outside the walls.
The type of flat plays a subordinate role here. As long as the dog can be in the flat with you, it feels comfortable.
What do I do if my Labrador is always acting up in the flat?
It can happen that your Labrador is full of energy even though you have just been outside. With puppies this happens especially when they have not yet learned that the flat is meant for resting.
Here the puppy will always have phases that alternate. On the way he might have been very tired and as soon as you are back in the flat, your Labrador turns on.
As adult dogs, Labradors are also very active and enjoy any exercise. This could be an opportunity to teach the dog certain exercises, because he likes to work.
The Labrador is a working dog and needs a task. Through concentration, he tires more quickly and becomes calmer.
When nutrition can also play a role
With a balanced, healthy diet, your Labrador will get enough nutrients for a vital life.
Too many unhealthy treats and the wrong food, as well as treats that are not meant for dogs, can cause your dog to act sluggish or hyper.
Sometimes there is something else going on, but it doesn’t hurt to take a look at your dog’s diet.
Ask your vet if they have any specific advice on how to feed your Labrador properly.
How much exercise does the Labrador Retriever need?
As a medium-sized dog, the Labrador Retriever is well suited to active owners. If he can take part in the owner’s active life, he will enjoy plenty of variety.
As a young dog, the Labrador does not need as much exercise as an adult dog. But even here, larger walks and additional activity are necessary to keep the Labrador busy.
In addition, the will to work of this dog breed can be supported by learning new things in dog school.
Basically, the Labrador is happy to run with you and he also likes to run on the bicycle.
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Conclusion – Keeping a Labrador indoors
The Labrador can be a good dog indoors. For this, it is necessary that he is socialised and easy to control.
So that he doesn’t always run around in the flat and look for tasks for himself, it is important to exercise him well. This can be done by extensive walks and should be supplemented with games that are mentally challenging.
Keeping the dog in a flat is not always suitable. If the landlord does not play along, unfortunately no Labrador can move in.
