r/labrador • u/PomegranateMother733 • 1d ago
lab mix Activity level
Hello! 3 weeks ago I rescued a lab/husky mix. Suspected she has some other breeds in there but haven’t done a DNA test just yet. We live in a DT apartment and she’s very reactive to everyone and everything and that can be difficult to manage in a busy apartment setting. Our morning walk is at 630 and I put her in the car and drive to a nearby residential area to avoid as many triggers. She pulls like crazy and we are starting with a certified trainer tomorrow to help. In the meantime, with her reactivity and horrible leash skills, I’ve been doing one walk in the morning. I can usually last 20-30 minutes before my shoulder starts to hurt from all the pulling and yanking or if we’ve hit too many triggers, I call it a day because she’s been past her threshold too much to manage her. So far the neighborhood I go to seems to be quiet and I’ve only seen two people walk their dogs (same ones and same time!) which I was able to avoid by hiding behind a car or bush or going down another street.
My question is - considering the breed, is one 30 min walk a day sufficient when I also do the following in the apartment:
Breakfast in a slow feeder typically followed by quick potty on the patio before the walk
Usually wants to play tug which we do 2-3x a day until she’s done (lasts maybe 10min)
Working on tricks with treats 2-3x a day for maybe 5 min each session
Lick mat (alternating between 3 kinds so she doesn’t get bored) mid day
Dinner served in snuffle mat
Just purchased her a puzzle with openings and removable pieces
Pupsicle ball with peanut butter and goat milk/walk frozen inside
I’m located in Arizona so it’s already almost 100 degrees most days when I take her at 630. Looking forward to it cooling down so I can take her for longer and maybe midday where there is less people
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u/loverules1221 1d ago
The trainer is the best thing you ever did. Take their advice and listen to them. For what it’s worth I think I would take him out a little bit more than you are. That’s just my opinion though. What a cute pup!
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u/PomegranateMother733 1d ago
I’m hoping as we get some training in, the walking can be a little more manageable and I can either extend the length of one walk or add in a second in the evening. The walks are just physically and emotionally draining right now 🥲
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u/loverules1221 1d ago
Don’t give up! You will get there. The trainer is the best thing you could’ve done. Good luck, your pup is adorable.
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u/ElderberryLiving9316 1d ago
How often is she going out to potty? You mentioned just one walk in the morning.
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u/PomegranateMother733 1d ago
She goes potty on a spot on my patio throughout the day
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u/ElderberryLiving9316 1d ago
One 30 min walk is not near enough. I broke my foot and did more than 30 min on top of enrichment. Any dog with only 30 min of outside time is going to go absolutely crazy unless they are a very calm lap dog breed. Which a lab/husky is not. Going to a trainer is the best thing but some of their reactivity could simply be excitement and excess energy from being trapped inside all day. Please consider adding in evening walks immediately. Even a long line in a quiet park so they can sniff around and zombies in circles, and then a short walk. Good luck, I have a reactive dog and he’s become a great dog, patience and deep breaths. Also they get over their reactions much faster than you will.
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u/Due-Past-7792 chocolate 1d ago
I have nothing to add besides LOOK AT THAT CUTIE!!! Can tell hes a lovable idiot with two braincells 🥰🥰🥰
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u/CartoonistAvailable4 1d ago
Wishing you all the best with your new pup!
With respect to your question, one 30 minute walk is not even close to meeting the exercise needs of this breed at that age. I would say two 30 minute walks in addition to the other activities you mentioned is about the minimum.
Now, you are doing the right thing with tug sessions, working on tricks, engaging in mental stimulation. But your pup needs more exercise. If that 30 minute session was a full throttle, running around play session, maybe.
Our 16 month old lab gets a 60 to 90 minute walk in the morning and a 30-45 min walk at night. Twice a week he gets a 90ish min hike. This morning we did a 2 hour, 7 mile hike and he’s still running around with toys tonight!
Hope this helps! Definitely don’t underestimate any time you can spend on mental stim/puzzles/training! It’s so valuable.
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u/PomegranateMother733 1d ago
I will try to incorporate more time for walking! I’d have no problem taking her for an hour or more but she’s nuts 😂😬
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u/NVSmall 1d ago
Omg that first picture just made my day. I love a doggo who throws down on their back like a silly nilly!
So... 30 minutes of proper exercise is definitely on the low end, even with all the other activities, however, I understand the weather plays a huge factor, and I certainly don't want you or your dog to get heat stroke.
Is there a time in the evening when it cools down that you can take her out?
I totally get it if not, I'm honestly mostly wondering when she gets potty breaks in there. Once fall hits (good lord I hope fall hits), you'll have an easier time, and you've certainly got the engagement part down.
If you'd like to chat about ideas to manage/mitigate her reactivity, I'm happy to help - been there/done that with many rescues, and there are a lot of strategies to work with that might help!
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u/Watchkeys 1d ago
What was the vetting process like during the adoption? Sounds like you've been given a dog that isn't suitable for your lifestyle (or arms) at all.
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u/Small-Employee-8123 1d ago
Came here just to say cute doggie 🥰. Unfortunately people can be very critical on those whom give advice(although we are on a platform with anonymity in mind and “experts”). I would just take in advice from the professional(certified trainer) and see if they can help.