You\u2019ve covered all your bases and braced yourself for a year of craziness, training, and puppyhood.
But that year passes, and another and another, and your lab is still bouncing off the wall.
So what gives?\u00a0When do Labs calm down<\/strong>?!?!<\/em>
Many people adopt Labs because of their excellent disposition, amazing personality, trainability, and companionship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s important to remember that a dog\u2019s first year of life is full of excess energy and excitement. It doesn’t end once the dog turns one!
But fear not. Like all breeds, your lab will calm down.
Read on to find out what to expect and how to manage and enjoy these high-energy years with your pup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When Will My Lab Calm Down?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
No two dogs are the same, but on average most Labradors calm down between the ages of 2-4 years old.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Like all dogs, Labs go through a few different stages of maturity<\/a> before they grow out of their puppy energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike some other breeds, Labrador\u2019s have longer stages as a puppy and adolescent than you may expect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a question with many answers. Labs are popular dogs for a reason…<\/p>\n\n\n\n They are friendly, inquisitive, curious, and love to work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yet, it\u2019s many of these same characteristics that may have your dog bouncing off the walls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Labradors often exhibit an intense level of intelligence and a deep desire to please. It’s important to provide them with tasks that challenge their intellect and will keep them engaged. Related:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Labradors love social interaction!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your Lab is spending too much time alone it will be easy for their energetic personalities to kick in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long story short, Labs have a long list of great traits, but \u201ccalm\u201d is not one of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This won\u2019t last forever, and there are many things you can do to manage your dog\u2019s disposition in the first few years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This period of a dog’s life is often called the juvenile stage. It lasts about 6 months according to most people’s timeline of “having a puppy”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can expect your Lab puppy to be high-strung.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They will be developing, pushing limits and seeking guidance from you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Which makes this the perfect time to train your Labrador.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You must take the time to put in place a structure that will allow you to manage your dog as they mature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Habits and rules taught in this stage are likely to last a lifetime. You will have an easier time managing your Lab if good training is stressed from the beginning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also Read:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This stage is what it sounds like – your dog is a teenager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This period of development lasts from 6 to 18 months and may last up to the 2-year mark in some dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may feel as though your Lab is an adult but don’t be fooled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During adolescence Labradors have reached their final size and have filled out. Although their outward appearance does little to reflect their internal and mental development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s during this time you will begin to see if your early training has been effective – fingers (and paws) crossed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If it has paid off your Lab pup – I mean teen – may be well behaved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep in mind that dogs in this stage are still mentally close to puppyhood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This can result in chaotic moments from time to time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Occasional bouts of craziness with your Lab, up to two years, are normal, and are a reflection of their stage of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Continued work and training are important<\/a>. The good news is that your dog will not be stuck in these early stages of development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Past the ages of 18 months to two years, you can expect to see a notable reduction in chaos in your Lab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Past 36 months, most dog’s energy will level off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is when you will see the highest payoff in your early investments in training your Lab. But this doesn\u2019t mean you should expect a docile dog either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Likely to be calmer in the home, Labradors are a breed that requires regular exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can expect your pup to race around the dog park for years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is part of what makes a Labrador great for families on the go or active individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s one thing to know that your Lab will calm down. But it\u2019s another task figuring out how to handle all the chaos while you\u2019re waiting for that day to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Luckily, there are a handful of effective things you can do to manage your dog\u2019s disposition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I’m sure you know this but it is worth mentioning…<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your Lab is a working dog with high intelligence and a desire to please.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Left unstimulated, your pup is likely to tear through your home, doing some damage in the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To prevent this, you shouldn\u2019t allow a young Labrador to get bored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Plenty of exercise, toys, socialization or even a game will help keep your dog occupied and happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your family goes to the lake, bring him\/her along.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you love to hike, your pup will make a great companion.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re a hunting aficionado, consider training your Lab to help out.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n All these activities will appeal to a Lab’s instincts to run and learn. In turn, it will allow you to keep your home intact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You Might Also Like:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Obedience training is important in all breeds. But is crucial in larger dogs like Labradors with lots of energy and high intelligence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Physical exercise is one part of the equation when it comes to a happy Lab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Training also provides mental stimulation and teaches your dog manners. This can help to bring your dog under control in many situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is the best antidote to destructive behavior and anti-social tendencies.![\"When](\"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/when-do-labs-calm-down.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAre Labs High Energy Dogs?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When they become bored they will often look for ways to entertain themselves. This includes chewing furniture, digging holes in your yard, and barking like a maniac.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLab Puppy Behavior Stages<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Puppyhood<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Labrador Adolescence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Young Adulthood \u2013 Adulthood<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Adult dogs are less likely to test established boundaries than when they were puppies.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow to Manage a Dog with High Energy Levels?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Labrador](\"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/labrador-retriever-training-with-throw-toy.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAvoid Boredom<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Proper Training<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The sooner you begin training your Labrador Retriever the better.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWatch This Video: High Energy Labrador Dog Training Before & After (6:34)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n