Activities For Clumber Labs

Home
Dog Activities
Activities For Clumber Labs

1k Views

0 Comments

0 Votes

Prepare for unexpected vet bills

Find pet insurance Find pet insurance

Introduction

The Clumber Lab is a hybrid dog breed that combines the loyalty of a Labrador Retriever with the enthusiasm of the Clumber Spaniel. This mixed breed is known for having a cheerful, upbeat personality, making them a pleasure to be around. Being characterized by a high-energy personality means that a Clumber Lab requires moderate strenuous exercise regularly in the form of brain games and a physical workout.

A Clumber Lab generally resembles the appearance of a Labrador Retriever, just bulkier. Labrador Retrievers are loyal and obedient with training, and they make for an ideal companion because they're capable of being calm indoors but let loose when it's time to play. Likewise, the Clumber Spaniel is easy-going, though they're always up for an adventure. Both dogs do well with children and other pets, which is why the Clumber Lab is such a friendly breed. Take advantage of your dog's playful nature by entertaining them with a variety of activities and games!

Outdoor Exercise

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Free

Easy

30 - 60 min

Items needed

Ball

Favorite Toy

Treats

Activity description

The best way for a Clumber Lab to exert energy is by playing some good old yard games outside! It's a good idea to take your Clumber Lab outdoors because they're the type who tend to be calm when inside, but intense when given the space! They love to have fun and enjoy running in open areas which is why running games are recommended.

Two running games that are easy and require minimal equipment include fetch and keep-away. If you're looking for an activity that will stimulate your Clumber Lab mentally, try having them track scents. Tracking, like the other activities, can be done in your own backyard, if you have space. Outdoor games are ideal in moderate weather conditions, but they can be played year-round.

Step

Playing fetch

Fetch is a fun and easy way for your Clumber Lab to burn off excess energy. For this activity, you need a ball or similar toy and a large open space. Once you toss the ball, you then encourage your pup to run and get it. The purpose of fetch is for your pooch to grab and return the ball. Encourage them to return the ball with treats if you're introducing this activity for the first time.

Step

Keep-away

For keep-away, you'll need a second person. This activity involves tossing a wanted or prized possession of your pup's back and forth between two people. Each toss should result in your dog running to the individual who catches the object. Wait until your pooch arrives before tossing the object back to keep them moving continuously! Every once in a while, allow your Clumber Lab to win to keep them interested in playing.

Step

Tracking

Tracking is a fun way to test out your Clumber Lab's olfactory skills. Using food, set simple tracks in your back yard that your pup will follow. At the end of the track, leave a reward. Tracking is an activity that takes longer to teach, but the "oppawtunities" to extend the activity are endless once they've acquired the skill to track a scent.

Add your dog's photo

Frisbee

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Normal

30 - 60 min

Items needed

disc

Activity description

Both Labrador Retrievers and Clumber Spaniels belong to the sporting group, as they were initially bred to hunt. That being said, a Clumber Lab is intelligent with a need to please, which is why introducing them to an activity where they accomplish a goal of some form is recommended. One way for them to do this is by playing frisbee.

Frisbee competitions are formal events where handlers toss a disc that their dog must then retrieve. The activity is judged based on both the handler's and dog's performance, as throws and catches need to be accurate! It's easy to introduce this sport to your Clumber Lab informally, making it a game rather than a competition. If your pup does excel, you may choose to compete as another way to enhance the time you spend together. Try out training your pooch using 30 to 60-minute sessions. The only cost for the activity is the disc, and it's convenient to play year-round.

Step

Introducing the frisbee

Like any activity, you need to introduce your Clumber Lab to the new materials they will be exploring. To do this, stand in front of your lab and hold out the disc. They will likely examine it with their nose and eyes before taking it. Offer the disc to your pup, and allow them to take it in their mouth. Practice having them return the disc by giving your chosen command, then rewarding your dog if they comply.

Step

Learning to throw the frisbee

This activity is fun for both the dog and handler as you must work as a team to achieve one common goal: a successful catch. To do this, you need to learn how to toss efficiently, which involves throwing far and accurately. Learning to aim and toss can be fun for your pooch because you can practice throwing in your own backyard. Don't worry if they are unable to catch right away -- this stage is about "pawfecting" your skills.

Step

Introducing the toss

As skillful and athletic as your Clumber Lab may be, don't expect miraculously fancy jumps and catches without training. Start by standing in front of your pup only a few feet away. Practice tossing the disc to your dog, having them catch it in their mouth. You want your Clumber Lab to get a feel for the disc and learn how to take hold of it when it's mid-air. Continue practicing short distances, taking steps back as they improve. You will need to do this for multiple training sessions before moving on to tossing while your dog's in motion.

Step

The long toss

Now that you've "pawfected" your toss and your pup learned to catch, it's time to add motion to the activity. To do this, begin with your pooch standing in front of you. Get their attention before tossing the disc while simultaneously giving the command to "catch." Throw the disc a reasonable distance (20-30 feet) and encourage your pooch to get it! They likely won't catch it in the air the first few times, but they should catch on quickly. Continue practice sessions multiple times a week, increasing your throw distance to make the activity more challenging.

Add your dog's photo

Arrange a Play Date

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Free

Easy

1 hr

Items needed

Leash

Toys

Waste Bags

Activity description

It is important that your dog socializes with humans so that they know how to interact with strangers who come into their home. Dogs, however, are animals who naturally live within a pack and therefore crave interaction with other pooches. That being said, it is essential all dogs are given the chance to sniff, play and enjoy the company of other dogs.

Clumber Labs have a positive temperament and they love to socialize and play. You can enhance their socialization skills by going to a dog park regularly, but having a canine companion can benefit your pooch in many ways. You can schedule regular “play dates” where you walk your pups together or bring them to an open space where they can interact at their own pace. This activity is easy as long as you have a friend or family member with a pup. Plus, regular play dates can have a lifelong impact on your dog's behavior!

Step

Finding a play mate

If you know of a family member or friend who lives in the area, reach out and let them know you're interested in arranging play dates. If you don't know anyone, you could visit your local dog park and seek out another community member and their pooch for friendship. You could also post an ad in your local dog park asking if anyone's interested in a puppy play date.

Step

Scheduling regular play dates

Once you've secured a playmate for your pooch, you can begin scheduling your visits. It is important you include regular play dates so that the dogs can deepen the bond they form with one another. Aim to meet once a week and vary your pup's activities. Take them on walks together, to the park and even for sleepovers so they have an extended visit!

Step

Supervising play

A natural tendency for most dogs is to establish dominance within the pack. It's likely that, during your playdates, your pups will explore who is more dominant. "Ruff" housing is common, but it can also turn into aggression, which must be therefore interrupted. If you notice one dog is acting in an overtly unpleasant and aggressive manner, correct the dog and stop the play. Always keep an eye on your pups, especially when they're first meeting.

Add your dog's photo

More Fun Ideas...

Treibball

Treibball is another sport in the dog world that works both your dog's body and mind. Treiball is essentially a game of soccer for dogs -- however, it does have a structure and specific rules. During the round, a dog follows their handler's commands to "herd" eight exercise balls into a goal net in a specific order. You can modify the activity to play at home with only one ball, with the focus being on your dog’s ability to navigate the object into the net.

Puzzle Toy

To enhance your Clumber Lab's experience indoors, purchase a puzzle toy that will get them thinking and keep them busy. Visit your local pet store together so your pup can be with you throughout the process and have some say in their new toy! Puzzle toys are great for mental stimulation, especially on days where it may not be possible to be outside for long.

Conclusion

Without a doubt, the personality of your Clumber Lab makes it easy to explore a variety of entertaining activities. For starters, take your Clumber Lab outdoors where they will open up and show you how playful they can be. Try out games that require endurance, such as fetch and keep-away. To work your Clumber Lab's brain, test their ability to track by making a course in your own backyard.

If you’re interested in teaching your Clumber Lab a new sport, both Treibball and Frisbee are engaging options. One activity you don’t want to miss out on is giving your pup a chance to socialize by scheduling regular playdates with another pooch. Finally, if you’re looking for an activity they can do on their own, puzzle toys are excellent sources of mental stimulation. No matter how you decide to spend your time with your Clumber Lab, their happy-go-lucky personality will make any activity tons of fun!