Australian Labradoodles
Exercise
Australian Labradoodles do not need to live in a constant state of excitement. What matters most is being close to their people, appropriate exercise, sniffing, mental activity and time to settle after stimulating experiences.
How much exercise does a Labradoodle need?
People often ask me how much exercise Australian Labradoodles need. Families wonder what the breed requires and whether they will be able to provide it.
Labradoodles are, above all, family dogs. They love spending time with their people. Whether it is a walk, informal exercises or more advanced training, they are happy as long as they are close to you.
Some people run with their dogs, some involve them in therapy work, and others enjoy mantrailing or nosework as a hobby.
This is not a breed that needs endless running or chasing balls and sticks. Of course, if we teach those activities from puppyhood, a Labradoodle will want them later.
What kind of dog do we want to live with?
We should ask ourselves: what kind of dog do we want? If we want a pleasant, balanced family companion who shares our lives, comes on vacation and is friendly without needing an excessive amount of exercise, we should remember from the beginning that habits learned in puppyhood shape the adult dog — quite literally.
For example, imagine getting a puppy because you now have a large yard, then leaving the puppy alone there for half the day. The puppy will get acquainted with fleeing cats, birds, passersby and dogs beyond the fence — not necessarily in a positive way.
The puppy may chase birds and cats, dig holes or bark in frustration at passersby and dogs on the other side of the fence. You wanted a family dog, yet look what happened! The breeder must have sold you a guard dog — how dishonest!
Excitement, children and winding up a puppy
You bring home a lovely puppy with an exceptionally gentle, therapy-suited temperament. Out come the balls and sticks, and excited children run around with the puppy. Then you take the puppy along to pick the children up from school, where everyone rushes over to pet the newcomer.
The puppy loves it, jumping onto laps and licking faces. Then the puppy grows into a 25-kilogram dog and does not understand why jumping is suddenly rude and forbidden. Everyone says the dog is badly behaved or has ADHD. Yet nothing has changed except the dog's size.
True, the dog has learned to live on an adrenaline HIGH and now needs three times as much stimulation. But that is not the dog's fault: your attention is what the dog wants.
Sniffing, mental work and settling down
I always tell each new family that moderation matters. Above all, dogs have noses designed to be used. Walks with plenty of sniffing bring real enjoyment. Dedicated scent training is a wonderful extra, and I can see how happy and relaxed my own dogs are afterward.
Mental training is great too. There is no need to keep throwing the same stick. Teaching a dog to retrieve objects already lying on the ground, for example, can be a wonderful activity. Dogs enjoy it, and they enjoy sharing that time with their person.
After an exciting activity, offer something to chew or lick: a frozen bone, a carrot, a pickled cucumber or a Kong. Chewing and licking release endorphins, the brain's feel-good hormones. The dog can settle after an activity that raised adrenaline levels.
Our dogs may need up to an hour of chewing a day. As an aside, elevated adrenaline levels can persist for around a week.
When can we start jogging?
Alongside all of the above, remember that a puppy's skeleton needs to develop properly. Even excellent hips can be damaged by excessive activity during puppyhood, including jumping for balls or leaping off the couch.
At the end of each bone is cartilage that has not yet fused to it, with fluid between the cartilage and bone. In medium-sized dogs, this cartilage joins the bone at around 14 months. Until then, I always advise caution and suggest avoiding activities such as jogging with your dog.
Otherwise, there is a risk that this cartilage may slip. This is not a breed-specific defect; it can happen to any dog. That is why I shudder when I see two off-leash doodles crashing into one another in a frenzy of play.
A brief recap
When it comes to activity, doodles do not need running or hours of walking. Moderate exercise and walks focused on sniffing suit them best. They can thoroughly enjoy exercises and training with their person — save jogging for later.
Exercise, play and thoughtful activities
Continue exploring
Temperament — Personality, needs and a good match for your family.
Diet — Nutrition basics and good everyday habits.
Labradoodles and Children — Family life, children and everyday routines.